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The Four Marks of Reformed Preaching
Always Reforming: Fidelity to God’s Word in Every Generation
The Reformation was fueled by preaching—men opening God’s Word and declaring, “Thus says the Lord.” Reformed preaching today continues that vision. It takes the whole counsel of God seriously and presses it upon the whole person.
Letting God Speak
Reformed preaching is thoroughly biblical. It’s not what man says that counts; it’s what God says that counts (2 Timothy 3:16–17). The preacher’s task is to repeat and expound what God has spoken in Scripture.
It is also doctrinal. Faithful preaching teaches “sound doctrine” and instructs the mind in truth (Titus 2:1).
Getting Practical
Good reformed preaching is experiential. God’s truth is pressed upon the heart by the Spirit so that hearers taste and see its reality (Psalm 119:32).
And it is practical. We are called to be “doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). A faithful sermon helps you walk away saying, This is what I must do; this is how my life must change by God’s grace.
In short: Reformed preaching ministers to the whole person—comprehensive, biblical, doctrinal, experiential, and practical—because God’s living Word speaks to every generation.
Source concept from Joel R. Beeke, “4 Essential Ingredients of Reformed Preaching.” Adapted for this series posted with permission.
Joel R. Beeke (PhD, Westminster Theological Seminary) has written over one hundred books. He is president and professor of systematic theology and homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, a pastor of the Heritage Reformed Congregation in Grand Rapids, Michigan, as well as the editor of Banner of Sovereign Grace Truth, the editorial director of Reformation Heritage Books, the president of Inheritance Publishers, and vice president of the Dutch Reformed Translation Society.
