Category: Preaching
Subject: Preaching
Mining the Scriptures: James 2:1-4
Here we have a general command of James, which is produced by the characteristic of love. If indeed we want to heed Christ’s imperative: “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12), James’ admonition must be obeyed. “…Do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality.”
Although the context gives the example of material wealth (not preferring the rich man over the poor), there is nothing in the admonition which would limit it to this case. An understanding of Galatians 3:28, which affirms the value of every soul, shows that any partiality shown, whether it be wealth, gender, race or culture is in fact becoming “judges with evil thoughts.”
The gospel of Christ is for every man. All have the same value to Him, and so should have the same value to us. Those who are vulnerable, disenfranchised, poor, desolate — whatever their state — as we consider their souls, should be cherished by us.
An Open Door
There are a number of occasions where the apostle Paul used the metaphor of a door to refer to an opportunity. For example, when Paul and Barnabas gave a report to the church in Antioch, Luke records, “Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles” (Acts 14:27). Paul himself wrote to the Corinthian church, saying in 1 Corinthians 16:8-9, “But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.” He wrote again in 2 Corinthians 2:12, “Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord, I had no rest in my spirit, because I did not find Titus my brother; but taking my leave of them, I departed to Macedonia.” Continue reading “An Open Door”
The Passion of Gospel Preaching
In 1 Corinthians 4:13, the apostle Paul referred to the constant criticism of the apostles, and their response. “Being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now.”
The Greek word translated entreat in the passage is parakaleo?. It is define as a strong invitation or invocation, and is also translated beseech in various places in scripture. Literally, “to call near”. It is a word of passion, that can rightly bring the image of begging. Notice the use of the term in Romans 12:1-2:
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Mining the Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 2:12-17
Two major points are to be taken from our place in the text. The first is God’s providential care in supplying opportunities to share the gospel of Christ. Paul had a “door” opened by the Lord, indicating an opportunity to preach in Troas that was divinely supplied. God helps in the efforts to share the gospel message (cf. Acts 14:27; 1 Corinthians 16:9; Colossians 4:3; Revelation 3:8). This is not to belittle Paul’s efforts, but he made clear at every opportunity being blessed and furthered in his efforts by the Lord.
The second is that the gospel is perceived in two different ways, depending upon the heart of the one who receives it. It is referred to as the fragrance of Christ both to those who accept it and those who reject it (15). However, to those who reject it, it is “the aroma of death leading to death.” For those who are willing to open their hearts to it, it is “the aroma of life leading to life.” (16). The lesson? The gospel is sufficient to save souls! If it does not, the gospel or the preacher are not at fault, it is the hearer instead!
Sermon: Live from the Gospel (1 Corinthians 9:14)
In 1 Corinthians 9:14 the apostle indicated God’s intent that the preacher of the gospel should be materially supported while doing his work. The principle is examined here.
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Sermon: The Great Commission
A study of Matthew 28, detailing Jesus’ instructions to his disciples to go into the world and MAKE disciples.
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Not Tedious, But Safe
How do you feel about gospel preaching? Admonition? Chastisement? The Bible is replete with passages condemning sin, warning about sin, detailing what sin is, and discussing ad naseum the consequences of sin. Do you get tired of it? Do you wish the emphasis was different than it seems to be? Continue reading “Not Tedious, But Safe”
Sermon: Hearing the Word
A description given by James in James 1:21-22 as to the correct way to approach the preaching of the gospel.
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Sermon: How to Handle the Gospel
Neither the religious world, not our secular society have any real idea how to correctly handle the word of God. This lesson establishes 7 truths on the matter.
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Mining the Scriptures: Colossians 1:24-29
Our text here refers to Paul’s ministry as an apostle of Jesus Christ. Said ministry impacted the Colossians, but was for all of the body of Christ, which is the church.
He was happy to do this, as this was a privilege (and duty) granted to him by God. He was a steward (cf. 1 Corinthians 4:2), to preach the mystery of Christ, and such fulfill the word of God.
The saints, the chosen of God, are called by the gospel of Christ (cf. Romans 1:16). It was at this time in history (the last days) that God “willed to make known” the benefits of believing and accepting Jesus Christ, “the hope of Glory.”
And so, Paul preached. His message consisted of warning those who were not obedient to God, and to teach Christians, that “we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.”
He was fully devoted (cf. Romans 1:15). It was “to this end I also labor.” He did not consider himself to do anything of his own accord (cf. Galatians 2:20). What Paul did as an apostle were works God had given him to do! (cf. Ephesians 2:10).
Rebuke With All Authority
In Titus 2:15, after revealing things that Titus should concern himself with at Crete, he wrote, “Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.”
Who was Titus? Well, he was a Greek man that Paul had converted. It seems that he was younger than Paul, because he is often put into the same category by the apostle and others as the young man Timothy. Paul’s words here seem to echo his admonition to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:12, and he calls himself a spiritual father to both men because of his influence in having them converted. (cf. 1 Timothy 1:2; Titus 1:4). Regardless, Paul had confidence in Titus as he did the work of an evangelist on the isle of Crete.
The phrase “rebuke with all authority” brings the question, who is Titus to speak to others in this way, and why should he not be despised for doing so? Well, the authority of Titus did not exist in his person or age, but in his work. The rebukes ultimately came from the Holy Spirit! In effect, Titus was merely the mouthpiece, a servant doing the Master’s bidding. His words had authority because what he was repeating in his exhortations and rebuke had their genesis with the Lord.
The phrase, “Let no one despise you” seems to be within the power of Titus. And so it is less about the unfair scorn of others, and more about Titus conducting himself so as to not be taken advantage of by evil men. He had to be diligent to refute error and deal with sophistry.
Sermon: Warnings From Hebrews
A number of warnings concerning improper attitudes toward the word of God, given by the writer of Hebrews.
The Pain of Admonition
Paul the apostle experienced great pain when it was necessary to admonish, as we all should. And yet, he always did what was right for his brethren, no matter the personal discomfort that came to him individually.
Sermon: Positive VS Negative
Stan Cox preaches on the importance of declaring the whole counsel of God (cf. Acts 20), without straying to solely positive preaching or solely negative preaching. Jesus, Stephen and Paul are all used as examples to follow.
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Meeting Week
The week of a gospel meeting can be challenging as we set aside time throughout the week to come hear the Bible taught by qualified men.
The week reminds me of Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4. He made the point that our physical existence prepares us for our eternal reward with God. “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels” (7). As such Paul characterized his teaching in this way, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16).
This is true both for the teacher and the student. Paul was very aware of his mortality, and yet endured even through suffering to prepare himself and his hearers for eternity. Our treasure in heaven is most important, and we have an opportunity this week to allow the “inward man” to gain great advantage through our worship and the teaching we will receive.
It is a question of importance and priority. Other things press upon us each day, but occasionally we set things aside to attend and luxuriate in a spiritual feast. “Blessed are You, O Lord! Teach me Your statutes. 13 With my lips I have declared all the judgments of Your mouth. 14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, as much as in all riches. 15 I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways. 16 I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word” (Psalm 119:12-16).
