Preach the Word
Read Time: 7 Mins
“I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.”
II Timothy 4:1-2 NKJV
Paul, in the last chapter of what scholars believe to be his last letter, uses his dying words to push his protege to preach. I want you to think about the significance of that. Paul has lived a long life. He said himself in this same chapter that he poured himself out as an offering, gave his all to what God called him to and was now ready to unlace his shoes and hang up his jersey as he rested with his Creator. Paul knows that he is about to die and instead of having a “tell my mother I love her” moment or asking for his favorite food, he asks the prison guards if he can write one last letter to his spiritual son and in that letter he charges him to preach.
We see some of Paul’s meaning behind this in his letter to the church in Rome. Roman’s chapter 10 reminds us that it is by believing in the finished work of Jesus and putting our faith in Him that we have salvation. It doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor, slave or free, tall or short—this gift has been made available to you. This is the message Paul has made his mission.
Romans 10:13 reminds us that whoever, regardless of where you find yourself starting from, calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. However, the text goes on to ask how can someone call if they haven’t believed and how can they believe if they haven’t heard and how can they hear without a preacher? This is why the foolishness of preaching is important. The gospel is the greatest opportunity ever, but if no one knows about it we’ll miss out.
Our job is to be that preacher. Our job is to let everyone know about the good news that is the gospel so that they have a chance to get in on the opportunity of a lifetime. To preach is to proclaim or publish something. It’s not just a sermon or soliloquy. Jesus said that you were designed to function best as a light in dark places. Preaching is what you were made for. It may not always be on a public pulpit but it will make a profound impact. Our life and words should tell a story. We should be looking for opportunities to use our conversations and connections to speak of Christ.
My church recently went through a study of my newest book, Intentional Influence. We studied the idea of God calling us to have an impact on earth. You may be the only picture of God people see and that means you should be intentional with the spheres of influence. Someone came up to me and said that they've been in church their entire life but are just now recognizing that they should be telling people about Jesus. I imagine many of you are the same way. Your gifts, experiences, personality and perspective were given so that you could find fulfilment in the great commission you are called to. You are called to preach. While we may have different gifts and expressions of it, and it may not be on a stage or pulpit, we all have the same job and that job is to be like Timothy and preach the word in our spheres of influence and impact. We can't keep ignoring this. To be a Christian is to be a preacher.
The Word
Paul doesn’t tell Timothy to preach his opinions or what he may be comfortable with. He’s not even necessarily called to preach what people think they want to hear. Paul argues that there should only be one topic and that topic is the Word.
In the prologue of the book of John, Jesus is described as the Word that became flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus was the Word at the beginning that was with God and was God. He was the Word that John the Baptist prepared the way for.
When preaching the Word, we are called to take a page out of John the Baptist’s book and get out of the way so that the Word can shine. John was considered the greatest prophet, but said that he must decrease so that Jesus could increase. Preaching isn’t about you, it’s about lifting up the name above all names so that all men can be drawn unto Him.
Ellen White says it like this in her book, Gospel Workers,
“O that I could command language of sufficient force to make the impression that I wish to make upon my fellow-laborers in the gospel. My brethren, you are handling the words of life; you are dealing with minds that are capable of the highest development. Christ crucified, Christ risen, Christ ascended into the heavens, Christ coming again, should so soften, gladden, and fill the mind of the minister that he will present these truths to the people in love and deep earnestness. The minister will then be lost sight of and Jesus will be made manifest.”
“Lift up Jesus, you that teach the people, lift Him up in sermon, in song, in prayer. Let all your powers be directed to pointing souls, confused, bewildered, lost, to “the Lamb of God.” Lift Him up, the risen Saviour, and say to all who hear, Come to Him who “hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us.” [Ephesians 5:2.] Let the science of salvation be the burden of every sermon, the theme of every song. Let it be poured forth in every supplication. Bring nothing into your preaching to supplement Christ, the wisdom and power of God. Hold forth the word of life, presenting Jesus as the hope of the penitent and the stronghold of every believer. Reveal the way of peace to the troubled and the despondent, and show forth the grace and completeness of the Saviour.”
Christ should be the core, composition and climax of every sermon, song and church service. The meekness and lowliness of His heart should be emphasized as the weary are invited to find rest with Him. His love should be the theme. You may not have the spiritual gifts of public proclamation, but if your life and personal interactions are a sermon, is love the theme?
I want to remind you that God is the embodiment of love and perfect love casts out fear. Love dispels fear like light destroys darkness. Which means if Jesus is being preached and our eyes are turned towards Him, the spirit of fear should not be able to thrive.
Why do I say this? Because sermons shouldn’t be scary. They can’t be if they’re full of the love of Jesus.
Ellen White also said, “The shortness of time is frequently urged as an incentive for seeking righteousness and making Christ our friend. This should not be the great motive with us; for it savors of selfishness. Is it necessary that the terrors of the day of God should be held before us, that we may be compelled to right action through fear? It ought not to be so. Jesus is attractive. He is full of love, mercy, and compassion. He proposes to be our friend, to walk with us through all the rough pathways of life. He says to us, I am the Lord thy God; walk with Me, and I will fill thy path with light. Jesus, the Majesty of heaven, proposes to elevate to companionship with Himself those who come to Him with their burdens, their weaknesses, and their cares. He will count them as His children, and finally give them an inheritance of more value than the empires of kings, a crown of glory richer than has ever decked the brow of the most exalted earthly monarch.”
