Reviewing

Scripture often uses repetition to emphasize the importance of an issue, but generally speaking we don’t see New Testament writers reviewing their own material. I’m seeing a pattern with today’s preachers, similar to a teacher reminding his students of a previous instruction, where they review past lessons. The pastor will refer to information given in the adult Sunday school class, the Wednesday night Bible study, or last week’s sermon. Such refreshers work well if preacher is talking to the same audience; however, it is of little benefit to those who missed the previous lesson. Often these reviews overshadow the actual lesson, which leaves one with the feeling that the speaker wasn’t prepared and fell back on old material. Paul sets a standard and serves as an example to those who preach the Word, “We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory” (1 Cor 2:6-8 NIV).