Scripture Is Not Decoration

Scripture was not given to decorate sermons.

It was given to govern belief, instruct conscience, and direct life.

When preaching moves away from thorough explanation of the text, authority subtly shifts—from the Word of God to what the pastor wants to talk about or what the crowd wants to hear. The hard doctrines get softer. The uncomfortable commands get contextualized away.

This produces familiarity without submission and activity without formation.

But when the text is carefully opened, the preacher becomes a servant rather than a source, and the congregation encounters God rather than opinions.

Faithfulness begins when Scripture is allowed to speak fully, patiently, and without apology.

2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: