Jerry Bridges on Preaching

If you are going to be true to Scripture you must preach the imperatives.  But always remember to use the “two book ends.”  Our righteousness in Christ (Gospel) and the power of the Holy Spirit. 

We cannot be perfect and obey these imperatives, but we are clothed in the righteousness of Christ.  Jesus paid the price for our sins and they are all forgiven.  Also, we can never obey on our own, but only through the power of the Spirit.

Never assume the gospel, make it loud and clear.  Never bring in the imperatives of Scripture without explicitly stating the gospel.