The Place of Preaching in the
Church
By: Dr. John
MacArthurg
[Editor: The title
of this article is the SSM Founder’s. The article
consists of excerpts from the book The Master’s Plan
for the Church. The first
section presents some basic principles from pages 57-59
and 113-114. The other four sections present four of the
eleven duties of the minister based on an exposition I
Timothy 4:6-16 in Chapter
12.]
Preaching and Teaching
I've put preaching
and teaching together because they are both related to
the proclamation of biblical truth. Proclaiming the Word
of God is a primary function of the church. I grieve
over the sermonettes people hear in some churches.
Some preachers merely counsel from the pulpit or deal
with ethical issues. In many Sunday school classes
people don't learn much about the Bible, and they guess
about what it teaches. But the church's most important
function is to proclaim the Word of God in an
understandable, direct, authoritative
way.
Let's look at
excerpts from the two epistles Paul wrote to
Timothy. First Timothy tells us how we are to
behave and function in the church (3:15), and both I and
2 Timothy emphasize that we are to make a priority of
proclaiming the Word of God.
First
Timothy 3:16 talks about the wonder of the incarnation
of Jesus Christ: "Without controversy great is the
mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh,
justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the
nations, believed on in the
world, received up into glory" (emphasis added). One of
the essential elements of God's manifesting Himself
in the flesh is preaching. At the heart of the church is
the incarnation, and at the heart of the incarnation is
its proclamation. Preaching has a central place in
the life of a church.
I believe God has
blessed Grace Church because it has made a priority of
proclaiming the Word of God. We don't just talk about
the Bible; we teach it. Many hundreds of people over the
years have said they come to Grace Church because they
want to be fed the Word of God. That's our commitment;
that's our function. It isn't just my job to proclaim
the Word; it's everyone's job! Some people are gifted to
preach or teach, but we're all to proclaim the
Word.
Paul told Timothy
that if he reminded the brethren of the truth he would
be "a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the
words of faith and of good doctrine" (1 Tim. 4:6). He
adds in verse 11, "These things command and teach." In
other words, "Teach with authority."
I was invited to
speak at a commencement ceremony at the Los Angeles
Police Academy. The man next to me told me about the
various graduates. He said, "We had to flunk one
man because of his voice. It wasn't authoritative
enough. A policeman needs to have authority in his
voice." That makes sense: a policeman's authority is the
law. If I sound like I speak with authority, it's
because my authority is the Word of
God.
In 1 Timothy 4:13
Paul continues, "Till I come, give attendance to
reading, to exhortation, to doctrine." Timothy was to
read the Bible, explain its doctrines, and exhort
people to apply it. He was told not to neglect preaching
(v. 14) but to meditate on God's truths (v. 15), obey
them, and continue following them (v.
16).
We see another
dimension of preaching and teaching in 1 Timothy
5:17: "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy
of double honor, especially they who labor in the word
and doctrine." That indicates the leadership of a
church should focus on preaching and teaching. Indeed,
the church's primary function is to proclaim God's
Word.
I've heard people
criticize Grace Church saying, "There's too much
preaching and teaching there and not enough of other
things." I don't see how there could ever be too much
preaching and teaching!
The reason we put
so much emphasis on preaching and teaching is that they
help everything else to happen. We have to know what the
Bible says about something before we know how to act. We
won't know how to worship, pray, evangelize, discipline,
shepherd, train, or serve unless we know what the Word
of God says.
In 2 Timothy 2:15
Paul says, "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a
workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly
dividing the word of truth." Paul wanted Timothy to
handle the Word correctly. In 2 Timothy 1:13 he
says, "Hold fast the form of sound words." A person
proclaiming God's Word must first commit himself to it
and then dispense it.
