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Should We Gauge Sermons By Their Results?

It is true that not all sermons are really good (based upon content, delivery, etc.). In fact, this writer (and sometimes preacher), has come to realize that even the best of sermons, with the best scriptural content, sometimes do not produce much in the way of results. Even those times when a Bible lesson was so convincing in scriptural proof and persuasive in appeal, the result was that no one came to accept the Lord’s invitation.

Let’s ask ourselves, “Do we judge a preacher by the results of his sermon?” Are we correct in concluding that if no one responds to the gospel call, or if no one makes a commitment to change his or her life, that the preacher has failed? Not at all. The gospel is still the same and its power is still the same (Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 1:18).

Without trying to justify a preacher’s inadequacies in presenting the Word, let us briefly look at the preaching done by the apostle Paul, and let us note that some of his greatest lessons produced few converts.

When Paul first began to talk to his Athenian audience, consisting of the most learned philosophers of Greek wisdom in Acts 17:16-34, they judged him to be an “ignorant plagiarist.” In Acts 17:18 KJV, the English word “babbler” comes from a Greek word which literally means, “seed picker.” Their thinking was that Paul had picked up a little philosophy from one teacher, a little more from another teacher, and had plagiarized the doctrine he was teaching.

Did Paul actually do a poor job in presenting the truth? Certainly not! His sermon was (and still is) a masterpiece in plain truth, logic and persuasive argumentation. What fruit did it produce? The text says that, “some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter” (Acts 17:32 KJV). Only a few believed his teaching (Acts 17:34).

Brethren, let’s not gauge a preacher’s sermon (nor his preaching ability) to be based solely on “results.” Realize that the most persuasive sermons packed with sound scriptural truth, will not reach the hearts of those who do not want to positively respond to it (cf. Acts 28:23-24b). All we need to know and understand, is to “Preach the word,” and leave the increase to God (2 Timothy 4:2; 1 Corinthians 3:7).