The Biblical Preacher
TEXT: I Corinthians 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
I. His Qualifications (I Timothy 3:1-6)
1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
Titus 1:6-9
6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.
7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;
9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
A. Desire-2 Greek words are used
--1. oregomai- to stretch oneself, i.e. reach out after (long for):-covet after, desire
--2. epithumeo- covet, desire, lust (after)
B. Blameless-anepileptos, literally “not arrested…i.e., not of prior guilt
C. Husband of one wife-one mia, one or first, i.e., the husband of his first wife
D. Vigilant-nephaleos, circumspect (judicious, sensible and prudent)
E. Sober-sophron, self-controlled, discreet, sober, temperate
F. Of Good Behaviour-kosmios, orderly, with decorum (etiquette and politeness)
G. Given to Hospitality-philoxenos, fond of guests
H. Apt to Teach-didaktikos, instructive
I. Not Given to Wine-me paroinos, one who does not even linger near wine, much less partake thereof
J. No Striker-me plektes, not quarrelsome, especially a physical fighter
K. Not Greedy of Filthy Lucre-me aischrokerdes, not greedy of sordid (filthy or unsavory) gain
L. Patient-epieikes, appropriate, gentle, and mild
M. Not a Brawler-amachos, literally “not macho” i.e., peaceable
N. Not Covetous-aphilarguros, without covetousness, especially in regard to money
O. Ruleth Well His Own House-ruleth well-proistemi kalos, maintain his family well
P. Not a Novice-neophutos, literally “newly planted”, or actually a new convert or inexperienced Christian
Q. Moreover…a Good Report-kai marturian kalon, Literally “Above all, he must, must, must have a good testimony” i.e., by those outside the church
R. Children Not Accused of Riot or Unruly (Titus 1:6)-riot-asotia, literally “not saved”, unsavedness; unruly-anupotaktos, insubordinate and disobedient
S. Steward (Titus 1:7)-oikonomos, a manager
T. Not Selfwilled (Titus 1:7)-me authades, literally “not arrogant”
II. His Calling
A. Irrevocable- Romans 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
B. Distinct- 1 Corinthians 7:20 Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.
C. High Calling- Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
D. Holy Calling- 2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, (a call to holiness)
E. Heavenly Calling- Hebrews 3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; (and thus a heavenly responsibility)
III. His Ministry (I Corinthians 14:3)
A. Edification: οικοdοµην oikodomen, architectural term, i.e. (concretely) a structure; figuratively, confirmation:-building, edify(-ication, -ing). “to build up in the faith with affirmation”
B. Exhortation: paraklesis comfort, consolation, exhortation, entreaty “to encourage with a sense of urgency”
C. Comfort: paramuthia consolation (properly, abstract):-comfort. “to actively console in the time of need”
D. Holding Fast the Faithful Word: antechomenon tou kata tayn didachayn pistou logou, “to adhere to the sure Word of God in doctrine” Titus 1:9
E. Exhort & Convince:parakaleo elegcho, “to implore by open rebuke” Titus 1:9
POINT: No man is perfect, but the Word of God IS clear…the man of God has 1) a biblical calling 2) biblical qualifications and 3) and a biblical ministry as outlined in the Word of God!!!
Other passages to consider:
• I Thessalonians 2:11 exhort, comfort, charge as a father
• Isaiah 58:1 cry aloud, spare not
• Jeremiah 1:7-8 be not afraid of their faces; I have put my word in your mouth
• I Timothy 6:11 "follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness"