Scripture makes
people "wise unto salvation" (2 Tim. 3:15). It is the
Word that "is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the
man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all
good works" (vv. 16-17). Based on those realities Paul
issued this charge: "Preach the word; be diligent in
season, out of season" (2 Tim. 4:1-2). In other words,
"Work hard at proclaiming God's Word. Keep preaching all
the time. Don't worry about whether people are offended
by what you say."
Paul then told
Timothy to be confrontive in his preaching and to do it
"with all long-suffering and doctrine" (v. 2). Preaching
should make people face the failures in their lives, but
we can't expect people to come to complete understanding
immediately. In the process of confrontive preaching, we
must be patient and teach doctrine. It is the Word that
convicts. One of the functions of the church is to
patiently teach the Word of God in a confrontive
way so that people are made accountable before God to
make sure their lives are right.
Ephesians 4:23
says, "Be renewed in the spirit of your minds." Romans
12:2 says, "Be not conformed to this world, but be ye
transformed by the renewing of your mind." You need
to have the Word in your mind so that right behavior
will follow. Preaching and teaching the Word puts
Scripture at the forefront of people's minds; there is
no substitute for them . . .
When W A. Criswell
went to First Baptist Church of Dallas, he was only the
second pastor in its history. He had been preceded by
another great man of God, George Truett. As Criswell
took over the pulpit, he told the board that he planned
to teach through the Bible verse-by-verse. They said,
"You can't do that; you'll empty the place!" He didn't
empty it, for that church became the biggest in America,
with over 15,000 members. All those people came because
he taught them the Word of God, and it changed their
lives as they responded to it.
The
proclamation of God's truth by preaching (Gk., koerugma) and
teaching (Gk., didache)
changes men and women's lives.
That is why dynamic churches are directed by a pulpit
that teaches biblical truth and motivates Christians to
apply it.
Some believe that
preaching should make everyone feel good. Suppose a man
has an unhappy life. He works hard for an unfair boss,
he's henpecked at home, his kid is a delinquent, and he
can't make the payments on his car. When he comes to
church, he shouldn't be smashed from pillar to post.
Therefore some think that preaching ought to emphasize
positive thinking that assumes everything is
wonderful and rosy.
I once saw on a
Christian television program a preacher who said, "Oh,
every day with Jesus is so happy! If you could only be
as happy as I am! " That wouldn't go over very well with
the wife who has just returned from the cemetery where
she buried her husband, or with the mother whose little
child has been diagnosed as having terminal
leukemia. Every day is not a happy day. Every day is
fulfilling and there is an abiding joy in the presence
of Christ, but Christianity is not a slaphappy way of
life. If all we do is come together and tell each other
how wonderful life is, we're all
lying.
Others think that
preaching should be geared toward helping people solve
their problems. We live in a world that is so
psychologically oriented it seems we can hardly
think without getting into clinical analysis. We
can't objectively accept anything without analyzing it.
That reasoning has carried over into the church and has
developed what I call "problem-centered preaching." It
is where the preacher states a problem and gives ten
verses out of context on how to solve it, along with a
few stories about some people who solved
it.
A pastor isn't a
glorified psychoanalyst, a grandfather, or a Santa Claus
who pats you on the head and tells you everything is
fine. The preacher's task is not only to educate
Christians in the Word of God but also to encourage them
to change their behavior in conformity to it. In fact,
in many cases he should make them feel worse before they
feel better because there has to be healing before there
can be restoration. When I preach a sermon that
convicts those who hear it, I know that the message is
getting through. A church pulpit isn't primarily
designed to help people make decisions about the details
of everyday living. It is meant to teach the Word
of God and identify sin so that they might change their
behavior. Pacifying one's problems doesn't make a person
feel better. Rather confessing and repenting of sin and
changing one's life is what produces true
joy.
The Excellent Servant
Warns People Of Error
Although the
ministry is not to be dominated by a negative
approach, that doesn't mean there is no place for
warning others about the destructiveness of false
doctrine. Paul makes a transition from exposing
demonic doctrines to explaining how to be an excellent
servant of Jesus Christ by instructing Timothy to
warn the church about such doctrines. "Put the brethren
in remembrance of these things" (v. 6). It is necessary
to remind Christians of error. Ministry demands
warning.
