Guidelines for Preaching
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “…preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” 2 Timothy 4:2 ESV
In ordination services the charge to newly commissioned ministers includes the admonition to, “preach the word.” However you don’t hear to much about “reprove and rebuke and exhort…” After almost 28 years of pastoral ministry and a life of “sitting in the pew” I have delivered and listened to thousands of sermons. In this one verse Paul delivers to his protege Timothy straight forward guidelines for his teaching and preaching.
He begins with what to preach. The simple text and focus is “God’s Word.” It is not modern philosophy, or personal opinion. It is not “current events.” Actually all of those may be included in a message by the way of illustrations or contrasting what is seen in the Bible versus modern culture. Bible centered preaching can be a challenge. It requires one to be studious, to wrestle with difficult passages, to deal with tension.
Paul then moves to when to preach. Other translations give light to “in season and out of season.” The Contemporary English Version states it, “…even if it isn’t the popular thing to do.” The Message supports this with the words, “whether the time is favorable or not.” Culture may change, but the truth of God’s Word does not change. The Bible may not be favorable or fashionable, but it is the consistent, eternal, unchanging Word of God.
Paul let’s Timothy know the focus of his preaching. I like the words of J.B. Phillips’ paraphrase, “Prove, correct, and encourage…” Teaching that provides confidence in God’s Word and the teaching of the Bible is important. This is the area of apologetics. The Bible shows us whether our ideas and thoughts are right or wrong. While “reprove” may be directed at thinking, “correction” or “rebuke” is directed at our behavior. Encouragement in serving the Lord and living for Him is also vital. This points to the importance of instruction in how to live and conduct our life in obedience to the Lord. Bible-based preaching should give strength and courage to people in their spiritual journey.
Finally, Paul tells Timothy how to approach his preaching. “Complete patience and teaching.” Loving God’s Word, loving people is important in successfully communicating truth. This is especially true in “reproving” and “correcting.” Just as a concerned parent is willing to confront a child’s thoughts and behaviors, so a caring spiritual Shepard should be willing to do the same. Not because it is easy, but because it is necessary. They need to demonstrate patience in what they preach and with their attitude toward people.
An important aspect of the “preaching of the Word” is teaching in a way that people are not only encouraged and challenged, but equipped in their spiritual life. They know both the “what” and the “how” of the Christian life. At our church the staff refers to this as “preaching for Tuesday.” They ask themselves, “what will make a difference not just on Sunday but as people live their lives during the week?”
It is only one sentence, but it gives much to consider and much that is useful for “preachers” young and old.
Prayer for today….. Lord, thank You for Your Word and for those who are called to communicate it to others. Give them insight, courage, balance and patience that is needed to be Your voice to Your people in these days.