The Preacher's Work: Part 3

Allen Webster

Topic(s): Christian Life

Links to this entire series:

• The Preacher's Work: Part 1
• The Preacher's Work: Part 2
• The Preacher's Work: Part 3
• The Preacher's Work: Part 4

Assist and Resist.

Preachers, and all Christians, should assist those in need. Paul collected money to be used to help the poor saints in Jerusalem (Romans 15:26). Stephen was among those who assisted the neglected widows (Acts 6). Pure religion keeps its eyes and heart opened to the fatherless and widows in their affliction (James 1:27).
Preachers, and all Christians, should resist those who compromise or change God’s truth. Jude insisted that we “earnestly con-tend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 1:3; cf. Galatians 1:6–10; Philippians 1:17). God’s Word has been given as a treasure to us (2 Corinthians 4:7); it must be faithfully handled and passed down to the next generation (2 Timothy 2:2; Revelation 22:18–19).

Proclaim and Reclaim.

Across the front of many communion tables are the words, “This Do in Remembrance of Me.” In the early days of the Restoration Movement, it was not uncommon to see inscribed across pulpits the exhortation, “Preach the Word.”

One definition of the New Testament word for preach is to “pro-claim openly.” A preacher must proclaim God’s Word, not men’s philosophies. He is the publisher; not the author. He is the sales-man; not the manufacturer. He is not at liberty to speak his own message; he must deliver the King’s message. Man was never commissioned to preach anything other than the “old Jerusalem gospel” (Mark 16:15; Galatians 1:8–9).

More and more churches of our day are receiving less and less of the gospel with each passing year. In some places, it has become unpopular to give a “thus saith the Lord.” Some believe that citing the biblical reference in sermons hinders the presentation of the preacher. We wonder about a sermon that biblical references hinder!

In place of the Word in sermons, many are presenting personal interest stories, testimonials, current religious thought, jokes, and commentary on contemporary events. Franklin Camp said, “Preachers of the past filled their sermons with Scripture. But one may hear sermons today with no scripture or only one passage . . . [A] sermon without scripture is like an empty bucket for one dying of thirst.”^f Paul faced the problem at Corinth of men preaching themselves rather than the Word (cf. 1 Corinthians 2:1–5; 2 Corinthians 4:5, 18–19). Such preachers are like Elymus who tried to withhold the truth from Sergius Paulus (Acts 13:8).

Why should sermons be filled with Scripture?

First, it helps hearers learn the Bible. Each is able to “search the Scriptures” (Acts 17:11), by following along. Abraham spoke from Paradise to say, “They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them” (Luke 16:29). Preachers today have Moses, the prophets, Christ, and the apostles, so they should “let them hear them!” How can people learn the Bible if they do not hear it? (Romans 10:14).

Second, it helps avoid misapplication (2 Peter 3:16). Error is often undetectable to average people when disguised in a few familiar-sounding biblical phrases severed from their original context. When honest truth-seekers are given opportunity to investigate, the truth that sets men free (John 8:32). Faithful preachers have nothing to hide; they desire that listeners check on them. Since each is responsible for working out his “own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12), preachers help by pointing others to Jesus (John 1:37) and His Word (Hebrews 4:12).

Third, it shows respect for biblical authority (Colossians 3:17). Hearers are reminded that the preacher is not speaking “of himself” (John 7:16; 8:28; 14:10), or asserting his own ideas (1 Peter 4:11; 2 Peter 1:20–21), but rather permitting God to speak for Himself (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

Fourth, it is following the Biblical precedent. Jesus often said, “It is written” (Matthew 21:13; Mark 7:6; Luke 19:46; 24:46) and “found the place where it was written” (Luke 4:16–17) before beginning to preach. Peter’s sermon on Pentecost (Acts 2) had quotations from Joel 2:28–30, Psalm 16:8–11, 110:1, and 2 Samuel 7:11–12. Because the apostles used the Scriptures, they were as invincible as an avalanche; nothing could stop them.

Fifth, it fulfills the purpose of preaching (2 Timothy 4:2). As farmers sow seeds, preachers are to sow the word (Luke 8:11; Acts 20:32). The power to save men is in the gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16; 2 Corinthians 12:9; John 8:32; Ephesians 6:17). It is not in money (Acts 3:6), men (Acts 4:13), or popularity (Acts 28:20). How can men expect to save souls without the soul-saving message?

One purpose of proclaiming is reclaiming. Sheep wander away, so they must be searched out and brought back to the safety of the flock (Luke 15:1–7). Not all conversions end in baptisms. Some end in restorations. James wrote, “Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins” (James 5:19–20). In some ways, the latter is more fulfilling that the former. For one reason, it is more challenging. Solomon explained, “A brother of-fended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle” (Proverbs 18:19; cf. Acts 15:39). But it can be done, and when it is, it is rewarding. Consider two patriarchal examples: Esau and Jacob (Genesis 27:41; 33:4) and Joseph and his brethren (Genesis 37; 45:15). In the New Testament, Simon the sorcerer fell, but requested prayer after Peter’s rebuke (Acts 8:22–24).

In many communities, there are more inactive church members than active ones. The assembly would be overflowing if every living person who had ever been on the rolls were still in the pews. Preachers know the value of these precious people and take time to influence them. They try to build rapport when they see them in town. They graciously offer their services if there is a death in the family. They take time to visit them when they are hospitalized. They make sure they have personal invitations to homecomings, meetings, and special church events.

Part 1
Part 2
Part 4

Endnote:

¹Church bulletin article, East Gadsden church of Christ. Author’s files.