Once you become aware that the main business that you are here for is to know God, most of life's problems fall into place of their own accord.
J. I. PackerRead
Underlying the preaching of the Puritans are three basic axioms: 1. The unique place of preaching is to convert, feed and sustain, 2. The life of the preacher must radiate the reality of what he preaches, 3. Prayer and solid Bible study are basic to effective preaching.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the fundamental aspects of preaching, including its purpose, the preacher's integrity, and the importance of prayer and study.
J. I. Packer's quote outlines the essence of preaching within the Puritan tradition, highlighting three critical principles: first, the primary aim of preaching is to inspire conversion and nurture the spiritual growth of listeners; second, it is vital that the preacher embodies the truth and values of their message in their own life; and third, effective preaching is rooted in diligent prayer and thorough Bible study, which bolster the preacher's authority and connection to their faith.
Themes
PreachingFaithIntegrityPrayerBible Study
In practice
Example use cases
In a sermon on community service, one might quote Packer to encourage involvement and integrity.
More from J. I. Packer
All quotes →He that has learned to feel his sins, and to trust Christ as a Saviour, has learned the two hardest and greatest lessons in Christianity.
J. I. PackerRead
We need to discover all over again that worship is natural to the Christian, as it was to the godly Israelites who wrote the psalms, and that the habit of celebrating the greatness and graciousness of God yields an endless flow of thankfulness, joy, and zeal.
J. I. PackerRead
The fruit of wisdom is Christlikeness, peace, humility and love. And, the root of it is faith in Christ as the manifested wisdom of God
J. I. PackerRead
Were I asked to focus the New Testament message in three words, my proposal would be ADOPTION THROUGH PROPITIATION, and I do not expect ever to meet a richer or more pregnant summary of the gospel than that.
J. I. PackerRead
Only when it is seen that what decides each individual's destiny is whether or not God decides to save him from his sins, and that this is a decision that God need not make in any individual case, can one begin to grasp the biblical view of grace.
J. I. PackerRead
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