Sibbes: Preaching Must Be Of Nothing But Christ

Preaching must be of Christ. Some may question, “But must nothing be preached but Christ?” Yes, nothing but Christ, or that which tends to Christ. Whatever is done in preaching to humble men, it is to raise them up again in Christ. When men are dejected by the law, we must raise them up again in Christ. Whatever we preach, it must lead to Christ. Once men have been taught Christ then they must also be taught to “Walk worthy of Christ, and of their calling” (Col. 1:10), that they may carry themselves fruitfully, constantly, and every way suitable to so glorious a profession. The foundation and graces for these duties must be in Christ; and the reasons and motives of a Christian lifestyle must be from Christ. This made Paul, when he was among the Corinthians, to profess no knowledge of anything but of “Christ, and him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2). He had arts and tongues and abilities. He was a man who was excellently qualified, but he made show of none of these in his preaching. Only Christ, and the good things we have by Christ. Now Christ must be preached wholly and only. We must not take anything from Christ, nor join anything to Christ. The Galatians believed that the old ceremonies were as necessary as Christ; And the apostle tells them, “You are fallen from Christ” (Gal. 5:4). It is a destructive addition, to add anything to Christ. Away with other means of satisfaction. The satisfaction of Christ is enough. Away with the merit of works in matter of salvation. Christ’s righteousness is that which we must labor to be found in, and “not our own” (Phil. 3:9). All is but “dung and dross” (Phil. 3:8), in comparison to the excellent righteousness we have in Jesus Christ. Paul said, he was “jealous with a holy jealousy” over those he taught. Why? “Lest Satan should beguile them and draw them from Christ” to any other thing (2 Cor. 11:2, 3). Those who are true preachers, ambassadors, and messengers, must be “jealous with a holy jealousy” over the people of God, that they looked to nothing but Christ.

David B. MacKinnon, ed. | Refreshment for the Soul: Daily Readings by Richard Sibbes (Edinburgh: The Banner of Truth Trust, 2022), 347.


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    Post authored by:

  • Tony Phelps
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    Tony grew up in Rhode Island. He was educated at BA (University of Rhode Island) and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He worked in the insurance industry for ten years. He planted a PCA church in Wakefield, RI where he served for eleven years. In 2015–18 he pastored Covenant Reformed Church (URCNA) in Colorado Springs. He is currently pastor of Living Hope (OPC). Tony is married to Donna and together they have three children.

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2 comments

  1. I’ve published a little book about the preaching of the Free Church in Scotland from 1843-1873, and my purpose in doing so was to encourage the preaching of the gospel in every sermon, especially to church people. In the 18th century in Scotland there had been a lot of orthodox preaching but little gospel preaching. One historian of that time claimed that the gospel was avoided with surgical precision. My reading has found that was only part of the story. There was a obligation for ministers to mention the life, death and resurrection of Christ, but it was rarely preached.

    • Looks encouraging and will be adding it to the stack.
      Sadly, today, the broad evangelical-type church avoids the Good News.
      I’m very grateful to attend a small church, the pastor of which has been preaching there 40 years the Gospel, where Christ is found on every page of Scripture.
      To be sure, the Law is heard as well, this as needs be.
      It is most refreshing.

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