The Greek word
translated "put . . . in remembrance of" means to lay
before. Its use here as a present participle indicates
continually reminding people of the reality of false
doctrine. It does not imply commanding people but giving
them counsel and advice in a gentle, humble manner. A
servant of Christ must teach people to be
discerning by encouraging them to think
biblically.
Identifying error
is not to be the theme of the average pastor's ministry,
but it should be a recurring reminder. When Paul met
with the Ephesian elders he said, "I know this, that
after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among
you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves
shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away
disciples after them. Therefore, watch, and remember,
that for the space of three years I ceased not to warn
everyone night and day with tears. And now, brethren, I
commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which
is able to build you up" (Acts 20:29-32). Paul
continually made the Ephesians aware of error and
pointed them to the positive solution, the Word. The
truth supplies the foundation from which error can be
dealt with properly.
Christians can
avoid being "children, tossed to and fro, and
carried about with every wind of doctrine" (Eph.
4:14) by being firmly grounded in the Word of God. First
John 2:13-14 reinforces the fact that a believer learns
to deal with satanic error by being strong in the Word,
which is the sword of the Spirit. That's the only way to
win against beings who disguise themselves as angels of
light and ministers of righteousness (2 Cor.
11:14-15).
The church's
failure to be discerning in this generation has
allowed it to become infiltrated by all kinds of
error. It is confused, weak, and in some cases apostate.
Limp theology and convictionless preaching have replaced
strong doctrine and clear exposition of Scripture. The
legacy has been tragic. The church has been flooded with
confusion, unbiblical psychology, occult influences,
success-oriented philosophy, and prosperity
theology.
The church must
draw the lines between error and truth and build up its
people in the Word of God. God holds pastors accountable
to warn their people of spiritual danger. The Lord told
Ezekiel, "Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto
the house of Israel; therefore, hear the word at my
mouth and give them warning from me. When I say to the
wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not
warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked
way, to save his life, the same wicked man shall die in
his iniquity, but his blood will I require at thine
hand" (Ezek. 3:17-18). If spiritual leaders fail to do
that, they will have to answer to God (Heb. 13:17).
Although the church today seems to embrace everything,
including error, the man of God must develop convictions
based upon a biblical theology and continually warn his
people of error. He is committed to protecting the
flock, not petting the sheep.
The Excellent Servant Is
An Expert Student Of Scripture
An excellent
minister is also an expert student of Scripture:
"Nourished up in the words of faith and of good
doctrine, unto which thou hast attained" (v. 6). Sad to
say, many Christian pastors have a minimal understanding
of Scripture and little commitment to studying it.
There was a day in the history of the church when the
great students of Scripture and theology were pastors.
Puritan ministers, rather than being just good
communicators, were first and foremost students of God's
Word. They worked at understanding, interpreting, and
applying the Word of God with precision and
wisdom.
The Greek word
translated "nourished up" is a present passive
participle, implying that being nourished with the Word
of God is a continual process of feeding. That involves
reading Scripture, meditating on it, interacting
with it, and studying it until you've mastered the
material.
It is
essential that we be continually nourished by "the words
of faith." That phrase refers to the body of Christian
truth in Scripture. We are to master Scripture. We'll
never accomplish that, but it is our pursuit. We are to
be experts in that area, not just good
communicators who tickle people's cars and make
them think they heard something enjoyable (2 Tim.
4:3). We need to accurately interpret and defend the
Word of God. Not only are we to be nourished directly by
44 the words of faith" but also by "good doctrine" (Gk.,
kalo
didaskalia). "Good
doctrine" encompasses teaching biblical truth and
applying its principles. Spiritual growth is based
upon our interaction with biblical
truth.
