Why should we bother with preaching anymore?
I mean, come on, this is the 21st century. People aren’t into listening anymore. This is the age of conversation, of opinions, of open sharing. Preaching is so one-dimensional, so limited, so non-Facebook-like. People need something more interesting, more interactive. Something that lets them connect with God and others at the same time. You can’t post comments on a sermon.
Does anything good really come out of sermons?
Yes. Emphatically yes.
1 Timothy 3:16-17 says:
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
But aren’t these verses just speaking of Scripture in general? Can’t I get all the benefits of scripture by sitting at home and reading my Bible?
No. You can’t get all the benefits of scripture through private bible study.
In the very next verse, Paul says to Timothy:
I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus…preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.
Is it an accident that Paul links the effects of God’s word to the preaching of God’s word? I don’t think so. The true preaching of God’s word always gets things done in our lives. By the preaching of God’s word we are reproved and corrected. We’re exhorted and trained in righteousness. We’re equipped to do good works for the glory of God.
This equipping, correcting, reproving, and training happens in a unique way through preaching that doesn’t occur through personal Bible study. Don’t get me wrong, personal Bible study is absolutely indispensable. But so is preaching.
If we don’t hear God’s word preached, we won’t be properly equipped to serve God. We desperately need the correction, reproof, equipping, and training in righteousness that comes through preaching. I want to serve God at maximum capacity.
So I need preaching. And so do you.
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+photo by Brent Nelson
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Amen, amen, amen!
When I was working as an RN back in SC, I took care of children who had cancer. One of our greatest concern was the child becomeing anemic-a condition which weakens the child, causing him to lack strength and vitality. In many cases, a blood transfusion is called for. In some cases, regular blood transfusions are required.
IMO, regular expositroy preaching, as defined by Mark Dever- “where the main point of the Scripture is the main point of the sermon,” is the best medicine for preventing a church from becoming anemic. Without preaching, she will lose her strength, vitality,and ability to glorify the Lord, becoming a shadow of what He intended her to be.
Stephen, our family thanks the Lord for the faithfulness of you, Mark, and Joe to regularly preach the Gospel. We appreciate the hours of study and prayer required to feed His sheep. Know that we are grateful for and blessed by the preaching.
Elaine – I agree, the church needs the preaching of God’s word! Thanks for your encouragement.