Last week, we looked at two vital aspects of Paul’s advice to a young preacher. When he wrote to Timothy, he expected to see him very soon, and this fact emphasizes the importance of the spiritual advice Paul gave to him. When an abbreviated message is sent it contains the most important information that should be remembered.
As noted last week Paul told Timothy to first give attention to reading. Young preachers and those of all ages should remember this. The word reading is sometimes used to describe public reading, but it is used to describe the Ethiopian’s action as he rode in his chariot (Acts 8:28, 30). Paul urged Timothy to be devoted to reading the word and words of God!
Paul then told Timothy to pay attention to doctrine. In years past most preachers did an outstanding job of doing this, but in more recent years younger preachers ignore preaching the doctrine (teachings) of the Bible. Doctrine was so important to Paul (1 Tim. 6:3; 2 Tim. 1:13; 4:3; Tit. 1:9; 2:1), and Paul included this vital truth in this aspect of preaching in his short letter to the young preacher.
The third vital truth was to be devoted to exhortation. This aspect of preaching must be in lessons by all preachers today. What is preaching all about? It is for God’s messenger to read and study and to know the Bible. It is not the skilled oration of the preacher which will change lives. It is not some secular story found while reading the words of men found using a computer. Timothy knew Paul and his preaching and how Paul was determined to know nothing except Christ and Him crucified (1 Cor. 2:1-2). How do you get the audience to obey the Lord? Those who love Christ are those who obey Him. How do you get the audience to love Him? The power is in knowing and proclaiming Gethsemane and Golgotha.
When we fail to exhort and encourage others to follow Jesus, they must learn to fear God before they will obey Him. Solomon said the whole duty of man was to fear God and keep His commandments (Ecc. 12:13). However, the motivating power is to love Him, and perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18).
The inspired preaching in the first century church is the pattern for all preaching of every age. How does God describe that preaching? “He who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men” (1 Cor. 14:3). Preaching is designed so “…that all may learn and all may be encouraged” (1 Cor. 14:31).
Let me urge all preachers to read His words, to proclaim His doctrine and never preach without exhortation! This kind of preaching of what we have read will help all to grow.
-Dan Jenkins
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