In an effort to become a better preacher of God’s Word, many pastors seek to sharpen their axe on a regular basis. Many books, magazines, pamphlets, articles, and blog posts have been originated to help the man of God to become a more proficient proclaimer of the Book of the Ages.
The serious pastor will seek to improve his abilities by availing himself of these great tools. This ambassador of Jesus Christ is also keenly aware that no matter how much he hones his skills, he is still in great need of the Holy Spirit’s power to accomplish anything of eternal value or significance!
This post seeks to point out 9 important components that godly preaching will exhibit. As these earmarks are mentioned, one will agree that they are essential to incorporate into the pastor’s delivery of the eternal truths found in God’s infallible Word.
9 Components To Godly Preaching Which Every Pastor Should Utilize!
#1 – Bible Preaching Should Be Based Upon The Word Of God!
(2 Corinthians 2:17) “For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.” (KJV)
(2 Corinthians 4:2) “But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” (KJV)
(2 Timothy 4:2) “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” (KJV)
It is amazing what is deemed “Bible” preaching these days. A jury would have a hard time convicting some men of preaching the Bible because there is so little of it used in their message/sermon.
#2 – Bible Preaching Should Expound God’s Mighty Works Including The Salvation Of Repentant Sinners!
(Acts 20:20-21) “And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” (KJV)
(Romans 10:14-15) “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? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (KJV)
While some preaching is directed towards the believer for their edification, every message needs to provide a “gangplank” for sinners to get aboard the ole ship of Zion!
#3 – Bible Preaching Should Encourage A Personal Encounter With Jesus Christ Through The Word Of God!
(1 John 1:4-10) “And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” (KJV)
Preaching must push people towards a closer walk with Jesus Christ. To do otherwise is a complete waste of everyone’s time!
#4 – Bible Preaching Should Teach And Instruct!
(2 Timothy 3:16-17) “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (KJV)
Whenever the Word of God is preached it will be spiritual meat for the belly of of the saint. It is easier digested when it is served in proper portions. This is where good preaching comes in.
#5 – Bible Preaching Should Be Sustaining And Life Giving!
(Acts 4:13) “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” (KJV)
The most important event, each and every week, is the message being heralded forth in the hamlets that dot the globe. This message should be something spiritual enough to sustain someone for the week to come. It should have such an effect as to be REMEMBERED!
#6 – Bible Preaching Should Stir The Seat Of Emotions!
(Luke 24:32) “And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?” (KJV)
Those men on the Emmaus road heard Jesus preach the Old Testament prophesies concerning the Messiah… HIMSELF! It stirred their heart! God made us EMOTIONAL beings. Preaching should not be stale as month old bread. It should be warm, tasty and filling! Good preaching will stir us to action!
#7 – Bible Preaching Should Proclaim God’s Judgment Along With All Other Doctrines!
(Acts 20:26-27) “Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.” (KJV)
Paul preached it ALL! Some only want to preach the pleasant things and refrain, ignore, and forget about weightier matters. We have to spell out God’s wrath and judgment when needed!
#8 – Bible Preaching Should Aim For A Clear Decision!
(Joshua 24:15) “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (KJV)
As Joshua of old times, we must make it plain and easily understood. People need to make a decision when confronted with God’s truth!
#9 – Bible Preaching Should Trumpet A Call To Action!
(Jeremiah 7:3) “Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place.” (KJV)
(Jeremiah 26:13) “Therefore now amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the LORD your God; and the LORD will repent him of the evil that he hath pronounced against you.” (KJV)
Good preaching will call for a clear and distinct decision. Not to do so, blurs the message and can leave someone confused.
Conclusion
As you can surmise in this post, good Bible preaching involves quite a bit of forethought, prayer and Bible study. The most important thing is the empowerment of God’s Holy Spirit! These 9 essential components should not be overlooked when preparing and preaching God’s Holy Word!
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Would You Consider Purchasing…
By A.P. Gibbs / ECS Ministries
This present books brings Gibb’s encyclopedic knowledge of the subject within our reach. Gibb’s seriousness, thoroughness, energy, and urgency breath from this book. First entitled A Primer on Preaching, as Gibbs matured so his study of the sacred art of preaching grew. His final edition was completed just months before his sudden homecall in an auto accident enroute to Hamilton, Ontario, for a two week series of Gospel meetings.
Preaching is explicitly ordained of God to reach people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to help the subsequent disciples mature in their faith. Though other methods can be employed, God has made it absolutely clear that preaching and the pulpit ministry should be preeminent! Since it is so important, every pastor should seek to better get the message across so as to be more effective.
