William Perkins' LIfe & Ministry and Preaching Ministry Conclusion

Here is my conclusion to my series on William Perkins, both the "William Perkins Life & Ministry" series and the "William Perkins Preaching Ministry" series.

CONCLUSION

This short study on William Perkins’ sermon methodology calls attention to several noteworthy matters. His precondition to preaching reveals the concerns that he and the variegated movement known as Puritanism shared and ideas that the modern preacher needs to remember again and again: deep commitment to Scripture because it is the supremely authoritative word of God; constant emphasis on Christ as the center of Scripture that translates into soul-saving preaching; incessant reliance on the Holy Spirit for He is the power behind the sermon; and a passion for holiness outside of the pulpit for it is the mark of God’s spokesperson.

Perkins’ preparation for preaching also calls attention to ideas that the modern preacher must bear in mind over and over again: complete dependence upon the Holy Spirit’s guidance in interpretation; vigilant dedication to study the Scriptures; watchfully interpreting Scripture with consideration to and consistently with the entire biblical text; unremitting belief in the authenticity of Scripture despites its numerous difficulties; preparation of law and Gospel preaching to expose sin and provide its solution in Christ; commitment to consider all types of listeners to prepare most extensively and relevantly; commitment to discover and teach doctrine solely from Scripture; dedication to preach applicatory sermons, both mental and practical, to produce results; and a passion for holiness in the pulpit for it is the mark of God’s spokesperson.

Perkins’ sermon methodology is not without several problems, however. Both his precondition to and preparation for preaching revealed several disagreeable ideas: a narrow view that only believers who hunger for the word of God can be impacted by it; atypical division of the OT books that limits the teaching of doctrine from the foundational books of the Bible; extension of the analogia fidei to the Apostles’ Creed; lack of emphasis on exegesis despite his personal practice of it; and a possible limitation of analogies drawn from Scripture only. Yet, Perkins’ was thoroughly Scripture-centered and wanted nothing more than souls justified and sanctified though his biblical preaching. Unfortunately, Christendom will never appreciate Perkins and his contributions the way he was once appreciated, but it would surely do well to produce more preachers of such caliber.

Notes:

• Schaefer, 49.