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The Preacher and His Preaching“But (God) hath in due timesmanifested His Word through preaching ”(Titus 1:3)By Evangelist Tom Palmer “The world is waiting to hear an authentic voice, a voicefrom God, not an echo of what others are doing or saying,but an authentic voice.” –A.W. Tozer “God’s greatest gift to any generation is not a majorbreakthrough in science or technology which makes lifemore easy or prosperous; it is a man with the voice ofeternity within, calling his fellow man from paths ofselfishness to find satisfaction in God.” –From DuncanCampbell’s biography “Preaching is the proclamation of the Word, the truth asthe truth has been revealed.” –G. Campbell Morgan Preaching is “My human lips filled with the Word of God.”–D.L. Moody “Preaching is communicating divine truth through humanpersonality.” –Phillips Brooks “Preaching is the powerful, precise, persuasiveproclamation of the Word of God, by the man anointed bythe Spirit of God. Preaching is not a secular discussion ofhuman ideas, but the Scriptural declaration of God’struth.” –Tom FarrellEffective preachingis the communication of a message from God.1
Training PreachersThe books of I and II Timothy are the textbook used by the ApostlePaul in the training of his “son in the faith” (verse 2 in the first chapterof both books) named Timothy. As Paul laid out his “preachingcurriculum”, he highlighted his purpose for doing so in four specificareas which are mentioned in II Timothy.1. The preacher needs encouragement “Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the giftof God, which is in thee ” (II Tim. 1:6) The preacher will find that doubt, disillusionment, anddespair can become genuine realities that must be dealtwith.2. The preacher needs education “And the things that thou hast heard of me the same committhou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” (IITim. 2:2) The preacher must be both a student and teacher as helearns and teaches.3. The preacher needs equipment “That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished untoall good works.” (II Tim. 3:17) The preacher must have the right tools and the righttraining (how to use the tool) to get the job done.4. The preacher needs endurance “But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work ofan evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” (II Tim. 4:5) The preacher must overcome hindrances and limitationsthat would keep him from finishing well.2
The Priority of Preaching1. The example of Jesus “I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also, fortherefore am I sent.” (Luke 4:43) “He went throughout every city and village preaching ”(Luke 8:1)2. The example of John the Baptist “In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in thewilderness ” (Matt. 3:1) “John did baptize in the wilderness and preach ”(Mark 1:4)3. The example of the Apostles “He ordained twelve that He might send them forth topreach.” (Mark 3:14) “And they went out, and preached that men shouldrepent.” (Mark 6:12)4. The example of the early believers “Therefore they went everywhere preaching the Word.”(Acts 8:4) “ preaching the Word preaching the Lord Jesus ”(Acts 11:19, 20)5. The example of Paul “I am ready to preach” (Rom. 1:15) “ woe is me if I preach not the gospel.” (II Cor. 5:19)3
“Preaching” Defined*Some form of the word “preach” is found 141 times in the NewTestament. (Tom Farrell)*A.P. Gibbs gives 4 Greek words used in the New Testament (ThePreacher and His Preaching)1. “kerusso” – to proclaim as a herald (the public proclamationof the Gospel Matt. 11:1Mark 1:4Mark 3:14Mark 16:20Rom. 10:142. “euaggelizo” – to tell good news (this is the word from whichwe get terms like evangel, evangelist, or evangelize) Matt. 11:5Luke 4:18Luke 7:22I Cor. 1:17Gal. 1:16Heb. 4:23. “katangello” – to tell thoroughly Acts 4:2Acts 13:38Acts 15:36Col. 1:284. “laleo” – to talk, to utter words Mark 2:2Acts 11:19Acts 14:254
I. Our Text – The Word of GodII Tim. 4:2 – “Preach the Word ” “reprove” – to convict or convince someone of something(to prove with overwhelming evidence of truth) “rebuke” – chide, censure or blame (like a sharp or severereprimand) “exhort” – to urge, to encourage (a plan for change)*Preaching must be authoritative (“preach the Word”); it mustbe persuasive (“reprove rebuke exhort”); and it must beinstructive (“longsuffering and doctrine”). (John Van Gelderen)*A classic example is found in the way that Nathan the prophetconfronted King David regarding his sin (II Sam. 12).-confrontation (what was wrong)-conviction (why it was wrong)-communication (how to make it right)Heb. 4:12 – “For the Word of God is ” “quick” – the life-giving nature of the Word of God “powerful” – the life-changing nature of the Word of God “sharper” – the life-penetrating nature of the Word of God*“piercing” – It goes deep – it touches every part of thelife including the mental and emotional (soul), the spiritual(spirit), and the physical (joints and marrow).*“dividing” – It shows directly – like a sharp cuttinginstrument, the Word of God exposes the real condition ofthe heart and life.*“discerning” – It knows decisively – the Word of Godaddresses even the most personal thoughts and feelingswithin the life.5
