Perspective:
Preach the Word!
Nelson Thomas
We live in an era where propagation of any idea is very simple and fast. So many preach and publish their ideologies using various modern mediums. Politicians, social reformers, educationalists, entertainers, counsellors, etc., are using these modern technologies widely. The influence of these people among the society is very much visible and often alarming too. In such a scenario, as Christians what should be our part in proclaiming the truths that we hold on to and follow dearly?
Just before his execution, Apostle Paul writes to his beloved spiritual son Timothy, “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” (2 Timothy 4:2). This is one of his final charges from the Roman prison. It is an instruction every Christian should consider seriously. Preaching God’s Word to the present generation should be taken as the topmost responsibility of every born-again child of God.
Sermons: secular vs. spiritual
In fact, sermons are not at all new to the church as a whole. Week after week several preach to Christian congregations. However, we should never forget that the communication of God’s Word is at a different level than all secular ones. We cannot blindly follow the pattern that unbelievers follow.
We do not preach our own ideologies or even ourselves. Entertainment is not at all the goal in Christian preaching. It’s not just to fill the time or to complete a duty. While preaching God’s Word, we share the burden of God, conveying God’s mind to the people. Not only the content of our message, even the energy, the method, the presentation, and the whole approach in Christian preaching must be divinely approved and originated (Cf. 1 Cor. 2:1–5).
Popular demand
Alas, many sermons from the Christian pulpit today fail the test of this divine standard! Personal stories, politics, history, psychology, etc., are being presented to make the listeners feel good and happy. Many sermons only aim to make the hearers richer, healthier, and successful.
Sadly, the general public also likes the same, 2 Tim. 4:3. No wonder, those who remain true to God’s Word in their preaching and practice are not popular among such. Therefore, it is high time for Christians to re-discover the preaching of God’s Word according to the scriptural standard.
The Significance
Let us consider five reasons why it’s imperative to preach the Word.
1. The importance given to preaching in the scripture.
Throughout the Bible, we see God using His chosen servants to declare His counsel to the people, Deut. 31:1ff. The Old Testament prophets were commanded to preach at different occasions (Ezekiel 20:46; 21:2; Jonah 3:2). Even when the people were not responding to their preaching, they were told to continue preaching (Isaiah 6:9–11).
In the New Testament also, John the Baptist began to preach the message of repentance. Then the Lord Jesus and the Apostles used to preach from cities to villages (Matt. 9:35; Luke 4:43). Later, the Lord commanded the apostles very specifically to preach the gospel all over the world, Mark 16:15.
The Acts of the Apostles give us a glimpse of the faithful preaching of the disciples and the result of it. Thus, we can notice the Lord Jesus, His disciples, and the early church took preaching as the most important part of their ministry.
2. Preaching is the divine method to convince and convert the heart of man.
The first sermon preached by Peter resulted in the conversion of three thousand souls, Acts 2: 41. Paul says in Rom. 10:17, “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” It is the hearing of the word of truth that breaks and challenges one to seek salvation and new life through Jesus Christ, Eph. 1:13a.
3. Preaching is the way for building up the Church of Christ.
Faithful preaching and teaching of the gifted men in the church edifies and equips the assembly, Eph. 4:11, 12.
4. Encouragement and edification of individual believers depend on preaching.
Paul knew that his preaching not only converted people, but it also comforted, counselled, and warned every one, so that each one be presented perfect in Christ Jesus (Col. 1:28; 1 Thess. 4:17).
5. Reformation and revival among the believers is based on preaching.
History proves that it was the truthful proclamation of God’s Word that brought about renewal and restoration among God’s people. Consider the life and ministry of those who could transform the church in the past; they were marked by their commitment to preaching of God’s Word, especially expository preaching. It has been said that the puritan preachers used to preach for several hours at a time.
All those men of God realized the value of devotedly explaining and applying God’s timeless truths for their generation. That resulted in the spiritual growth of individual Christians as well as the growth of the assembly in their life-time.
Feed the lamb
It’s the duty of today’s oversight of the assembly to continue this vital aspect of Christian ministry for the present generation. More than anything else, let us consider preaching as our most essential responsibility. Let’s refuse to be carried away by other activities that make us lack in our preaching work. Poor preaching will definitely make the believers spiritually malnourished and impoverished. Listen to the command of the risen Lord to Peter thrice, “Feed My lambs.” John 21:15–17.
Let us make sure as we continue to teach and preach the Word of God that it may be done in the best possible manner even as the Lord would like us to. Let us understand the message of the scripture for ourselves and prayerfully apply it for the present situation. Remember, we can forcefully and convincingly preach only those things that we know well.
Such biblical understanding is not possible without a serious study and meditation of the scripture. Indeed, this demands much labor with all humility and patience. Then only our preaching will be fresh and fruitful; the local assemblies will be revived and restored and God will be glorified among His people.
NTK
