Just and Sinner Podcast Eric Phillips on Preaching and the Third Use of the Law
Jun 25, 2019
Rev. Dr. Eric Phillips, a speaker and expert on preaching, dives deep into the third use of the law. He emphasizes the dynamic relationship between preaching, the law, and living in Christ, using engaging metaphors like the three little pigs. Phillips discusses crafting sermons that balance law and gospel, highlighting how the Holy Spirit guides believers toward authentic faith. He promotes a gospel-driven approach to motivation, urging preachers to inspire genuine actions rooted in love and forgiveness, rather than guilt.
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Third Use Defined And Its Dual Nature
- The third use of the law is how Christians, already safe in Christ, voluntarily pursue holiness and fight their sinful flesh.
- This use can be both encouraging and coercive as the inner man sides with the law against the old Adam.
Law Loses Condemnation But Keeps Normative Force
- The law's condemning power ends for those in Christ but its portrait of the good remains authoritative and instructive.
- Imitation of Christ, gratitude, and the Spirit's work all rely on the law's content to shape Christian life.
Plan Sermon Structure And Pray For The Spirit
- Preach with intentional form: plan law and gospel structure while trusting the Spirit to apply it uniquely to hearers.
- Pray that God uses your words and the Spirit to do the heart-work you cannot control.
