Having attempted a definition of preaching Christ, I would like to list some reasons why I strive to be Christ-centered when I preach.
1. Inspired NT commentary on OT texts and events.
Recently, as I read through John 6 in the morning, I noticed that Christ claimed to be the true manna. Now, who would have thought about the Messiah when they saw bread on the ground in the OT? Yet Christ interpreted the miraculous provision of food for the Israelites Christologically. In the previous chapter (5:39), Jesus said that the Pharisees should know him because the purpose of the OT is to testify to Christ.
2. The internal testimony of the Spirit urging me to look to, love, and enjoy the Son of God.
3. The apostle Paul’s emphatic statements about the centrality of the gospel in everything he did.
“But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Gal. 6:14
“For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” 1 Cor. 2:2
“For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake.” 2 Cor. 4:5
And throughout the book of Acts the message of the other Apostles is repeatedly described as preaching Christ. Acts 5:42; 8:12; 10:36; 28:31
4. I long for sinners to be converted through my preaching.
5. We are members of the New Covenant with a new Mediator, and the Old Covenant is entirely abrogated.
“God who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant…” 2 Cor. 3:6 The paragraph goes on to contrast the two covenants putting down the previous administration as one of death, condemnation, and inferior glory. This passage lists entire discontinuity exalting the New Covenant at the expense of the Old. And it is this new agreement between God and man of which we are ministers. When I preach, this new agreement is what I have been given as a stewardship and by which I will be held accountable.
6. Some people I respect in church history have been Christ-centered and Gospel-centered in their preaching.
Not only the Apostles, but Carey and Spurgeon!
