Bouncing Around the Bible
One preacher will have dozens of Scripture references in a single sermon every time he preaches because that’s what he does. Another preacher will hug a Text so closely that he never references another Passage, ever. And then there is that preacher who seems to know precisely when it’s necessary to go elsewhere in the Bible for help.
When is it right to leap from one Text to another in a sermon, and when should the preacher camp out in a single Passage? In other words, how should the preacher decide when to reference other Scriptures in a sermon?
The correct answer is not, “The more Scriptures from everywhere in the Bible, the better,” nor is it “Never depart the main Text.” There is indeed a sweet spot that flows naturally. Uncovering it has to do with the sermon Text itself.
Some Passages are plain and simple. The hearer knows what the words mean. Nothing is confusing in them. Culture has not built up an enormous disconnect that requires a bridge. Or if there’s something unclear or perplexing, the Text explains. Luke 15:8-10 serves as a simple example. The hearer knows what it means to lose a coin. Lamps are not confusing; neither is sweeping. If the preacher needs to consult any other Scripture, it should be the parable of the lost sheep and the parable of the two lost sons that precede and follow Luke 15:8-10. In the case of Mark 4:1-20, Jesus tells a parable and follows it up with an explanation of what it means. The preacher needs only to go to the supplied explanation.
However, some Passages need a great deal of help from other Passages. Other Scripture may be more precise or provide some explanation. Sometimes, background information is necessary for understanding. Leveraging biblical theology may help unlock the meaning. Revelation 10:1-11 provides an example of a Passage that may be helped by referencing other Scriptures. While there are many Texts available to help understand things like the cloud and rainbow, the little scroll, and why eating the scroll may taste sweet like honey, there’s no better place for the preacher to take his audience than to Ezekiel 1-3.
The prevailing rule of thumb is to use other Passages if they are needed to explain the Text or offer an illustration. Going to other Texts just for the sake of having more verses tends to distract from the point and give the sermon less punch, not more. Also, if further explanation is unnecessary, the hearer is less likely to remember the added material when reading the Text later. Use other verses to help the hearers, not impress them.