What Makes A Good Sermon?

In Nehemiah chapter eight, we find God’s people gathered together. This moment gives us a powerful picture of how God’s word was presented and received.

A request was made for Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law (v.1). Men, women, and children were present—not just to hear, but to understand (v.2). As Ezra read, the people were attentive (v.3). He stood on a wooden podium that had been made for this very purpose (v.4), and as the Law was read, the people stood in reverence (v.5).

Ezra “blessed” God—not because God lacked anything, but because Ezra gave praise and honor to Him. The people responded with “Amen,” meaning “I agree” or “so be it,” offering praise and honor to God in their worship (v.6). The Law was read, listened to, and explained (v.7). The sense of what was read was given so the people could understand it (v.8). And after hearing God’s word, the people responded with humility (v.9).

There is a great deal for us to learn from this section of Scripture. If someone were to ask you, “What makes a good sermon?” how would you respond?

For those in the world—and even among religious denominations—many answers might be given. Some may say a good sermon is dynamic. Others may say a short sermon that allows them to get to the ball game is perfect. Some believe popularity, influence, or personality make a sermon good. Others want something that doesn’t step on their toes too much—something that makes them feel good or makes them laugh. Still others judge a sermon by the response at the front.

But what makes a good sermon according to Scripture? And if we ask that question, we must also ask, “What makes a good audience?” After all, preaching is done to an audience.

Case Studies in Preaching

The Bible is filled with men who preached. They had different styles, abilities, and responses.

Apollos, described in Acts 18:24–26, was knowledgeable and born in Alexandria. He was mighty in the Scriptures—well versed in God’s word. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord and was accurate in many things he taught. He was zealous, bold, and had an audience that listened.

Yet Apollos had a doctrinal issue concerning his understanding of baptism. This reminds us that good preaching is not merely boldness, fervor, or knowledge. Those are wonderful qualities—but truth is essential. Without truth, preaching will not work or be pleasing to God.

Ezekiel preached during the days of captivity. He had an audience that came to hear him. To them, his words were like a sensual song—pleasant to listen to. Ezekiel was bold and persistent, yet the majority did not listen. Nothing was wrong with his preaching. The problem was the hearts of the hearers.

John the Baptist preached repentance—an unpopular message. He properly judged his audience and his preaching caused people to listen and change. That certainly contributes to a good sermon. Yet his preaching put him in prison and eventually cost him his life. John was both bold and humble. Many today might say a constant message of repentance is not uplifting—but it is right.

Then there is Jesus. What better preacher could there be? His Sermon on the Mount was filled with blessings, warnings, illustrations, and teaching where people lived. His message challenged His audience and often angered many. His sermons varied in length and style. Every sermon He preached was good—yet many still walked away. His preaching eventually cost Him His life, not because of false doctrine, but because of truth.

Throughout Scripture, we see many different styles of preaching and many different men who preached.

What Makes Good Preaching—and a Good Audience?

Preaching is often subjective in the eyes of men. Preferences vary. But Scripture gives us concrete facts to guide us.

First, truth must be preached. We must begin with God—what He demands and expects. A man may dress well, speak clearly, and quote Scripture, but if he is not preaching truth, he is not pleasing to God or to faithful brethren. Truth matters.

Second, understanding must be given. God’s word must be heard and understood. What makes good preaching is truth presented and explained in a way people can grasp, so they can know God’s will for their lives.

Third, God must be glorified. One preacher said it well: it’s not about people saying, “That was a great sermon,” but rather, “What a great God we serve.” The emphasis must always be on God, not the man.

Fourth, conviction matters. On the Day of Pentecost, people were convicted. Scripture was taught and explained. Receptive hearts responded, and thousands were saved. At other times, only a few responded—but the message did not fail. God’s word is designed to convict, and results belong to Him.

What Makes a Good Audience?

The answers bring us back to Nehemiah.

All families were present—men, women, and children. Families worshiped together, just as we see elsewhere in Scripture. Worship was not divided by age or preference.

The people were attentive. They came with open ears and open hearts, ready to hear and understand God’s word. While preachers play a role, the audience must come with proper motives and a receptive heart.

They were responsive. Some audiences hear and respond with stubbornness, but the people in Nehemiah responded with humility. God’s word should always create a response—repentance, steadfastness, assurance, joy, or mourning over sin. How we come to hear the message matters.

Some people sought Jesus for the wrong reasons and left disappointed. Others heard truth but were hindered by wrong motives or prejudice. This forces us to ask: Why do we come to worship and hear God’s word? Is it to be entertained? Out of guilt? Or because we want to know God, His word, and His will for our lives?

Conclusion

In Luke 4, Jesus read from Scripture and explained it. At first, the people spoke well of Him, calling His words gracious. But when He challenged them, their praise turned to anger.

The question remains for us: When we hear God’s word, how will we respond?