1 Corinthians 1:18-25
Introduction:
1. As we near the end of our discussions on worship practices in the assemblies, our last act of worship to ponder is preaching.
2. Opinions about biblical preaching abound, but again only the Lord’s view matters.
3. To ensure both speaker and hearer properly grasp this practice, we will ponder the purpose, content, scope and balance of preaching set forth in the Bible.
Discussion:
I. The Purposes of Preaching
A. The first aim of preaching is to save lost souls (Mark 16:15-16; Romans 1:16-17; 10:13-17; 1 Corinthians 1:18-25; 1 Timothy 4:12-16; James 1:21).
B. The next is to ground the saved in the faith:
1. Equipping the saints for ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12; 2 Timothy 2:2).
2. Bringing maturity, edification, steadfastness, and growth (Acts 20:32; Ephesians 4:13-16; Colossians 1:28; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Titus 2:11-14).
3. Prompting greater zeal for His service (1 Timothy 4:13; 2 Timothy 4:2; Titus 2:14; Hebrews 3:12).
C. Finally, to expose and correct error (1 Timothy 1:3-7; 2 Timothy 4:1-5; Titus 1:9).
II. The Content and Scope of Preaching
A. With over 31,000 verses in the Bible, we can never preach them all.
B. For this, we must set priorities for preaching:
1. Christ crucified is the core of all preaching (1 Corinthians 1:23; 2:1-2; 15:1-4).
2. Still, there is more (Romans 1:5, 14-15; 12:1-2 Matthew 28:20; Ephesians 4:17-24; 5:15-17).
3. The scope is the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27; 2 Timothy 1:13; 2:2; 3:16-17; Titus 2:1ff).
C. If our soul’s live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God, this must be the goal of preaching (Matthew 4:4; Deuteronomy. 8:3; 2 Peter 1:3-4).
III. The Difficult Balance of Preaching
A. This brings us to the difficulty of keeping balanced preaching in our assemblies.
B. There are several hindrances we must avoid:
1. Assuming all have the same needs, many preach the same things (Hebrews 5:11-6:2).
2. Others fail to remind (2 Peter 1:12-15).
3. Excessive focus on preferred styles, tone, etc. can impede the aims as well.
a. Some want all hellfire and brimstone.
b. Others want everything to be positive, encouraging, uplifting, etc.
c. Some want only devotional sermons.
d. Others want only instructive preaching.
e. Some want it loud and animated.
f. Others prefer a conversational style.
g. Whatever we do with the above, the main thing is to finish on time, right?
C. The Bible does not support any of these:
1. The necessity of proclaiming all His word precludes hobby riding (Acts 20:27).
2. The text demands a balance of positive and negative (2 Timothy 4:2; Revelation 2-3).
3. It also demands a balance of devotion and instruction (Titus 2:1-8, 11-14; 2 Timothy 4:2).
4. As for style, the power is in the message, not its packaging (Acts 17:16-34; Romans 1:16-17; 1 Corinthians 1:10-13; 2:1-5; 4:1, 6).
5. As for proper length, it depends on the subject at hand; as long as we learn what to do to be more faithful, all is well.
Conclusion:
1. Preachers are not a big deal, no matter how skilled they may be.
2. Preaching is a big deal, for the reasons set forth above.
3. We must demand our preachers strive to fulfill these objectives, balancing each element to the absolute best of their abilities.
4. We likewise must receive the proclamations with equal gravity, giving proper weight to the message because of its divine origin, not its earthen vessel (2 Corinthians 4:5-7).