On the other hand, transformational preaching would approach the passage this way: "God used Paul to give people an unmistakable command. Don't grumble and argue. However, notice the context of this command. Paul's purpose in addressing the habit of complaining is to spur his hearers toward greater Christ-likeness. Christ is the great object of Paul's teaching. He does not merely have contentment in mind, but contentment that springs from the nature of Christ and is expressed for the pleasure of Christ. So how does God replace our natural tendency to grumble with Christ-like humility? Paul's answer is by holding fast to the Word of life. As we dive deeper and deeper into the sovereign and good character of God, His Spirit convicts, humbles and changes us. As a result, we are able to replace the sinful habit of grumbling with the righteous habit of contentment."
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The major and important difference between propositional and transformational preaching is the objective. Simply stated above, transformational preaching strives to bring the living Word of God to bear on not just the behavior of the listeners, but on their hearts by unpacking Scripture in a way that teaches, reproves, corrects and trains Christians in righteousness. Preachers and teachers who desire to help Christians grow in Christ must intentionally pursue their own growth in applying Scripture to life. This may be more difficult for those who preach more for evangelism than sanctification. Because unbelievers have no ability to change without first coming to Christ, preaching for conversion does not lend as many opportunities to apply Scripture. Therefore, predominately evangelistic preachers may require additional study and practice to grow in preaching for maturity and genuine soul care. Whatever kind of preaching we are accustomed to, learning to preach transformational, change-oriented sermons is essential to rightly shepherding the flock among us. I am thankful there is an modern and swelling tide of pastors committed to progressive sanctification and transformational preaching, and I pray our momentum builds.
A few thoughts on how to grow in transformational preaching/teaching:1) Grow in your understanding of the New Testament authors' purpose of writing. For instance, in the passage above, Paul repeatedly said his purpose was maturity, sanctification and shepherding people toward completeness in Christ.
2) Study theologians who were/are noted for wisdom in transformational preaching/teaching (i.e., the Puritans, the Protestant reformers, modern biblical counselors).
3) Rather than viewing the gospel merely as a means to conversion, cultivate for yourself a sharper grasp on the transformative power of God's grand redemptive story. Remind yourself the gospel that saves is the gospel that sanctifies.
4) Practice applying the gospel and biblical principles of change to your own troubles, trials and temptations.
5) Study and practice biblical counseling as a priority in ministry. There is no better preacher than one who is also a counselor. He inevitably has a better grip on his Bible and a keener insight into the lives of his hearers.
