Research Paper
Principles for Effective Preaching on Ethics
Margaret Humphrey
Theo 650: Public Theology
December 2022
Principle for Effective Preaching on Ethics
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Contents
Introduction ...............................................................................................................................3
Preaching on Ethics .................................................................................................................... 3
Personal Ethics ...............................................................................................................4
Professional Ethics .........................................................................................................4
Social Ethics ................................................................................................................... 5
Obstacles to Preaching on Ethical Issues ................................................................................... 6
Ultimate Perspecitve ...................................................................................................... 7
Appropriate Judgement .................................................................................................. 7
Approaches for Preaching on Ethical Issues ...............................................................................8
Biblical Approach ......................................................................................................... 8
Loving Concern… ........................................................................................................ 10
Homiletic Approach… .................................................................................................. 10
Conclusion… ........................................................................................................................... 11
Bibliography… ........................................................................................................................ 13
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Introduction
Having a foundation for preaching ethics and understanding the necessity and desire to
preach in such a way that engages believers and encourages nonbelievers is skill that church
leaders have historically struggled. My father is a pastor and shared with me that preaching the
Gospel requires walking a fine line between defending and offending. You need to be able to
defend your faith without driving away nonbelievers in offense. Our current culture has assured
Christians that the disciplines and commandments taught in the Bible are erroneous and
prejudicial in nature, this ideology has emphasized the need for pastors to teach on ethical issues
that interrupt the discipleship relationship. This paper will discuss pastoral ethics and identify
the issues that surround pastors who intend to preach biblically in a culture centered on self.
Preaching on Ethics
The decision to preach on ethics is not necessarily a decision in the traditional sense, it is
more of a need to empower our culture to live a righteous life as well as a response to being
obedient to the Word. The scriptures in the Bible include multiple decrees or laws that should be
used to model one's behaviors. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching,
for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be
competent, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NASB). Preaching on ethics is
about encouraging Christ followers to apply the truth of God’s Word to the ethical issues we face
throughout our daily lives. Christians are asking the questions, and church leaders have the
opportunity to share with them how scripture provides the answers for Godly living. Preaching
on ethical issues will lead us along a path where ethical living has an evangelistic purpose.
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Having an understanding of the types of ethics will enable pastors to be more effective in their
planning and teaching.
Personal Ethics
Personal ethics are the ethics that we identify with when we relate to people and life
situations that we deal with in our everyday life. Defined in Webster’s dictionary as “a set of
moral principles: a theory or system of moral values.” Personal ethics are a set of principles that
an individual uses when making decisions and behaving in both personal and professional
settings. “Personal ethics rests upon what the Bible describes in both the Old and New
Testaments as wisdom. This wisdom finds its ultimate foundation in the triune God of
Scripture. Properly formed ethical judgments must therefore be drawn deliberately from
God’s self-revelation in the Bible.”1 Preaching on ethics require church leaders to model the
behaviors they intend to teach about, “So you must be careful to do everything they tell you.
But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.” (Matthew 23:3, NIV)
Professional Ethics
Professional ethics are principles that determine the actions of a group or persons within a
business situation. Professional ethics determine the rules on how persons should behave
regarding others in a professional setting. Because Christians have a professional life there is a
need to teach in such a way that aligns their professional ethics with biblical ethics and
encourages them to be a light in the dark. Teaching Christians how to handle everyday moments
of life with a Christian ethic is a responsibility of the pastor. “Let your light shine before men in
such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
1 Benyamin Intan, “Personal Ethics,” ESV Bible, 2022, https://www.esv.org/resources/esv-global-study-
bible/personal-ethics/.
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(Matthew 6:16, NASB) When others see our responses and behaviors, or our ethical, they should
pause and ask what is different about us and why.
Preaching on biblical ethics within a business environment authorizes the Christ follower
to pursue professional endeavors with an ethically sound mindset. Because the Bible teaches that
wealth is a consequence of God’s blessing and that there is nothing malicious with gaining
wealth if it is pursued ethically. There is a cautionary warning of complacency which can lead to
pride and neglecting Christ. Ethical standards that are created by humans can also be changed by
humans. By contrast, Biblical business ethics depend on values and principles that are not
subjected to negotiation. Businesses would benefit immensely if God is placed at the head of the
business and Biblical principles are intentionally taught and practiced by employees.