II Tim. 3:16 – “all Scripture is given by inspiration of God and isprofitable ” “doctrine” – teaches what is right “reproof” – teaches what is not right “correction” – teaches how to make things right “instruction” – teaches how to keep things rightPs. 119:130 – “The entrance of Thy Word giveth light ” (the word“entrance” literally means opening) “ when I open my Bible to read, light springs up in mymind. Every sermon, every prayer, every act of faith, is anopening by which light is let into the seeking soul.”(Adam Clarke’s Commentary) A preacher is the voice of deity.The Example of Ezra (Ezra 7:10)1. Preparation – “For Ezra had prepared his heart ”2. Passion – “ to seek the law of the Lord ”3. Practice – “ and to do it ”4. Preaching – “and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.”Neh. 8:1-8 (From Preaching that Pleases God by Tom Farrell)1. The exaltation of the Word – “ opened the book ” (v. 5-6)2. The expression of the Word – “ read in the book ” (v. 8)3. The explanation of the Word – “ gave the sense ” (v. 7,8)4. The exhortation of the Word – “ caused them to understand”(v. 7,8)6
Summary God’s Word must be used abundantly – “Let the Word ofChrist dwell (to inhabit) in you richly (abundantly) ”(Col. 3:16) God’s Word must be used accurately – “ rightly dividingthe Word of truth.” (II Tim 2:15)* “as of sincerity” (II Cor. 2:17)* “not handling the Word of God deceitfully” (II Cor. 4:2) God’s Word must be used applicably – “ the Word of Godwhich effectually worketh ” (I Thess. 2:13)Preach to make an impact – not an impression!7
II. Our Teacher – The Spirit of GodA. The Holy Spirit must teach – “ the Holy Ghost He shallteach you all things.” (John 14:26)*Example – Peter in the house of Cornelius (Acts 11:15,16)B. The Holy Spirit must reprove – “ He will reprove the worldof sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” (John 16:8-11)1. Sin – the condemnation of wrong choices2. Righteousness – the compensation of right choices3. Judgment – the consequences of all choicesC. The Holy Spirit must guide – “ when the Spirit of truth iscome, He will guide you into all truth ” (John 16:13)The Example of Jesus (Luke 4:18) “And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned fromJordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness ”(v.1) “And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit ” (v. 14) “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He hathanointed me ” (v. 18)“to preach the gospel to the poor” (v. 18)“to preach the acceptable year of the Lord” (v. 19) A direct quote from Is. 61:1,2 “I must preach ” (v. 43) “And He preached ” (v. 44)8
III. Our Topic – The Son of GodActs 5:42 – “And daily in the temple, and in every house, theyceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.”I Cor. 1:23 – “ we preach Christ ” (v. 21-25) “Christ the power of God”“Christ the wisdom of God”II Cor. 4:5 – “ we preach Christ Jesus the Lord”*Make much of Jesus!1. Preach the cross of Christ – I Cor. 1:18* “I take a text and head for Calvary.” –Spurgeon* I Cor. 15:1-42. Preach the character of Christ – Rom. 8:293. Preach the conduct of Christ – Acts 10:384. Preach the commission of Christ – Luke 24:47The Example of Philip (Acts 8) Acts 6:5 (v. 3) – chosen and commissioned to serveActs 21:5 – “the evangelist” (a preacher of the gospel, toannounce good news)9
1. Philip’s preaching in Samaria – “Philip went down to the city ofSamaria” (v. 5)- “preaching the Word” (v. 4)- “preached Christ” (v. 5)- “preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God”(v. 12)2. Philip’s preaching to a man – “ began at the same scripture,and preached unto him Jesus.” (v. 35)3. Philip’s preaching in all the cities – “he preached in all thecities” (v. 40) God took Philip to Samaria to reach a multitude God took Philip to the desert to reach a continentPreaching is the powerful, precise, persuasive proclamation of the Wordof God, by the man of God, anointed by the Spirit of God.-Tom Farrell in Preaching That Pleases God (p. 11)10
IV. Our Testimony – The Power of GodI Cor. 2:1-5 – “ my speech and my preaching was indemonstration of the Spirit and of power.”1. Paul did not seek to impress with personality – “excellency[prominence or superiority of rank or character] of speech orwisdom” (v.1)2. Paul did not seek to impress with performance – “I was withyou in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.” (v. 3)3. Paul did not seek to impress with persuasion – “not withenticing [persuasive] words of man’s wisdom” (v. 4) “That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men,but in the power of God.” (v. 5) The priority of a God-based faithThe priority of a God-built faithThe priority of a God-blessed faithI Thess. 1:5 – “For our gospel came not unto you in word only, butalso in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance ”Eph. 4:11 – “And He gave ” Foundation of God’s truth – “apostles and prophets”(Eph. 2:20)Formation of God’s truth – “evangelists andpastors/teachers”11
