The Preaching of the gospel has a very important place in God’s scheme of redemption. As Paul wrote, “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14).
Preaching is the means by which the gospel is spread throughout the world. The apostles as Christ’s ambassadors initially proclaimed that message on Pentecost. As the church grew persecution scattered the early believers, and we are told that they “went everywhere preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). Men like Stephen, Philip, Barnabas, Silas, Timothy, Titus, etc., all serve as examples both of the need and efficacy of preaching the gospel of Christ.
The Bible shows two general purposes for preaching. As we have already shown, the preaching of the gospel to the lost brings faith to the hearts of men. As John noted, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
The second purpose is accomplished as a part of our corporate worship. Paul wrote, “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-12).
As we assemble together, we have seen that our priority is to praise God in worship. God has also designed our assemblies to be an opportunity to edify one another. “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25). The preacher plays an important part in edifying the brethren.
We have the example of Paul in his ministry. He and Barnabas, after initially converting souls and establishing churches, “returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, ‘We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God’” (Acts 14:21-22). Another example of this practice of Paul was his trip to Troas, which we mentioned in regard to the Lord’s Supper. “Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight” (Acts 20:7).
As we have already noted, the apostles were not the only ones to preach. It is in fact something that we can and should do. (Evangelizing others, edifying one another). It is however, a specific work that some have determined to make their vocation. There is a reference to those who “labor in the word” (cf. 1 Timothy 5:17). In fact, Paul wrote letters to two young men, Timothy and Titus, who had given themselves to this important work.
A quick reading of these books give a fair indication of the work of a preacher/evangelist:
- They were to admonish those who taught any another doctrine;
- to immerse themselves in the word, avoiding fables and endless genealogies which cause disputes;
- to fight the good fight (referring to a defense and proclamation of truth);
- to speak the truth in Christ; to teach the qualifications of elders and deacons;
- to instruct the brethren in the good things of the gospel, “These things command and teach” (1 Timothy 4:11);
- to give attention to reading, exhortation and doctrine; to instruct older men, older women, younger men and younger women;
- to receive legitimate accusations against the elders, but be a strong advocate for the guiltless man;
- to rebuke the sinner in the presence of all;
- to be impartial;
- to teach and exhort;
- to withdraw themselves from the divisive man;
- to pursue righteousness;
- to fight the good fight of faith;
- to guard the precious gospel;
- to avoid profane and idle babblings;
- they were not to be ashamed of the gospel;
- to hold fast the pattern of sound words;
- to keep what was committed to them;
- to be strong in the grace that is in Christ;
- to endure hardship as a good soldier;
- to endure for the sake of the elect;
- to remind;
- to study;
- to flee lust;
- to pursue righteousness;
- to be gentle, able to teach, patient, and humble;
- to turn away from the ungodly;
- to follow Paul’s example in his manner of life;
- to “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2);
- to be watchful in all things;
- to set in order what is lacking;
- to stop the mouths of the subversive;
- to rebuke sharply;
- to “speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine” (Titus 2:2);
- to show integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech;
- to exhort and rebuke with all authority;
- to remind others to be good citizens;
- to be peaceable, gentle and humble to all.
The whole purpose of this was to “save both yourself and those who hear you” (1 Timothy 4:16). Also, “the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).
From Paul’s writings to Timothy and Titus, as well as his own declarations of his work, we can see the importance of the preacher. His importance is bound exclusively to the word. As he lives by it, and proclaims it to his brethren he is to be regarded as an important part of our assemblies. Think of this the next time the long winded preacher gets up to speak! “I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder” (2 Peter 3:1).