Social Ethics
Social Ethics is “the study of questions of good and evil, right and wrong, obligation and
prohibition as these arise in a social context.”2 In our current culture climate it is imperative that
pastors prepare their congregations to take a stand for the Gospel. “I have told you these things,
so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have
overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NIV), Jesus tells us there will be trouble, pastors have a
responsibility to train their congregation on how to manage and live within the troubling times.
“From the point of view of biblical social ethics, the two activities of prayer and evangelism
must not be underestimated as strategies for social change.”3
“Prayer is thus, among other things, a political and social activity of great importance. It
is also basic to the Christian outlook to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ in the hope that men
2 Daniel J. Treier and Walter A. Elwell, Evangelical Dictionary of Theology (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, a
division of Baker Publishing Group, 2017), 1114.
3 Ibid., 1117.
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and women will come to know him as Savior, Lord, and God. While social ethics is concerned
primarily with corporate and structural good and evil, it is partly by means of individual moral
agents that corporate, institutional reality is affected.”4 Preaching on ethical issues is a necessity
for the Christ follower, however teaching them basic spiritual disciplines enables them to defend
their faith and their beliefs.
“Evangelism, among other things, brings about social change by means of the
transformation of social actors, individual moral agents.”5 Evangelism is when Christ followers
share the Gospel and their faith with those around them. Evangelism requires that we share the
love of Christ and that we come to understand that people must come to know Christ by the
judgment that they know they deserve and by the redemption they know they will not find in or
by themselves. This means that evangelism is telling others that their sin is foundationally
wrong, and will be judged because of the holiness of God, but because of the crucifixion and
resurrection of Christ the promise of forgiveness is what saves us.
Obstacles to Preaching on Ethical Issues
The obstacles to preaching on ethical issues are many, however, there are two that have
historically proven to be the most challenging to conquer, the ultimate perspective and how that
determines the journey we walk and the challenge that appropriate judgement places on those
behaviors. Pastors have responsibilities that enable them specific liberties that the lay Christian
does not possess. These obstacles and responsibilities are like walking a tight rope and
historically pastors have struggled with maintaining perspective and ensuring that the judgement
passed is not personal but rather relations. Having concise plan to preach on ethical issues offers
4 Daniel J. Treier and Walter A. Elwell, Evangelical Dictionary of Theology (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, a
division of Baker Publishing Group, 2017), 1114.
5 Ibid., 114.
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“guideline for preaching in light of a range of factors that might tempt a preacher to misuse the
pulpit.”6
Ultimate Perspective
“Possibly the greatest problem that is faced today in prophetic preaching is the
communication of ultimate values to people who are enamored with values that are far less than
ultimate.”7 The need for an ultimate perspective has never been more of a necessity than in
today’s culture, where we are divided by beliefs and values Christians need to have a foundation
governed by Biblical values. “The need today, however, is for normative ethics. People are in
desperate need of standards upon the basis of which they can make value judgments. Ultimacy is
found only in the realm of religion. The needed standards must come from theology and
philosophy. Christian ethics brings both disciplines into focus in establishing standards. The
good prophetic preacher must be both theologian and philosopher—he must be a Christian
ethicist.”8
Appropriate Judgement
Pastors do not have permission to pass judgement on the behaviors or motivations of their
congregation, yet they have a responsibility to call out the sin without judging the sinner. “Sin
must be called out. But even then, we're not passing judgment on our brother and sister. Instead,
we are holding up falsehood and sin to the light of Scripture as it has been revealed clearly.”9
Pastors are held at a higher standard when it comes to holding others accountable, they are
6 Ronald D. Sisk, Preaching Ethically: Being True to the Gospel, the Congregation, and Yourself (Herndon, VA:
Alban Institute, 2008), 3.
7 C.W. Scudder | Southwestern Journal of Theology Vol. 7 - Spring 1965, “Preaching on Moral Issues,” Preaching
Source, 2022, https://preachingsource.com/journal/preaching-on-moral-issues/.