Did you catch that? Christ is attractive enough. Christ will prompt the propagation of fruit. Christ will produce the growth you’re looking for. That is why you don’t need gimmicks like fear or fads. I’m not saying don’t use modern parables, illustrations, examples and connection points like Christ and so many others did. I’m not telling you not to appeal to emotion or sympathy or be creative in your communication. But I am saying that when Paul says to preach the Word, he isn’t just saying to preach Jesus. He’s saying to focus on what He said. Preach the Bible.
I used a few Ellen White quotes, not just because I like them, but because I know my demographics, and sadly, many have been taught to listen to her and others over the Bible, and it’s caused much hurt and confusion. Some of us may not say it with our words, but in practice, we only believe something if our favorite writer or preacher said it. You will only hear me if I use quotes from someone you like. Some even go to the other extreme of throwing away the word of God that people present because we don’t like or understand them as a person. That is very immature. If God can use broken people like you, He can use others. The Word itself is the standard and subject, not the person presenting it. Focus on Jesus, not John. Paul is saying not to rely on quotes, stats, or the person presenting them. Focus on Jesus and what He said. Preach the Word. And you know what? Jesus said that all scripture points to Him.
He’s the star. If you read scripture and don’t see the love of Jesus, you aren’t understanding what you read. Doctrine without Jesus is void of the Truth Jesus names Himself. The Holy Spirit is what allows spiritual things to be spiritually discerned, and guess what, the Holy Spirit leads us into all Truth and has the job to testify of Jesus. The Holy Spirit will illuminate scripture so that you see the way, the truth, and the life in it. Ask and you’ll start to see Jesus. Scripture will come alive, and you’ll start to see practical and life-giving applications as you study. Jesus is the key.
Study to show yourself approved. Look for Jesus. Find Jesus. Find Him in your life and find Him in scripture. Then preach Jesus. Preach what He said. Preach what He did. Preach what our reaction should be to His action. Preach what faith in Him will accomplish. Preach about the rest found in Him. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. A sermon without Him is directionless, foundationless, and dead.
Jesus at the center brings conflict
Nicolaus Copernicus is one of the most significant scientists you've likely never heard of. Why? Because he revolutionized math, physics, astronomy, art, religion, and philosophy by making one claim. He argued that the Earth revolved around the Sun instead of the Sun revolving around the Earth. He changed the world by arguing what was at the center, and I’m here to tell you that something similar will happen in your life if you allow Jesus to be at the center.
Which Son is at the center of your life? No, I’m serious. What’s the motivation behind your job, education, finances, and accomplishments? What’s your core reason? Is God at the side or the center? Is God simply a helpful stamp to support your claims or the very foundation you’re building them on? This will impact how well you commit to this mission. If Jesus is only a side dish, you won’t dedicate your life to lifting Him. But if He’s the main course you’ll build your life around proclaiming Him. You can’t preach the word or live according to it if you don’t know it.
I bring up Copernicus not just to tell you to have Jesus at the center of your sermons, study, mind, and mission, but because Copernicus was actually one of the most controversial figures of his day because of this radical assertion, and the church was one of his biggest critics. The same will be true for you. Putting Jesus and His love truly at the center of your life and witness will make you look irresponsible to some, irreverent to others, and radical to most. Putting Jesus at the center will force those to question the false foundations they’ve built and grown comfortable with. Putting Jesus at the center will shake things up just like it did in Jesus’ day.
Many of us profess Christian lives but don’t have the courage to live for and like Christ. Putting Jesus at the center means putting Him above your comforts and traditions, and understanding. It means loving the unlovable and praying for enemies. It means surrender, and that’s terrifying. People who have built their lives around the walls of their public persona will fight you if you allow Christ to shine light into their private lives. People who’ve grown comfortable with superficial standards will get offended when you argue that nothing built on another foundation will last. Questioning the Christ-less religion many have built their lives on will make them feel like you’re threatening all they know. While you may be giving them what they truly need, they’ll crucify you like they did Christ for simply trying to show them the way to salvation.
Get ready for a fight. Actually loving people will terrify some. Believing in grace will offend others. They will think you aren’t preaching enough because they don’t see Jesus as a deep enough message. But it’s worth it. That’s why Paul tells Timothy to preach with patience. Be consistent, and soon the Holy Spirit will take care of the heart change. A revolution will take place as you present Jesus. But it starts with the messaging becoming your personal mission. It’s not just that your life is better than any sermon; you can’t introduce others to someone you don’t know,
So focus on the greatest commandments. Love God and love people. As you get to know Him, you’ll grow to better show Him. As you’re filled, you’ll begin to pour. Prioritize time in His presence. Prioritize a private pursuit so that you can receive the passion for a public proclamation.
Jesus is needed. Jesus is wanted. But so many people don’t know His name. They have bought into a selfish lie. But you can be used to change that. Feed yourself at the feet of Jesus and then share what fulfilled you with what others. If you don’t feel like you know Him well enough for yourself, ask Him to reveal Himself and be bold enough to listen. It may be uncomfortable, but I promise it’s worth it. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide above all. Reach out to trusted advisors. Let light shine in the dark places of your life. Read the gospels and allow Him to introduce Himself. My book, Just Jesus, and some of the other books on my Amazon Storefront may help you find some language and structure in your pursuit. When you get filled, it will be hard not to pour. Know the word, then go preach the word.
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