Today, we talk about a perplexing struggle for many, the struggle with self-consciousness.

Also during this season, we've been talking a lot about preaching with the release of

your book, Pastor John, expository, exaltation, Christian preaching, and as a worship.

That was a book that came out in April.

All of which leads to this question from Parker, a pastor, and Detroit, which opens the

discussion.

I think we can all benefit from Parker writes this, Pastor John, in episode number 49,

wow, that's a long time ago, back in episode 49, you commented on how self-consciousness

is the preacher's curse.

What steps would you suggest I take or which truths would you suggest I meditate on in

order to overcome the curse of self-consciousness in the pulpit?

Well, that's right.

I have said many times that I long in the pulpit, not for the privilege of being conscious of

myself and liking what I hear, like you might think, oh, that's what you'd want, be conscious

of yourself and like what you hear.

No, I would rather be unconscious of myself and so captivated by the truth that I'm preaching

and so moved by love for the people in front of me, that myself as a preacher is not one

moment in my consciousness.

So yes, I'm thinking about God or Christ or salvation or obedience of faith or the cross

or the needs of the people or the hope for outcomes, what's so much to focus on that

standing outside myself and watching myself preach is simply not happening because if

it happens, it produces all kinds of either discouragement or pride.

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