8 Ibid.
9 Dr. Voddie Baucham, “Passing Judgment,” Preaching Today, 2021,
https://www.preachingtoday.com/sermons/sermons/2013/january/passing-judgment.html.
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responsible for the souls of the people of God, on behalf of Jesus. “Obey your leaders and submit
to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this
with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.” (Hebrews 13:17 NASB)
Approaches for Preaching on Ethical Issues
There are dangers to preaching ethically and there are approaches that enable pastors to
redirect the authority where it belongs. “The Christian preacher, always mindful of both the
reality of grace and the call to obedience, seeks to present the ethical standards of the faith
regularly and compassionately to encourage people to grow in their commitment to shape their
lives according to gospel values. The preacher can rotate emphases on particular ethical issues so
that the congregation over time receives a relatively comprehensive picture of the nature of
Christian ethical life.”10 Having a biblical approach gives authority to the pastor and credence to
the ideas or principles shared. Preaching, or teaching, out of loving concern demonstrates that the
pastor has a genuine regard for the soul and heart of their congregation.
Biblical Approach
Determining how to evaluate or make decisions when faced with ethical dilemmas is a
challenge that, as Christians, needs to have biblical foundation. As a pastor, or a church leader,
there is a responsibility to ensure that the flock have a discernment that is based on biblical
beliefs and a consistency in pointing efforts back to Christ. “Scripture is the “norm” (a word
coming from the Latin word norma, which originally meant “a carpenter’s square,” a tool that
determined whether a corner or line was square and straight) we can use to show that an action or
a decision is right or wrong, just or unjust. Scripture can be used in four different ways in this
10 Ronald D. Sisk, Preaching Ethically: Being True to the Gospel, the Congregation, and Yourself (Herndon, VA:
Alban Institute, 2008), 47.
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connection; it can act (1) as a guide, (2) as a guard, (3) as a compass, and (4) as a principle.”11
The scripture simply directs the Christ follower in the way in which they should go, “Your word
is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Ps. 119:105, NASB), it is up to the follower to
ultimately determine the steps. “The apostle Paul claimed that “all Scripture is God-breathed and
is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the [person] of
God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16– 17) including such works
as ethical and moral living that are pleasing to our Lord.”12
Motivation counts when preaching. Recognizing that a biblical approach when preaching
ethics helps to validate the principles taught is an approach that been historically tested. “It is
well to remember what God said through the prophet Ezekiel, “[If] you do not speak to warn the
wicked from his way … his blood I will require at your hand” (Ezek. 33:8).”13 A biblical
approach to preaching should be the cornerstone of preaching on moral issues. “A positive
biblical emphasis is needed in dealing with social problems. Elton Trueblood says that “we now
have a generation in the Western world which knows little poetry, less philosophy and no Bible.”
If this be true, it is a strong challenge to the preacher today.”14
Loving Concern
Our current culture is one where division, suffering and lack of empathy have dominated
not only our social lives, but our media and our homes. Where the home was considered a safe
haven, it is not often described as a place of discourse and contempt. Congregations needs
pastors who are not afraid to speak truth into their lives with humility and with love as the
11 Walter C. Kaiser, What Does the Lord Require?: A Guide for Preaching and Teaching Biblical Ethics (Grand
Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2009), 9.
12 Ibid., 9.
13 Stephen F. Olford, Anointed Expository Preaching (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Pub, 2003), 301.
14 C.W. Scudder | Southwestern Journal of Theology Vol. 7 - Spring 1965, “Preaching on Moral Issues,” Preaching
Source, 2022, https://preachingsource.com/journal/preaching-on-moral-issues/.
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motivation. “People have difficult lives. They need the comfort, understanding, and counsel that
a balanced Christian perspective on life can provide them. Death, illness, crisis, tragedy, and the
daily demands of work and family all need to be dealt with from the pulpit on a regular basis.
Often the seeker churches of the past twenty years have focused almost exclusively on helping
people help themselves as a means of building their congregations.”15
Loving concern is preaching approach that is both an individual and corporate concern.
Congregations go through trauma as communities, covid has proven this point most recently.
