My brother-in-law recently reminded me of a book I read some time ago, Preachers and Preaching by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. He pointed out how Jones was able to point out dangers regarding preaching in his day which exist today. This book is a collection of lectures he delivered at Westminster Theological Seminary in 1971. He was given the freedom to lecture on any topic, and he chose the ministry of preaching because of its unparalleled importance in Christendom.
Lloyd-Jones writes:
“To me the work of preaching is the highest and the greatest and the most glorious calling to which anyone can ever be called.”
Over the six weeks of lectures, Lloyd-Jones explored the vital role of preaching as the ministry of the Word—a ministry that is as needed today as ever. He also addressed dangers that threatened preaching in his day, which remain pressing concerns for the church now.
Lloyd-Jones boldly claimed:
“If you want something in addition to that I would say without hesitation that the most urgent need in the Christian Church today is true preaching; and as it is the greatest and the most urgent need in the Church, it is obviously the greatest need of the world also.”
He identified three major dangers to preaching that are as relevant today as they were in the 1970s.
1. The Loss of Belief in the Authority of Scripture
Lloyd-Jones observed that many preachers lacked confidence, humility, and trust in God’s Word. A diminished view of Scripture had hollowed out truth, leaving sermons to focus on ethical speeches, moral uplift, or socio-political commentary rather than the gospel. He writes:
“But as the belief in the great doctrines of the Bible began to go out, and sermons were replaced by ethical addresses and homilies, and moral uplift and socio-political talk, it is not surprising that preaching declined.”
This danger is just as present today. Some pastors hesitate even to call it “preaching,” opting for terms like “giving a talk,” as if “preaching” is too harsh or outdated. However, preaching is distinct from mere speech because it proclaims the truth and life found in the gospel. The preacher heralds the good news of what Jesus has done as the Redeemer of sinners.
Yes, the message of the cross is offensive—it is foolishness to those who are perishing (1 Corinthians 1:18). But preachers must not shrink back from declaring it. Sadly, some ministries are driven by the latest headlines, allowing cultural issues to dictate their direction. Others avoid the reality of sin, reducing sermons to moral encouragement rather than gospel proclamation.
2. The Danger of the “Great Pulpiteer”
Lloyd-Jones warned against the professional orator who prioritizes style over substance. He writes:
“You see, the form became more important than the substance, the oratory and the eloquence became things in and of themselves, and ultimately preaching became a form of entertainment.”
This is not to say preachers shouldn’t strive to grow as communicators. Clarity and accuracy are essential, and preachers should work to avoid distracting habits or filler words. But style must never overshadow the truth of the gospel.
The warning against “itching ears” in 2 Timothy 4:3 remains relevant today. There are many skilled communicators who can stir emotions or elicit reactions, but true preaching relies on the Holy Spirit. The faithful preacher focuses on understanding the text, preaching first to his own heart, and proclaiming the gospel unapologetically.
3. The Danger of Not Knowing What Preaching Really Is
Lloyd-Jones criticized preaching that feels like a recited paper or lecture rather than a proclamation. He writes:
“They paid great attention to literary and historical allusions and quotations and so on.”
This approach results in sermons that are more academic than life-giving. Preaching is not a mere intellectual exercise; it is a dying man addressing dying men, pointing them to the One who brings life. It is proclaiming the gospel to spiritually blind people, directing them to the Light of the World who gives sight.
When preaching loses this focus, it becomes shallow and diluted, lacking the depth that convicts and transforms.
I am deeply grateful for the wisdom of D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones and his collection of lectures on preaching. Though these dangers were identified decades ago, they are just as real and relevant for the church today. May we heed his warnings, hold fast to the authority of Scripture, and proclaim the gospel boldly, for it remains the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16).
