Self-control in preaching

Posted on June 11, 2026 
Filed under Resources

Encouragement from Michael Leong at The Expository Preaching Trust –

“One of the most common requirements of an elder, overseer, or pastor is that he be self-controlled (1 Tim 3:2; Titus 1:8). Self-control is the opposite of self-indulgence; the word implies that there are things about us that are unsavoury or shameful, and they should not be let out to run riot in our families, churches, or public lives.

Self-control goes against the grain of our culture. Our world encourages us to ‘trust your feelings,’ ‘follow your heart’ or ‘you do you,’ a way of living called Expressive Individualism in Christian circles. Some workplaces encourage their employees to ‘bring your whole self to work;’ Christians who understand their own sinfulness know that this is destructive and harmful, rather than helpful.

Preachers should certainly not ‘bring their whole self’ to their preaching. Our preaching must be conditioned by the text we are preaching from, the sound doctrine entrusted to us, and the needs of the people under our care. …”

– Read it all.