Preaching the Word

View daily reading plan: 2 Tim 4.2; 1 Cor 2.1-5

We must know already how great blessings the Word of God can bring to us as individuals. But it can do this for others also, so one reason why we take it in is so that we can give it out and pass it on to those who need it. And there are many of them everywhere.

One way of doing this is by preaching. This has always been an important way of communicating God’s truth, although not the only way, for “the word of God is not bound”. All of us can communicate it somehow.

But preachers have an especially important task, for “how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach except they are sent?” (Rom 10.14-15). It is a great responsibility to ‘make the message clear and plain’. No point in taking up time preaching if those who have been listening are left puzzled or confused. Paul, a man of great intellect, laid aside “words of man’s wisdom” and used “great plainness of speech”. The wise Old Testament preacher “sought to find out acceptable words” (Eccl 12.9-10) suited to the level of understanding of the audience. 

Preachers must keep all this in mind, and make sure that their messages are Bible-based and Christ-centred. And remember, preachers need our prayers!

Friday, 5 April, 2024