R. G. Lee’s Famous Sermon — “Payday—Someday”

By David L. Allen

One of the most famous sermons preached in the 20^th century was “PayDay—Someday” by R. G. Lee, famed pastor for 32 years of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, TN. The editors of The Christian Century said, “‘Payday Someday’ is a 20^th century equivalent to Jonathan Edwards’ ‘Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.’” Lee preached this sermon 1,275 times over his ministry (with some estimates upward of 2000), including once a year at Bellevue. According to estimates, “Payday Someday” was heard by over three million people during Lee’s ministry, not including those who watched it via video. In his memoir, Lee states, “Over eight thousand persons have confessed their faith in Jesus under the preaching of this sermon.”

​“Payday Someday,” is based on 1 Kings 21 and 2 Kings 9. This message, narrative in form, tells the story of King Ahab’s murderous acquisition of Naboth’s vineyard. His vivid characterization of Naboth, Ahab, Jezebel, and Elijah mesmerized listeners and kept them on the edge of their seats. It even became the theme of a sacred opera. Lee preached every word from memory. His use of illustration, alliteration, and word pictures captured the hearts and minds of his audiences. The message averaged about one hour and fifteen minutes to preach, but Lee’s masterful delivery was able to hold the attention of the listener.

As the sermon moves to a conclusion, Lee shifts from the story itself and begins addressing the audience directly. He explains how people can make various decisions in life, but that “The retributive providence of God is a reality as certainly as night follows day, because sin carries in itself the seed of its own fatal penalty.” He closed the sermon with this pungent sentence:

​The only way I know for anybody in this world, any nation in the world, to escape the ​sinner’s payday and the sinner’s Hell beyond it is through Jesus Christ, who took the ​sinner’s place on the Cross, and on that Cross became for sinners all that God must judge ​that we, through faith in Him, might become all that God cannot judge.

​While there are many contributing factors to the success of “Payday Someday,” Lee’s intentional usage of rhetorical devices plays a crucial role in its enduring impact, effectively engaging his audience and driving home the sermon’s message with clarity and emotional connection. Later in his life, when asked about the message’s impact, Lee humbly responded, “Some have not liked the message and have criticized it hurtfully. Some have liked the sermon and praised it helpfully.”

​If you are not familiar with this sermon—read a copy soon. It is one you cannot afford to miss!