Tim Keller's Preaching

Josh Harris has now posted Tim Keller's preaching notes. They are barely decipherable, because Keller has developed his own unique system of abbreviations. But they're interesting, nonetheless, just to glimpse how his mind works.

Tullian Tchividjian who leads New City Presbyterian Church wrote the introduction to Keller's sermon notes on Josh Harris's blog. One thing he says is:

Some preachers teach me how to be a better exegete of the Bible. Others teach me how to be a better exegete of our culture. And still others teach me how to be a better exegete of the human heart. But no preacher has consistently taught me how to do all three in the context of every sermon more so than Tim Keller. His balanced attention to all three forms of exegesis makes him very unique.

I agree, and it's one reason why I've been listening to Keller regularly for the past two years.

Interesting happening this week. Those of you who heard my sermon last Sunday, may remember my reference to Jonathan Edwards' sermon, The Excellency of Christ. Tonight I was listening to Keller's sermon on the same passage (and Mark 11:12-18, which is part of my preaching passage for this Sunday), and I was surprised, gratified, and a little embarrassed, that he referenced the same sermon from Edwards!

Surprised, because, of course, I had just used it. Gratified, because, without realizing it, I thought the way Keller thinks - at least this once!! And a little embarrassed, because I don't want anyone to think I'm just stealing Keller's sermons! Honestly, I had no idea he had used the Edwards sermon as an illustration!! I thought of the Edwards piece because I saw (as Keller did) the unique combination of Jesus' attributes (authority and humility) in Mark 11.

Well, nothing's new under the sun, huh? I'll continue to listen to Keller (and others) and learn - mainly because, as Tullian says above, he exegetes not only Scripture, but also the culture and the human heart so well.