One vocational hazard for pastors is that we study the Scriptures for a living. We can get into a rut of simply studying because it’s our job instead of studying so we can know Christ. We can forget, says Garrett Kell, that “the reason we’re studying is so we can know him and be at his feet.” If we’re going to serve others, we must be filled first. Only then can we be conduits of God’s grace to others.

“We must come like Mary, and say, ‘Teach me,’” says Kell. Mary knew that “one thing is necessary”: to know Jesus (Luke 10:42). Yes, we must serve others with our study. That’s our vocation. “But we’re not just preaching a sermon for other people,” continues Kell. “The sermon’s first for you. You’re studying first for you, because you need it just as much—or more—than everyone else.”

How does a pastor keep his sermons fresh for whatever season his church is in? By remembering that the beauty of God’s promises can’t be used up. Kell says, “One of the sweetest things about following Jesus and hearing God’s promises is that they don’t wear out. They are like something you polish that only gets brighter and is never exhausted.” When we believe this truth about the freshness of God’s Word, we’ll be encouraged to never stop cultivating our personal relationship with the Lord.

Hear more of Kell’s encouragement in his Pastor to Pastor video, and consider joining him and other TGC Council members for our Expositional Preaching cohort this fall. Kell will be teaching on how to preach evangelistically—in a way that reaches people with your sermon.