The Preacher's Attitude Toward "Preach the word...." (3)

This month we return to our study of the preacher's attitude toward "Preach the word...." Paul instructed Timothy and Titus regarding this serious responsibility. Preachers must heed those admonitions.

1. The warning of II Tim. 3:1ff put Timothy on guard against these things. Some folk seem to think that a preacher should not warn of difficult problems and issues which come from within as well as without. If you will reflect on Acts 20:28-32; II Thess. 2:1ff; and I Tim. 4:1-4, you will remember Paul's warnings of things to come.

2. Preachers who "Preach the word..." and "...live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecutions" (II Tim. 3:12). Preachers must "...arm themselves likewise with the same mind...." (I Pet. 4:1) and "...think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you..." (I Pet. 4:12). But, you do not have to bring it on yourself by selfish and unwise conduct.

3. "But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them...." (II Tim. 3:14). How many times do preachers start out well only to give up the truth later in life? They do not stay in the strait way. How many preachers have taken a compromising stance regarding the truth? A stance they would have rejected years ago. Current attitudes toward Romans chapter fourteen are a good example. Some have decided that doctrinal matters, such as marriage, divorce, and remarriage, can be tolerated by putting them in Romans fourteen. Such is not the case. Matters in Romans fourteen are matters which are INDIFFERENT TO GOD.

4. The gospel preacher must be impressed with the truth that the Bible is verbally inspired of God and furnishes him unto every good work (II Tim. 3:16,17). This should convince every young man who preaches to immerse himself in the study of the text itself. Denominational authors, and some professing to be members of the church, have left a path of misguided preachers by their popular, smooth, empty ramblings. When a preacher's library is lined with books by such authors as Swindol, Lucado, and a host of others, does one have to wonder where his priorities are? Such readings often lead to sermons which are little more than after dinner speeches, where the word of God is so minimized that it is no wonder we have church members with less than a "thimble full" of the knowledge of God's word. If you think I am exaggerating, just try something. When you attend gospel meetings, listen as if you were not a member of the church. See how many times a preacher in an evangelistic meeting will try to convert you. It is high time for "back to basics" in the pulpit.

5. "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine...." (II Tim. 4:1,2). The content of preaching is to be the word of God. The work to be done through preaching is exhortation, reproof, and rebuke. And it is to be done constantly -- in season and out. This type of preaching is the result of seeing eternity bound souls in the audience and being more concerned about their eternal destiny than anything else.