Responsibilities Associated With Preaching

2000015

Subject: Preaching

Introduction:

A.        Been preaching for 5-6 years and only preached 1 lesson on the responsibilities of preaching.

1.      Been said that good preachers don’t like to preach lessons on this subject b/c they don’t want to talk about themselves….

2.      sorry/poor preachers don’t care to preach on this subject b/c they don’t want to throw the light of truth on themselves.

B.        When is the last time you have heard a lesson on responsibilities of preaching?

1.      commend brethren here that take time out to get in pulpit.

2.      for it’s size – Southside to be commended for # of those preaching here.

C.        Text of tonight’s lesson: 1 Cor. 2:1-7.  Paul seeking to show the Corinthians that the most important thing is the message preached NOT the one preaching the message.

1.      Talks about the point/objective of preaching.  That is – to make known the manifold wisdom of God.

2.      2:5 – men should not glory in the preacher – but in the power of Almighty God.

D.        Hope this lesson will be as beneficial to you as it has been for me to put it together.

 

I.  Preaching is not to be done w/excellency of speech.

A.     1 Cor. 1:21; 2 Cor. 10:10

1.      power to be in the message of truth – not in the man.

a)      the more effective speaker in Paul’s time – the more he was received.  Certainly – as a speaker – Paul not well respected.

b)      The power is in the gospel – it has power to change hearts of man.

2.      Make no mistake:  when gospel is preached in it’s simplicity – it will convict the honest & true heart.

a)      know of some upon hearing gospel for first time knew immediately that it was truth.  Who was/is speaking NOT the important thing.

b)      2:1 – preachers very simply must declare the testimony of God.

3.      Good words/fair speeches – what false teachers rely upon.

a)      Rom. 16:18

b)      Acts 20:30; 2 Tim. 4:3-4

c)       Col. 2:4 – enticing words used by some to deceive the unsuspecting.

4.      Most important thing we need to be concerned with – whether the truth is preached or not – not so much the quality of the speech.

a)      disclaimer:  not to say that grammar; confidence; & polish not necessary. 

b)      Of course they necessary:  however, this should not be the primary concern.  Truth needs to be priority ONE!

 

II.  Preaching is to be done with fear & trembling.

A.     1 Cor. 2:3

1.      responsibility for those who teach/preach is tremendous.

2.      something that Paul didn’t approach lightly.  Get the picture that he didn’t feel worthy at times to preach the gospel.

a)        must realize the gravity of the situation.  Preaching is serious!

b)        Js. 3:1 – Heaven/Hell is connected w/the one who stands in the pulpit.

B.     This involves the necessity of practicing what you preach.

1.      Teachers – are you putting to practice what you teach?  Of no effect if you aren’t.

2.      2 Tim. 2:2 – have responsibility to teach gospel to “faithful” men to teach others.

3.      1 Tim. 4:12; 16; Titus 2:7-8 – Preachers/teachers must be example & take heed to how one uses speech.

a)        not much more discouraging to find dishonest preacher.

b)        Worldly lives, filled w/unbecoming habits, who misbehave toward opposite sex.

C.    Remember – one must approach this humbly – and be prepared to follow through on that what he preaches – by his own example.

 

III.  Preaching is to be done boldly & earnestly.

A.        1 Cor. 2:6-7 – preaching the gospel of Christ.  That to be boldly proclaimed.  What a privilege to preach the revealed message of God!

1.      2 Tim. 4:2 – look at Paul’s instructions to Timothy.

a)        preach – in season/out of season.

b)        Exhort, encourage those who need it.

2.      To be serious in nature.  Demands serious attention.  Not a time to be primarily concerned w/jokes, relate quotes in books of men.

3.      Preaching the gospel deals with the living who are going to die & be judged.

B.        Acts 9:27, 29 – to be done boldly.  Stand up & teach gospel for what it says – not be ashamed of it.  Use tact – but preach it for what it says.

 

IV.  Preaching is to be done with pure motives.

A.     Goal = to preach the gospel & the gospel only.  Not to make name for oneself.  Not to create a following; not to be a “brotherhood watchdog.” 

1.      1:13-17

2.      to preach, build up Christ – not to build oneself up or tear down others.

3.      Phil. 1:14-18

B.     Must approach w/a spirit of love – not out of an axe to grind.

 

V.  Preaching is to be a pure proclamation of the gospel.

A.     1 Cor. 2:7 – what did Paul preach?

1.      no room for another gospel – Gal. 1:7-9.  Must preach simple truth.

2.      Acts 20:27 – preach the whole counsel of God.  Not just pick & choose.

C.    Rom. 1:16 – there is no substitute for the gospel.

D.    Rom. 10:13-15 – there is no substitute for preaching.

 

Conclusion:

A.        If the gospel is preached & preached as it ought to be preached – there are people who will hear & obey.

B.        Let those who teach/preach – realize the seriousness of their job.

C.       Are you interested in obeying the simple gospel that has been revealed to man?

1.      Tonight is your opportunity.

2.      Living by what your proclaiming?  If not, why not?

D.  I N V I T A T I O N