The Example of Paul*Paul recognized that the preaching of God’s Word was a lifechanging endeavor. He was motivated by a desire to see hishearers experience a “life-change”.1. Focused on Education – the ability to learn “a teacher” (II Tim. 1:11) “able to teach others also” (II Tim. 2:2)2. Focused on Edification – the ability to grow “godly edifying which is in faith” (I Tim. 1:4)3. Focused on Exhortation – the ability to change “exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (II Tim. 4:2)4. Focused on Evangelism – the ability to share “do the work of an evangelist” (II Tim. 4:5)Effective Preaching1. Communicates2. Confronts3. Convicts4. Compels5. Convinces12
The Character of the Preacher – I Timothy“You cannot separate the preacher from his preaching.”“Preaching is not the performance of an hour, it is the outflow ofthe life.” –Vance Havner “Behave thyself” (3:15)“Exercise thyself” (4:7)“Give thyself” (4:15)“Take heed unto thyself” (4:16)“Save thyself” (4:16)“Keep thyself” (5:22)“Withdraw thyself” (6:5)Your talk talks – and your walk talks,But your walk talks louder than your talk talks.I’d Rather See a SermonI’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day;I’d rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way.The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear,Fine counsel is confusing but example’s always clear;And the best of all preachers are the men who live their creeds,For to see good put in action is what everybody needs.I soon can learn to do it if you’ll let me see it done;I can watch your hands in action but your tongue to fast may run.And the lecture you deliver may be very wise and true,But I’d rather get my lessons by observing what you do;For I might misunderstand you and the high advice you give,But there’s no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.-Edgar A. GuestThe best sermons are lived – not preached13
Feed the Flock – The ShepherdI Pet. 5:2 – “ feed the flock of God which is among you ”(Acts 20:28)1. The Responsibility of a the Shepherd “feed the flock” (v. 2)2. The Role of the Shepherd “taking the oversight thereof” (v. 2)3. The Restrictions of the Shepherd (v. 2-3) “not by constraint but willingly” (not because he has to,but because he wants to, not by force but by choice) “not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind” (not for what hecan get, but for what he can give) “neither as being lords but being ensamples” (not basedon how he lectures, but how he lives)4. The Reward of the Shepherd “ye shall receive a crown of glory” (V. 4)The preacher becomes a divine dietitian Col. 2:19 – “all the body having nourishmentministered increaseth with the increase of God” I Tim. 4:6 – “nourished up in the words of faith and ofgood doctrine”14
The Preaching Ministry of John the Baptist“For I say unto you, among those that are born of womenthere is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist ”Luke 7:281. The Passion of John the Baptist Luke 1:17 – “ to make ready a people prepared for theLord.” (1:76)2. The Purity of John the Baptist Mark 6:20 – “For Herod feared John, knowing that he wasa just man, and an holy, and observed him ”3. The Power of John the Baptist Luke 1:15 – “ he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, evenfrom his mother’s womb.”4. The Plainness of John the Baptist Matt. 3:4 – “And the same John had his raiment of camel’shair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meatwas locusts and wild honey.”5. The Pleasure of John the Baptist John 3:26 -29 – “ all men come to Him (Jesus) this my joytherefore is fulfilled.”6. The Priority of John the Baptist John 3:30 – “He must increase, but I must decrease.”15
7. The Preaching of John the Baptist Luke 1:76 – “And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet ofthe Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord toprepare His ways. Matt. 3:1,2 – “Repent ye ” (Mark 1:4,5; Luke 3:2,3) John 1:29 – “Behold the Lamb of God” (John 1:36) Luke 3:18 – “And many other things in his exhortationpreached he unto the people.”8. The Purpose of John the Baptist Luke 1:16 – “And many of the children of Israel shall heturn to the Lord their God.” (Luke 1:77)9. The Persecution of John the Baptist Matt. 14:3-12 – “For Herod had laid hold on John, andbound him, and put him in prison And he sent, andbeheaded John in the prison.”10. The Position of John the Baptist Matt. 3:11 – “ he that cometh after me is mightier than I,whose shoes I am not worthy to bear ” Mark 1:7 – “There cometh one mightier than I after me,the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop downand loose.” John 1:27 – “He it is, who coming after me is preferredbefore me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy tounloose.” John 3:31 – “He that cometh from above is above all ”16
Preacher and His Preaching) 1. “kerusso” – to proclaim as a herald (the public proclamation of the Gospel Matt. 11:1 Mark 1:4 Mark 3:14 Mark 16:20 Rom. 10:14 2. “euaggelizo” – to tell good news (this is the word from which
