Originally taught as a Doctor of Ministry course, “Preaching Christ in a Postmodern World” is the lecture series that shaped a generation of Reformed preachers and teachers. In this course, Tim Keller (1950–2023) and Edmund Clowney (1917–2005) ask, “Is Jesus made visible in every sermon or only talked about?” After critiquing other models of preaching that either exhort on moral levels or merely attempt to evoke an emotional response, Keller and Clowney articulate a model of preaching that is Christocentric. This model of preaching focuses on three aspects to guide the listener and preacher: First, how does this text tell me about Christ? Second, how does this text show that the listener’s life is poor without Christ. Third, how to lead the listener to worship and adore Christ.

1. List and Describe the three (faulty) alternatives to Christo-centric, Tri-perspectival preaching.

2. Towards which of the three alternatives to tri-perspectival preaching (Doctrinal, Practical, Devotional) are you most naturally drawn? What about your church?

Read syllabus preface (pp. 3–12) and introduction (pp. 13–20).

In this session, Edmund Clowney begins to give an in-depth look at God’s structure of redemptive history as revealed to us through the Scriptures. He shows the power, the promise and the presence of God in his Word.

Read syllabus pp. 35–54.

1. According to Dr. Clowney, why do we not have to be frustrated about not having a transcript of the conversation on the road to Emmaus?

2. Pick one OT story and sketch how you might answer the question, “What’s the type/theme in this story that finds its fulfillment in Christ?”

In this session, Edmund Clowney continues to examine God’s structure of redemptive history through “The Life of Joseph: From Pit to Palace, the Lord’s Blessing Through Testing,” a sermon based on Genesis 37.

Read syllabus chapter 1 (pp. 21–34).

1. (Reference DQ #2 above) Which of the ways to preach Christ from the OT do you see Dr. Clowney employing to get from Joseph to Jesus?

2. Per Dr. Clowney, what three aspects of preaching a text comprise a sermon (near the end of the lecture)

3. How does Dr. Clowney describe the two errors on either side of redemptive-historical preaching (moralism and allegory)?

4. (Q&A): How does Tim Keller demonstrate how to preach Christ from OT moral failure (e.g. the life of Saul, the book of Judges, etc.)?

5. (Q&A): Paraphrase in your own words how Tim Keller incorporates moral principles from the life of Joseph together with his typological significance.

In this session, Tim Keller begins to show how to apply Christ organically. Tim teaches us that the Scriptures not only contain types of Christ but also also themes of Christ. Keller identifies themes such as the King and the Kingdom, Grace and Law, Worship and Sanctuary, and Righteousness and Nakedness. None of these themes can be resolved apart from Christ.

Read syllabus pp. 35–54.

1. List and summarize in your own words Keller’s four ways to preach Christ as the fulfillment of the OT.

A. Theme resolution. Pull on a thread of a theme in a passage and pull till you’ve got your sermon.

B. Law-Resolution. Gal. 3:24. Jesus is the only way to take the law seriously.

C. Story Completion. Put the micro-story of the OT passage into the macro-story of the whole bible terminating in Christ. Individual, corporate, grace-pattern stories.

D. Symbol fulfillment

2. Which of the inter canonical themes listed by Keller (see syllabus pp. 36-38) do you think holds special relevance for our cultural moment? Why?

In this session, Tim Keller continues to examine the topic of Christ-centered application and preaching by further exploring the fundamental question that every faithful preacher of God’s Word must answer when dealing with any given passage: How do I preach Christ from this particular text?

Read syllabus pp. 65-71

1. Are there any Scriptures that come to mind when you think of the idea of being sanctified by faith in Christ? E.g. “My son, be strong by the grace that is in Christ Jesus”; “Being transformed from glory unto glory as we look to him”; etc. 

2. Are there any Scriptures that come to mind surrounding the root of all sin lying in idolatry? E.g. “Covetousness, which is idolatry…”

In this session, Edmund Clowney examines the place and function of typology, symbolism, and imagery in God’s revelation, the effective use of illustrations in preaching, and the proper understanding and use of metaphor and analogy in biblical exposition.

Read syllabus chapter 3 (pp. 55–64).

1. What does a well-constructed sentence-metaphor communicate that a one-word word-substitution-metaphor does not?

2. What categories does Aristotle give in his discussion of Greek tragedy that informs Christian theology? What does it look like to employ these in exposition?

3. What other biblical metaphors do you think achieve the goal, articulated by Dr. Clowney, of “bringing together two worlds of reality to stimulate further thought and further understanding”?

In this session, Edmund Clowney explores the account of the transfiguration of Jesus Christ, using it as a springboard to examine the supreme importance of understanding, following, and accurately preaching and teaching the words spoken by Christ.

Read syllabus chapter 4 (pp. 65–70).

1. What tips does Dr. Clowney for stringing together similar narratives?

2. List two practical tips that Dr. Clowney gives for enlivening your preaching.

In this session, Tim Keller continues to explore the topic of Christ-centered application and preaching by examining how to effectively and personally apply a biblical text to listeners in a way that goes beyond mere general exhortation. He outlines three macro-strategies for accomplishing this goal.

Read syllabus pp. 71-91. 

1. What three preaching strategies does Keller commend at the beginning of the lecture? Which of these is new to you and which have you heard before?

2. On pp. 73-75 of the syllabus, Keller gives multiple “approaches” as examples of how to apply the gospel. What other scenarios can you think of for which the gospel offers an answer that steers between legalism and license?

3. Keller mentions that, when someone says “I can’t forgive myself,” S/he is really feeling that lack of forgiveness from a constructed idol. What do you think are some of the biggest idols in your congregation that are driving your people to guilt?