1 Peter 2:2 - We
grow spiritually as we study the
Bible.
2 Timothy
2:15 - Paul said, "Study to show
thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to
be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." We
are called-above and beyond all other elements in
the ministry-to be expert students of the
Word.
Ephesians 6:1 7
- We are to use "the sword of the Spirit, which is the
word of God," with great
precision.
Colossians 3:16
- We are to have the Word of Christ dwelling in us
richly and deeply.
2 Timothy
3:16-17 - Since the Word of God
"is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction, for instruction in righteousness, that
the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto
all good works," we must know it if we are to equip
others spiritually.
To be able to
think and speak biblically, a pastor must spend a large
portion of his time interacting with the text of
Scripture. It is an inexhaustible treasure that demands
a lifetime just to begin to understand its riches.
There is no virtue in being ignorant. Unfortunately we
are a generation of people who do not like to think; we
prefer to be entertained. Nevertheless we must commit
ourselves to studying, understanding, and
articulating the Word of God.
Sadly, there are
many men who have no delight in their studies. They
spend an hour now and then, or even no time at all. Many
regard study an unwelcome task that interrupts an
easy schedule of activity. They like to have guests
as often as possible in their pulpits so they don't have
to spend time studying, and they prefer the variety of
administrative tasks and meetings. The minimal study
that they do produces a weak sermon that fails to
penetrate the hearts and minds of their
listeners.
William
Tyndale, the man responsible for getting the New
Testament translated into the English language in
1525, was in prison facing martyrdom. He wrote a
letter to the governor-in-chief, asking that these
possessions be sent to him: a warmer cap, a warmer coat,
and a piece of cloth to patch his leggings. Then he
said, "But most of all I beg and beseech and entreat
your clemency to be urgent with the commissary, that he
will kindly permit me to have the Hebrew bible, Hebrew
grammar, and Hebrew dictionary that I may pass the time
in that study" (J. E. Mozley, William Tyndale
[N.Y.: MacMillan, 19371, p.
334). Any seminary student who has struggled with Hebrew
probably cannot relate to such a request! But later
in life when you plunge more deeply into the Word of
God, it's wonderful to be able to say that what you
cherish most is what helps you understand the Word of
God.
The Excellent Servant
Teaches With Authority
"These things
command and teach," Paul instructed Timothy (v. 11). The
Greek word translated "teach" in verse 11 refers to
passing on information, in this case passing on
instruction or doctrine. It is to be done in the form of
a command.
There is
much popular, entertainment-oriented preaching
today, but not much that is powerful or
transforming in nature. Are the weak suggestions from
the pulpit these days really what God wants? According
to Acts 17:30 God "commandeth
all men everywhere to
repent" (emphasis
added).
Matthew 7:28-29
says, "It came to pass, when Jesus had ended these
sayings [the Sermon on the Mount], the people were
astonished at his doctrine; for he taught them as one
having authority." Paul told Timothy many times to be
authoritative. In I Timothy 1:3 he says, "Charge some
that they teach no other doctrine." Then he said, "These
things command" (5:7). In 5:20 Paul urges Timothy to
rebuke people publicly. Then in 6:17 he gives him
commands to give to rich people in the church. In Titus
2:15 he says, "These things speak, and exhort, and
rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee."
That doesn't mean we are to be abusive or ungracious.
But we are to confront people when they disobey
God's Word.
The faithful
servant is bold. He challenges sin head on. He
confronts unbelief, disobedience, and lack of
commitment. God said of Jesus, "This is my beloved Son
... hear ye him" (Matt. 17:5). The excellent
servant carries on that directive, commanding all men to
repent and listen to Jesus
Christ.
Our authority has
a foundation. First, you must know what you believe
about the Bible. If you're not sure it's the Word of
God, you won't be authoritative. Next you have to know
what God's Word says. If you're not sure what it means,
you can't be authoritative. Then you must be concerned
about communicating it properly because you care that
His Word is upheld. Finally, you should care about
people's response to His Word.
