The work of a preacher is often misunderstood. For example, some believe that a preacher only works twice weekly. Some confuse his work with the work of the elders or shepherds. Some think a preacher is responsible for all the converting and growing of the church. Some even believe a preacher is hired to satisfy them by only preaching on the topics they like.
The Holy Spirit inspires the Apostle Paul to give a detailed description of the work of a preacher in the books of 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus. The books are commonly referred to as the “preacher epistles.” They were written to two young preachers who had a close relationship with Paul. They not only equip preachers for their service work but also properly shape the expectations of a local church.
The preacher must be a man of the book.
- He must devote himself to deep study God’s book (2 Timothy 2:15). He must pay close attention to learning, praying, and growing in the word (1 Timothy 4:16; Acts 6:4).
- He must “preach the word” 2 Timothy 4:2). His job is not to grow the church but to plant the seed in people’s hearts.
- He must be ready “in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2). He must be willing to preach the truth when it is convenient and when it is not.
- He must give people the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27; 2 Timothy 4:2). He must seek to provide his audience with a well-balanced diet of the word of God.
- He must preach with great patience and instruction (2 Timothy 4:2). He must patiently help brethren grow and become more like Christ.
- He must help God’s people avoid strange doctrines (1 Timothy 1:3), develop a sincere faith (1 Timothy 1:5, and retain the standard of sound words (2 Timothy 1:13).
The preacher must be a man of the people.
- He must strive to connect, know, and love the people of God. Doing these things will aid him in equipping them for spiritual service (Ephesians 4:11; Acts 20:17-27).
- He must also love the lost (Romans 10:1-2). If a preacher doesn’t love the lost, he won’t be compelled to fulfill the marching orders of the “great commission” (Mark 16:15).
The preacher must be a man of God.
- He must preach to himself and strive to nurture his relationship with God, 2 Timothy 1:5; 1 Timothy 4:12, 16; 6:12.
- He must be a man of respect and integrity (1 Timothy 5:1-2, 19).
- If he is a hypocrite, brethren will become discouraged, and the world will mock God.
The preacher must be a man of focus.
- He must remain focused on the goal of preaching, which is to point people to Jesus. It is to convince people that Jesus is the Lord because He has been raised from the dead (2 Timothy 2:8).
- He must give people information from the Bible and tell them how to apply it accurately.
- He must direct his message, not at people’s toes, but at their hearts!
What about you?
- What do you want to hear (2 Timothy 4:3-4)? Do you want to hear the whole counsel of God?
- What are you going to do? Will you both hear and apply the proclaimed message (James 1:21-25)?
Conclusion:
In His great wisdom, God chose to make known the salvation found in His Son through preaching!