[A ‘Tuesday Challenge‘ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during October 2026]
For the lips of a priest ought to preserve knowledge, because he is the messenger of the Lord Almighty and people seek instruction from his mouth.
Malachi 2 v7 [NIVUK]
In some Christian churches the weekly sermons are called ‘Messages’. The understanding is that the words of the preacher have been inspired by the Holy Spirit, albeit that they are being delivered by a fallible human.
In modern life we are surrounded by messages of various types. One source defines a message as “Any thought or idea expressed briefly in a plain or secret language and prepared in a form suitable for transmission by any means of communication”.[1] Messages may be verbal or audible, composed by a person or generated by machines or devices; they may be explicit or implied and they often require a response.
What characteristics of a message should we look for in a sermon? A few questions based on the structure of a typical email message may help us identify them.
Sender – who is the message from? Who sent, or caused to be sent, the message? What is the evidence of the author’s input? We believe that the sermon has been inspired by God but what evidence is there?
The Lord, the God of their ancestors, sent word to them through his messengers again and again, because he had pity on his people and on his dwelling-place.
2 Chronicles 36 v15 [NIVUK]
Is there any reason to think that God no longer has pity on his people?
Recipient – to whom is the message addressed? Is it intended for us or are we eaves-dropping on a message meant for someone else?
Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Revelation 2 v29 [NIVUK]
Are you ever tempted to think that a particular message does not apply to you?
Messenger – by whom or by what means is the message transmitted? Not all messages from God come via a pulpit.
He makes winds his messengers, flames of fire his servants.
Psalm 104 v4 [NIVUK]
Are you willing to let God speak through informal means?
Subject – what is the message about? The audience listening to Paul in Athens was divided, with some of his hearers put off by the subject of his argument
When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, ‘We want to hear you again on this subject’.
Acts 17 v32
Do certain subjects make you ‘turn off’ during a sermon?
Content – what is the actual information or instruction in the message? This is usually the primary reason for sending the message.
Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction?
1 Corinthians 14 v6 [NIVUK]
Are you willing to listen to instructions or information that might challenge you?
The Signature gives authenticity and authority to the message. In the story of Esther the message written by Mordecai came with the authority of the king.
Mordecai wrote in the name of King Xerxes, sealed the dispatches with the king’s signet ring, and sent them by mounted couriers, who rode fast horses especially bred for the king.
Esther 8 v10 [NIVUK]
Can you recognise the authority of God in the message that you hear?
Response – some messages do not require a specific response, other than a polite acknowledgement. Some require specific action.
Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Matthew 7 v24 [NIVUK]
What is your response to what you have heard?
It is an unfortunate fact of life that we will receive messages that we do not like. How should we react when we receive them? In 700BC King Hezekiah received a message that caused him considerable disquiet. His reaction is a good example for us to emulate.
Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it. Then he went up to the temple of the Lord and spread it out before the Lord.
2 Kings 19 v14 [NIVUK]
Are you in the habit of ‘taking it to the Lord in prayer’?[2]
Send – Are you ready to commit to your response? It is a good practice to review a message before it is sent. Does it convey the message that you intend it to, without ambiguity? Our opening verse summarises the responsibilities and obligations of those who speak on behalf of God.
How often do you pray for those who are preparing to bring God’s messages?
Do you pray that you will understand the message as it applies to you?
References:
[1] Definition of ‘message’
[2] “What a friend we have in Jesus”, Joseph Scriven, 1855.
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Last week’s reflection: Make Room, Make Time, Make Way
Contributed by Steve Humphreys; © Steve Humphreys