How we should properly use or not use Greek/Hebrew in our sermons, from the pulpit?  This issue needs to be addressed more systematically, especially for us young seminarians who endeavor to be faithful expositors of God’s word. In yesterday’s Monday with Mounce, Dr. William D. Mounce (NT chair of the ESV translation) responded to this important question I asked. How do you use Greek in the pulpit? His conclusion is very helpful:

My prayer is that I never use Hebrew and Greek in such a way as to elevate myself, to make something of myself. And perhaps this is the answer. If you are wondering about whether to use technical language, ask yourself why. Is it to make much of yourself, or to make much of God? Can you find a humbler way of saying it, and if so why wouldn’t you do it that way? Motives are a hard thing to assess, especially in yourself, but the work is worth it.

God’s call for humility and gentleness does not stop at the classroom door. They are not qualities only for the “uninitiated” pew-sitters.

Humility, gentleness, kindness, must first and foremost be demonstrated from the pulpit. If your church is struggling with arrogance, perhaps all of us who stand before people should watch a video of how we preach and what we say. Maybe that is where the problem starts.

Read Mounce’s entire post here.