The Proper Use of Tools

What is the function of a wrench? A mechanic may define it by its proper function, “A wrench is tool; its use is to loosen or tighten bolts and make adjustments.” A do-it-yourself mechanic might also use it as a hammer in the absence of an actual hammer. There are others who may find it useful in producing artwork (e.g. industrial art, metal sculpture, steampunk, etc.). Which is right? Let’s come back to this in a moment.

I’ve had the opportunity to discuss preaching and the sermon writing process with many who have served as a preacher—sometimes in a college classroom, others at ministerial retreats and camp meetings, and occasionally over a cup of coffee as friends.[1] One thing I’ve never heard is, “Figure out your intended proposition in the Scripture passage; then, get out a handful of commentaries or sermon collections to find three points that will hang together underneath it.” Yet, I’ve come to understand that there are some who employ this method. Is this the full extent of the sermon writing process? Is the life’s work of a preacher spent reassembling bits and pieces from other past sources? Is sermon writing today only as unique as the commentaries or sermon collections the preacher uses? The question I find myself arriving at is this: What is the proper use of a preacher’s sermon writing tools?

To begin answering this question, consider the sentiment of a statement once offered in a sermon, “Christianity is drowning in an endless sea of commentaries!”[2] Just like every tool is different, so are their users. In each case, use and usefulness lies with the beholder. So, how are commentaries and sermon collections functioning among their users?

In the case of the artist, his concern is aesthetic: it looks nice on his shelf, maybe he knows the person who wrote it, or perhaps it is needed to complete a collection. The artist only needs possession of the commentary or sermon collection to accomplish its function. This is the extent of its purpose—placement on a shelf to be looked at and admired. However, it does nothing to contribute to the sermon writing process.

The do-it-yourself mechanic is less professional in his overall approach to his wrench-turning endeavors. If he needs a hammer and one is not close—a few whacks with the wrench will suffice. Misapplication of product use has led to the implementation of warning labels, use as directed labels, and other disclaimers accompanying many products today. Where are these cautionary labels for commentaries and sermon collections?

The mechanic by vocation understands that his wrench is a tool. By itself, it is nothing. It is to aid the process of being a mechanic—it is not a replacement for doing his work. Likewise, preachers using commentaries and sermon collections should view them as a tool for helpful information—it does not, or should not, replace the work of sermon writing. As preachers, we need to introspectively ask ourselves whether we are using commentaries as a helpful resource, or if we may be over-relying on them to do the heavy lifting of sermon writing for us.

So, what is the purpose of a commentary or sermon collection? As is the case with the wrench—intended functionality should be the primary consideration. Just like the intended design of a wrench is not aesthetics or misapplication, our aim for these tools must be proper use. We can only do this when we understand and prioritize using them according to their proper function. Commentaries and sermon collections should be used but only as helpful aides—after all, iron does sharpen iron. These tools are not designed to be our sermon or entire sections of it—they were written by another and intended for a different context. Our sermon has yet to be written. Preachers must bring forth their own message from the Scriptures—or else they risk making themselves into an unsettling combination of researcher and performer. Commentaries and sermon collections are helpful but become an even greater hindrance if they allow the preacher to bypass individual thought and consideration of those in the setting he intends to deliver the sermon.