Preaching the Word of God

 August 4, 2024

Sunday

I may scream if I hear one more statement or read one more article that says that church attendance is dwindling. Yes, this is true. Some are applauding the low attendance. Others are sounding an alarm that something must be done about it. It is in the latter case that we will get ourselves in the most trouble. There are a number of things we can do to increase attendance that will deviate from the gospel.

Paul told Timothy to preach the word "in season and out of season." He was telling him to preach when it is convenient and when it isn't. This just might be the moment that preaching the word isn't convenient. People are flocking to preachers and places where they can hear what they want to hear. Meanwhile, there are Christians who are claiming that others aren't preaching the word because their interpretation on tertiary matters differ. Now is the time we must make sure that we are preaching God's word. It is definitely "out of season."

The word of God must be preached clearly without regard to how it will be received. Some Christians may not agree with you. Some will not like to hear what the word says. Some will leave you for other churches who will give them what they want. Preachers must have tougher hides than they have had in the past. They will be attacked from both Christians and non-Christians when they preach the word of God. Preaching the word of God is in jeopardy when avoiding criticism becomes the focus. 

The word of God must be preached without using the "message" as a means of gain. Some may be preaching messages so that they can go to bigger churches. Others may want notoriety in their denominations. Crowds will often get the bigger salary at the larger churches. Being a big shot in your denomination doesn't hurt your book sales either. The preacher must answer the question before each difficult message: Would I preach this message if it meant that I would be fired, lose members or be martyred? Of course, it must be from the word of God or that question makes no sense.

The word of God must be preached in its entirety. No part of God's word should be avoided. Too many preacher give out their "sugar sticks" to the congregation over and over. They must leave those congregations because they only have so many of them. Preaching the whole word of God is a struggle that should keep the preacher in prayer and study. The preacher who has too much time to play golf with potential big money givers is neglecting God's word even if he builds large buildings, has massive budgets and increasing attendance.

Preaching the word must be at the core of the preacher's message. Self-help and psychology has a place but that place is not at the core of the message. The Bible must back up what the preacher says or it may be that it is just the preacher who is saying it. Antidotes cannot make up the message. It must be God's word.

So, attendance may fall. What difference does that make when it comes to preaching God's word? Should we shy away from the word to reach for greater attendance. Absolutely not!

For the non-preachers I would give this warning. Be careful that you are not rushing off to a new church that gives you what you want. It may not be preaching the word. If not, you have been unfaithful to God's word no matter what noble reason you are giving. Larger churches have better youth ministers, better children's ministries and more professional worship services. You may say that you are doing this for your children or someone else you have been trying to get into church. Think about it: You are trying to get them to the word of God by going to a place where the word of God is not preached? Does that make sense?

I would say to the non-preachers: Hear the word of God in season and out of season, too.

2 Timothy 4:1–2 (NASB 2020) ¹ I solemnly exhort you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: ² preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and exhort, with great patience and instruction.