What Is Great Preaching? Four Qualities to Look For in Every Sermon

Yesterday, I had a rare privilege.

As a pastor, I spend most Sundays in the pulpit, preaching the Word of God to the people of God. But several times each year, I try to simply sit and worship alongside our church family while another member of our pastoral team preaches. Yesterday was one of those Sundays—and I was deeply blessed by an excellent sermon from Pastor Dennis as he continued our series through the Book of Acts.

As I reflected on the quality of his sermon, I found myself drawn back to one of my favorite books on preaching, Between Two Worlds by John Stott. In it, Stott—one of the most influential preachers in England during the 20th century—recalls a few key lessons from a preacher of a much earlier era: John Chrysostom.

Chrysostom, whose name means “golden mouth,” lived during the late 4th century. He preached for twelve years in Antioch before becoming the Bishop of Constantinople in A.D. 398. Stott calls him “the greatest public orator of the Greek church,” and Chrysostom remains one of the most respected voices in the history of Christian preaching.

What made Chrysostom so powerful in the pulpit? According to him, great preaching rests on four essential characteristics—each of which still holds true today.

1. Biblical
First and foremost, great preaching must be biblical. That means the message isn’t built on personal opinions, politics, or pop psychology—it’s rooted in the Word of God. Every sermon should be saturated with Scripture, shaped by its truth, and filled with biblical references, quotations, and allusions.

2. Clear
Second, great preaching is clear. Preachers aren’t called to impress people with complexity or vocabulary. We are called to explain the meaning of Scripture in a way that’s straightforward and understandable. If the congregation walks away confused, something went wrong. Good preaching should make the truth plain.

3. Practical
Third, preaching should be practical. The Word of God is meant to be lived, not just learned. Great preaching connects timeless truths to real-life situations. It offers concrete examples, meaningful illustrations, and specific ways for people to respond in obedience to Jesus.

4. Fearless
Finally, great preaching is fearless. It doesn’t shy away from hard truths or controversial topics. It lovingly confronts sin, speaks the truth, and is willing to suffer the consequences. Preachers are not called to be popular—they are called to be faithful.

So the next time you hear a sermon, listen for these four characteristics. Is it biblical? Is it clear? Is it practical? Is it fearless? When you hear those qualities together, you’re hearing something truly special—preaching that honors Christ and builds up His church.

And yesterday, I’m grateful I got to hear exactly that.