Emphasizes the crucial role of preaching the Word of God faithfully and persistently, even in the face of opposition or indifference, as a sacred responsibility entrusted to us by God.
Good morning, brothers and sisters in Christ! We're diving right into the deep end of the pool today, with a passage from 2 Timothy. This is a passage that speaks to the heart of every Christian, but especially anyone who has ever felt the call to preach the Word of God.
In his book, "Between Two Worlds," John Stott says, "To preach is to open up the inspired text with such faithfulness and sensitivity that God’s voice is heard and His people obey Him." Isn't that profound?
Now, let's look at our Scripture passage for today:
“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry" (2 Timothy 4:1-5).
Before we dig into this meaty section of Scripture, let's bow our heads in prayer.
The necessity of preaching is not just a tradition or a ritual that we perform; rather, it is an essential part of our calling as followers of Christ. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to Timothy, underscores this point by charging Timothy, in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, to "preach the word." This charge is not just for Timothy, but for all of us who have been called to share the good news of Jesus Christ.
How God communicates: It’s the primary means through which God has chosen to communicate His Word to His people. It is through the preaching of the Word that the truths of the Bible are expounded and applied to our lives. Preaching serves as a conduit, a bridge that connects the eternal truths of God's Word to the practical realities of our daily lives. It is through preaching that we are challenged, encouraged, corrected, and comforted.
It’s a means of grace: It is through the faithful proclamation of the Word that God's grace is made known to us. It is through preaching that we are reminded of God's love, His mercy, His forgiveness, and His promise of eternal life. Preaching is not just about imparting knowledge; it is about experiencing the grace of God in a profound and personal way.
It’s a divine mandate: The charge to "preach the word" is not a suggestion; it is a command. It is a sacred responsibility that has been entrusted to us. As followers of Christ, we are called to be His ambassadors, to proclaim His message to the world. This is not a task that we can take lightly or neglect. It is a duty that we must fulfill with diligence and faithfulness.
Not just about speaking: It’s also about listening. It is about being receptive to the voice of God as He speaks to us through His Word. It is about being open to the prompting of the Holy Spirit as He guides us and empowers us to proclaim the message of Christ. Preaching, therefore, is a two-way communication. It is a dialogue between God and His people, a dialogue that is facilitated by the preacher.
It’s a tool for spiritual growth: It is through the preaching of the Word that we are nourished and strengthened in our faith. It is through preaching that we are equipped for service, for living out our faith in practical ways. Preaching is not just about information; it is about transformation. It is about becoming more like Christ, about growing in our relationship with Him.
It’s a means of evangelism. It is through the preaching of the Word that the good news of Jesus Christ is proclaimed to those who do not know Him. It is through preaching that the gospel is spread, that hearts are touched, and that lives are changed. Preaching is not just about teaching; it is about reaching out, about sharing the love of Christ with a lost and hurting world.
Pastor, here would be a good place to share the story of how you came to become a pastor.
The preacher is charged, in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, to preach the Word ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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