Pastors need to have an ability to preach and reach their congregations to develop them and
guide them through any ethical crisis as a community. “Preaching on topics about which a
congregation does not think much and about which they speak only in private (if at all) can
provoke questions and uneasy feelings. The pastor who preaches on these subjects is well-
advised to organize teaching and discussion groups in which feedback can be expressed.”16
People do not care about what you know until they know that you care and this concept that
shapes the congregations and builds relationships.
Homiletic Approach
“Homiletics comes from the word homily, which basically means “a sermon.” Homiletics
is the art of preparing sermons and preaching. Historically, homiletics has integrated biblical
teaching and rhetoric (the art of speaking persuasively or for effect). Applying the tools of
rhetoric and a deep knowledge of the Bible are helpful to biblical preaching.”17 Having a skill
15 Ibid., 48.
16 Michael Duduit, Handbook of Contemporary Preaching: A Wealth of Counsel for Creative and Effective
Proclamation (Nasville, TN: BROADMAN & HOLMAN PUB, 2018), 452.
17 GotQuestions.org, “Home,” GotQuestions.org, August 7, 2012, https://www.gotquestions.org/homiletics.html.
Principle for Effective Preaching on Ethics
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where one is able to use the gift of rhetoric in preaching is able to share biblical principles and
empower Christ followers to be engaged with Christ at a deeper level. “For this reason I remind
you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands” (2
Timothy 1:6, ESV) ““True homiletics involves … the correct use of Biblical content,
hermeneutical principles, theological perspectives, psychological orientation, rhetorical rules,
and oratorical principles.”18
Conclusion
Preaching on ethics is not always a concept that is discussed and often it is the most
important concept that needs attention to better educate and empower the congregation to move
into a more intimate and connected relationship with Christ. “The core of the gospel itself does
not change. All true preaching proclaims the one gospel that is the same yesterday, today, and
tomorrow. What does change is how that one gospel is interpreted ethically in different
contexts.”19 Understanding the contexts that the flock is challenged with outside of the walls of
the church and preaching on those dilemmas is a desire of pastors that are motivated to grow
their flock into an intimate relationship with God rather than one that is surface deep. “Change
comes slowly in the church, and a pastor needs to realize and appreciate the organic quality of
that growth. We plant seeds, we water, and we cultivate. We preach with the urgency of the
gospel in and out of season. But real growth comes only in God’s good time.”20
18 Al Fasol, Complete Guide to Sermon Delivery (Nashville, TN: B & H Publishing Group, 2014), 22.
19 Ronald D. Sisk, Preaching Ethically: Being True to the Gospel, the Congregation, and Yourself (Herndon, VA:
Alban Institute, 2008), 10.
20 Ibid., 82.
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Bibliography
Duduit, Michael. Handbook of Contemporary Preaching: A Wealth of Counsel for Creative and
Effective Proclamation. Nashville, TN: BROADMAN & HOLMAN PUB, 2018.
Baucham, Dr. Voddie. “Passing Judgment.” Preaching Today, 2021.
https://www.preachingtoday.com/sermons/sermons/2013/january/passing-judgment.html.
Fasol, Al. Complete Guide to Sermon Delivery. Nashville, TN: B & H Publishing Group, 2014.
GotQuestions.org. “Home.” GotQuestions.org, August 7, 2012.
https://www.gotquestions.org/homiletics.html.
Intan, Benyamin. “Personal Ethics.” ESV Bible, 2022. https://www.esv.org/resources/esv-global-
study-bible/personal-ethics/.
Kaiser, Walter C. What Does the Lord Require?: A Guide for Preaching and Teaching Biblical
Ethics. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2009.
Olford, Stephen F. Anointed Expository Preaching. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Pub,
2003.
Scudder | Southwestern Journal of Theology Vol. 7 - Spring 1965, C.W. “Preaching on Moral
Issues.” Preaching Source, 2022. https://preachingsource.com/journal/preaching-on-moral-
issues/.
Sisk, Ronald D. Preaching Ethically: Being True to the Gospel, the Congregation, and Yourself.
Herndon, VA: Alban Institute, 2008.
Treier, Daniel J., and Walter A. Elwell. Evangelical Dictionary of Theology. Grand Rapids, MI:
Baker Academic, a division of Baker Publishing Group, 2017.