In this session, Tim Keller continues to explore the topic of Christ-centered application and preaching by further examining the three macro-strategies for effectively and personally applying a biblical text to listeners.

Read syllabus pp. 71-91. 

1. Look again at Keller’s “basic outline” on p. 78 and the way he applies it to case studies on pp. 78-80. Think of another case study for which this outline could be used, and sketch a rough outline for how you would apply it.

2. Think of the three preaching-pitfalls Keller lists (Doctrinal, Pietist, Cultural-Transformation. To which of these are you most naturally drawn? In which of these do you think you are least developed?

3. Keller mentioned the contextual relevance of Esther for urbanites, and the ability that the book affords to lead people to the true Esther, Jesus Christ. What biblical narratives hold special relevance for your context, how does it provide a moral exhortation for your context, and how might you show that that passage is ultimately fulfilled by Jesus?

In this session, Edmund Clowney investigates one of the Lord’s most famous parables. The “Parable of the Prodigal Son” provides a glorious description of God’s abundant grace, forgiveness, and love.

Read Luke 15.

1. What are the three steps in the “Poythress method” approach to a text?

In this session, Edmund Clowney discusses the subject of preaching the law of God in a gospel context. He examines the importance of understanding the purpose of the law in redemptive history and effectively conveying it in gospel preaching.

1. What does Dr. Clowney mean when he says that Christ’s obedience to the law was not a “legalistic obedience?”

2. Dr. Clowney expounds the seventh commandment by showing how it was always about Jesus’s love for his people. Think of another specific commandment in the OT and outline how it finds its origin and fulfillment in Christ.

In this session, Tim Keller continues to explore the topic of Christ-centered application and preaching. He begins by reviewing some down to earth specific practical methods for preachers to effectively design and execute compelling application of biblical truth.

Read syllabus pp. 86-91, then pp. 119, 121-123. 

1. Think about Keller’s advice when it comes to “diversifying your people context.” What are some of the ways that you think your immediate context is homogenous? How might this affect the way you preach and apply Scripture?

2. Take a passage of Scripture and sketch out how you might apply it to a) Mature Christians, b) non-Christians, c) newer or very immature Christians.

3. Think about the commitments prevalent in your context. Which of these commitments are especially fulfilled by the Bible, and how could you use that as a launching pad for introducing them to Jesus?

In this session, Tim Keller resumes the discussion of effectively designing and executing Christ-centered application and preaching by continuing to examine the vital importance of entering and challenging the worldview of the listener. He explores the effective use of apologetics and sermon application.

Read syllabus p.119, 124-125. 

1. Keller takes some seemingly antiquated Christian doctrines (biblical infallibility, hell, etc.) and shows how to preach them to skeptical audiences. What are other biblical doctrines that are ostensibly out-of-step with modern listeners, and how would you apply them to such an audience?

2. Keller shows how the biblical-theological themes of the temple and of marriage carries real relevance for modern audiences. What other BT themes carry similar weight for today?

In this session, Edmund Clowney explores the Psalms to reveal what they teach about Christ.

1. Revisit pp. 36-42, and the different ways in which Jesus fulfills the sweep of the Old Testament (theme resolution, law reception, etc.). Which of these do you think is most prevalent throughout the psalter? Which psalm can you think of that includes multiple?

2. How will this lecture affect how you read and preach the psalms?

In this session, Edmund Clowney examines how Christ is set forth in three distinct elements of the Old Testament: the godly council contained in the wisdom literature, prophecy, and the law.

1. How has your understanding of the definition of wisdom literature been clarified or broadened after listening to the lecture?

2. Have you ever thought about how Proverbs’s incompleteness points to a greater hope? For what other books of the Old Testament might this interpretive grid be helpful?

In this session, Tim Keller establishes that the goal of every sermon is to lead people into worship, a task that is not as simple as it might sound.

Read syllabus p. 134 (“The Need to Include Non-Christians in Services”), then jumps to pp. 147-151 abt. 9:30 in.

1. Think of the four “sub-texts” enumerated on 147-148. To which of the first three do you think you are most drawn, and what might it take to develop your preaching in the fourth subtext? Can you think of any other “sub-texts” that you hear in preaching?

2. Which of the five Edwards-inspired tips that Keller gives on pp.150-151 is most surprising to you?

3. Think of the best preachers you’ve heard in your life. What did they have in common with regard to their “sub-text,” as well as how they interacted with their congregation?

In this session, Edmund Clowney turns to Luke 17. He asserts that genuine increasing faith is demonstrated not by mechanical obedience but by a heartfelt expression of praise that reveals a true relationship with the Lord. Clowney emphasizes the importance of properly understanding and establishing context in narrative preaching.

1. Had you ever heard Dr. Clowney’s interpretation of the Parable of the Unworthy Servant? What is another parable in the Gospels whose context largely determines its interpretation?

2. Do you have a regular practice of meditation? What are the benefits of cultivating this discipline?

3. How regularly do you think about the ways in which you might be gifted? Given how you’ve been equipped, how do your gifts in particular edify the body of Christ?

In this session, Tim Keller gives an overview of the importance of an intimate walk with God in order to be a more effective preacher.

Read syllabus pp. 169, jumps to pp. 176 about 22 mins in. 

Generally: pp.169-189

1. Reformed people typically carry more suspicion towards a lectio divina model of approaching Scripture. Had you heard of this meditative approach before? How do you think it might enrich your time with the Lord, and what are you still unsure of?

2. Can you think of a story in the Bible where the Lord used the gifts of someone who was not saved to bring fruit to listeners?