Sunday, October 18, 2017 am
THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH 2017
(30)
Leaders In the Church (10)
The Preacher/Evangelist (2)
a.
It is a job.
Recall that an evangelist is a proclaimer of the gospel.
Paul says this twice – do the work, fulfill your ministry.
b.
A preacher has a work to
do.
He answers directly to God and the Lord for how he does this
work. Colossians 1:25, Paul
speaks of being “a minister
according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to
fulfill the word of God.”
c.
He will also answer to the elders of the congregation
he has been entrusted to work with.
First, because he is a Christian and part of that congregation who needs
to be doing his best.
Second, because he is a leader by the work he does, he has
accountability for that. I
think of the parable of the talents.
Here is one with greater talent and he is expected to be using
it. (Matthew 25:20-31).
1 Corinthians 4:1-2, a steward is required to be faithful.
Third, because they have chosen to support him in his work.
They have a right to expect him to do “the work of an evangelist.
Scriptures also address
supporting the preacher
– 1 Corinthians 9:4-14,
esp. 12-14ff, Philippians 4:15-16 – Paul was supported by the brethren
in Philippi to do his work.
a.
2 Timothy 4:2-3 – Preach
the word
i.
He is “preach the word” - proclaim the gospel of Christ.
This really is the focus of his job.
But there are many things to consider in this.
ii.
It should be “the whole counsel of God”
– cf. Acts 20:27 (remember, Paul described himself as a preacher – 1
Timothy 2:7). Matthew 28:20
notes that we teach them to “observe ALL things commanded”.
NOTE: This is a challenge as he only has so much time and so many things
to address. Depending on the
congregation, he must balance his preaching with everyone.
iii.
He must preach “in season and out of season”
– when convenient and
when it is not. There are
times his preaching is unpleasant, but that is often when it is needed
the most.
A preacher cannot choose to never address a subject.
Often when a congregation or elders request that a certain
subject be avoided, it is because there is a problem with that.
Therefore, the preacher is under obligation BY GOD to address
that.
iv.
He must Convince – reprove – KJV, NASB – a word meaning to convict.
This is the same word used in John 8:9 where Jesus dealt with the
adulterous woman accused (they were convicted by their conscience);
Ephesians 5:11 – expose them.
Titus 2:15 - rebuke.
A preacher needs to PROVE what is true and why one needs to change or
keep going.
v.
He must rebuke – a word meaning to reprimand or denounce.
It also carries the idea of giving a strong warning.
Those who are sinning need to be rebuked.
When Nathan told David, “You are
the man”, that was rebuke (2 Samuel 12:7).
When Paul withstood Peter, he rebuked him (Galatians 2:13-14)
Sometimes, a preacher needs to point out the sins he observes and maybe
even make specific application.
This is when preaching can get uncomfortable.
vi.
He must exhort – a word meaning to encourage or entreat.
Sometimes the word is translated (NKJV) as urge, pleading or
imploring. The word is also
translated comfort.
The point is we give direction toward change in our preaching.
vii.
NOTE: I’ve heard
concerning this text that it says preaching should be 2/3 negative and
1/3 positive. Rather than
that I see it as a formula for dealing with WHATEVER needs to be
addressed – you convince the audience (teaching them what they need to
say), you then make the application to them (rebuke) and then exhort
(encourage) them to make the necessary changes.
viii.
He sees an urgency – the time will come when they will not endure sound
doctrine. A preacher must
realize that he only has limited time to reach someone.
Therefore, when he sees the need to preach about something, it
needs to be done sooner rather than later.
To delay is to ignore or risk failure.
Paul warned the time would come.
Men would no longer be willing to hear.
b.
His preaching should
i.
Help brethren see the value of God’s word
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – all scripture is inspired of God and is
profitable.
ii.
Expose error – both the error and those teaching it – 2 Peter 2:1-3, Ephesians 5:11
iii.
Expose unhealthy teaching – 1 Timothy 1:3-4 – where Paul begins his letter.
Not just error, but obsession about meaningless things.
iv.
Call the saints to godly living – Titus 3:1-2
v.
Challenge complacency – Romans 12:11. When we are drifting, we need to be warned.
vi.
Seek to save souls – 1 Timothy 4:16. This really is the goal.
vii.
Mark those who cause divisions – Romans 16:17, Eph. 5 11
viii.
Contend for the faith – Jude 3. He
needs to equip the saints to give a defense – 1 Peter 3:15, Ephesians
4:11-12
ix.
Restore the erring
– James 5:19-20, cf. Galatians 2:11-14
x.
Bring glory and praise to God – Galatians 1:10, 1 Peter 4:11
c.
His preaching is NOT:
i.
Just telling stories –
there is nothing wrong with giving illustrations (that’s what parables
were) to help people understand some point.
But preaching needs to focus on what the Bible says.
The illustrations should accentuate the text, rather than the
text accentuating the illustration.
ii.
Tickling ears – 2
Timothy 2:3-4. Too many
today see preaching as about entertaining the audience.
Seeking to make them feel good.
I’m all for making someone feel good, but NOT by ignoring sinful
conduct and its consequences.
iii.
Politically correct –
though not striving to be offensive, a preacher cannot put popular
social views over the truth.
iv.
Biased – always in favor
of one over the other.
v.
About what he wants to
advance – preaching is not the place for personal hobbies
vi.
To bully others
vii.
To solve the problems of
society – though he will use God’s word to help YOU act properly in
various areas – whether marriage, finances, morality, etc.