First, all preaching is to explain him. If it does not explain him, it falls short and "that preaching, which stands not in relation to him, is beside the text and mark." (74)
Second, he is the foundation of all preaching and "preaching without him lacks a foundation, and is the building, as it were, of a castle in the air" (74).
Third, he is the great end of preaching. Durham states that hearers must "have him known in their judgments" and "have him high in their hearts and affections" (75).
Fourth and final, he stands in relation to preaching as its life and power. Without him, says Durham, "no preaching can be effectual, no soul can be captivated and brought to him." (75)
I am using this excellent book, borrowed from good friend Pastor Tim Kerr and recommended here by Tony Reinke, as a daily devotional. With 72 sermons it should take me two months to work through it. But it has been enjedifying (enjoyable and edifying) from the first sentence.
(Durham, James. Christ Crucified: The Marrow of the Gospel in 72 Sermons on Isaiah 53. Dallas: Napthali Press, 2007. Print.)
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