This morning let’s look at Paul’s words of exortation to Timothy, his young disciple in Christ, saying (2 Timothy 4:2 to, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” Now someone might ask, Why should we preach the Word?Let me just say, preaching is important to God! The Bible says that God has “manifested His word through preaching” (Titus 1:3). Jesus told his disciples that “repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47). Paul stated that “it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe” (1 Corinthians 1:2). In his letter to the Romans Paul said, “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14). The Bible emphatically declares that preaching is important!
Well then, what kind of preaching do we need?
Bible-based – The apostle Paul would tell the young preacher Timothy to “Preach the word” (2 Timothy 4:2). Paul did not tell him to preach psychology, denominationalism, the traditions of men, nor the latest in self-help psychobabble. He told him to preach the word! Why? Because only when the word of God is preached can men be saved (Romans 1:16) (1 Corinthians 1:18) (James 1:21). Preachers need to make sure that their sermons are grounded in the text of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Christ-centered – The Lord Jesus Christ ought to be exalted in every sermon preached, in every opportunity to teach. He is “King of kings and Lord of Lords” (1 Timothy 6:15) (Revelation 19:16). He should be at the heart of every message preached (1 Corinthians 2:2).
Brethren, let us not dare forget the great need we have for Bible-based, plainly spoken, heart-penetrating, Christ-centered preaching in the church of our Lord today! For this is the kind of preaching that can save the world (Mark 16:15-16).