Our teaching
should be filled with commands, not just
sentimental pleadings. Instead of trying to sneak
up on people with God's truth, we need to speak forth
the Word of God and let it do its
work.
The Excellent Servant Has
A Thoroughly Biblical Ministry
"Till I
come," Paul told Timothy, "give attendance to reading,
to exhortation, to doctrine" (v. 13). The Greek verb
translated "give attendance" is proseche. It is
a present active imperative, a continuing command. Paul
is commanding Timothy to continually give attention to
reading, exhortation, and teaching. It was to become
Timothy's way of life. Commentator Donald Guthrie tells
us that the verb "implies previous preparation in
private" (The
Pastoral Epistles [Grand Rapids:
Eerdmans, 1978], p. 97). The same verb is used in
Hebrews 7:13 of the priests who were continually devoted
to their service at the altar. So Timothy was to center
his ministry on reading, exhortation, and
teaching.
Reading
In verse 13 a
definite article appears in the Greek text before the
word translated "reading." Timothy was to give attention
to "the reading." In the services of the early church a
time was set aside for the reading of Scripture. It was
followed by an exposition of the
text.
That model of
expository preaching comes from Nehemiah 8:8: "They read
in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the
sense, and caused them to understand the reading."
Scripture needs to be explained so people can understand
it. Obviously the further we are removed culturally,
geographically, linguistically, philosophically, and
historically from the original text of Scripture, the
more necessary it becomes to research those facts.
That's the challenge for the Bible teacher, and it's
where his effort is needed.
Exhortation
If the reading and
exposition of Scripture tell us what it means, what is
exhortation all about? It is a call for people to apply
it. To exhort is to warn people to obey with a view
toward judgment. We are to encourage people to respond
properly, telling them about the blessing or the
consequences of their actions. It is always binding on a
person's conscience to amend certain
behavior.
Doctrine
The Greek
word translated "doctrine" (didaskalia)
means teaching. That means systematically teaching
the Word of God in both group and individual settings.
Didaskalia
appears fifteen times in the
pastoral epistles. That gives us some idea of its
importance to the life of the church. No wonder the
pastor must be "apt to teach" (I Tim. 3:2). Since the
church's ministry revolves around teaching the Word of
God, how could anyone ever hope to lead in a church if
he's not a skilled teacher?
First Timothy 5:17
says, "Let the elders that rule well be counted
worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the
word and doctrine. " The harder a man works in teaching
God's Word, the more honorable he is. It's sad to
realize that many men in ministry have been diverted
away from the most important
pursuit.
We need to
be relentless teachers. Puritan clergyman John
Flavel wrote, "It is not with us, as with other
labourers: They find their work as they leave it, so do
not we." Picture the cabinetmaker who leaves his
unfinished work and comes back to it the next morning to
find it exactly as he left it. Flavel continues, "Sin
and Satan unravel almost all we do, the impression we
make on our people's souls in one sermon, vanishes
before the next" (The Works of John
Flavel, vol. 6 [London: Banner
of Truth, 19681, p. 569).
We fight the
unraveling process all the time. That's why I repeat
much of what I teach. Every good pastor and teacher
knows that people forget what he teaches, so he
must be repetitive. But he also realizes that
people become familiar with what he teaches. When they
realize they are being taught something they have
already heard, they think they know it and become bored
by it. The challenge for the teacher is to repeat his
teaching in such a manner that the people think he is
teaching them something new. It would be easy for me to
pack up a hundred sermons, go out on the road, and
preach them over and over again. The challenge for me is
to stay in the same place, say the same things over and
over, yet have people think I'm teaching them something
they've never heard. If you study the Bible, you'll find
that Scripture does the same thing. Its principles are
repeated over and over in different contexts and through
different narratives.
