Piper has written an excellent inspirational book on the subject of preaching. This is not a book on the techniques or mechanics of preaching; rather it could be best described as an encouragement for preachers to focus their messages on the greatness of God. I found the volume delightful and plan to read it often.
The Supremacy of God in Preaching is divided into two sections. The first part handles with skill the question of why God should be supreme in preaching. Fashionable preaching today focuses on tips and techniques, stories and “practical themes.” Piper challenges this fad and urges the preacher to give their hearers God in all of His glory. The author suggests that people are starving for God (whether they know it or not) and someone, at least once a week, “needs to lift up his voice and magnify the supremacy of God” (p.11).
The second half of the book offers Jonathan Edwards as an example of this style of preaching. From Edwards’ ministry we learn that good preaching is aimed toward the emotions (e.g. the hatred of sin, delight in God) and is saturated with Scripture – it oozes Scripture.
This is a book that should be read by every preacher. I plan to give it as a gift to my pastor friends as opportunities arise.