Gospel Preaching

by Chris Simmons

As we prepare for a special week of gospel preaching, we would do well to remind ourselves of what the Bible has to say about preaching. There are several reasons for our need to know about biblical preaching. One, so that we might be aware of preaching that is not according to the pattern of the New Testament. Second, so that we might develop a constant spiritual appetite for biblical preaching. And third, that we might express our appreciation for those who give us preaching from the word of God that we need, not just preaching that people want to hear.

Preaching is defined as the means to announce good news. We read in Luke 2:10, “the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people.’” The good news is the opportunity to be saved from our sins (cf., Acts 4:12; 13:38, 39) and become “joint heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17).

How is gospel preaching to be done? It is not to be done with an emphasis on great oratory skills, impressive vocabularies, and “cleverness” or “superiority of speech” (cf., I Corinthians 1:17 - 2:5). Rather, the preaching is to be done so that the wisdom of God and the power of His gospel is made known (I Corinthians 2:4-5; Romans 1:16).

Why do we preach? From listening to some, you would have to conclude that the purpose of their preaching was to entertain or address social or political agendas. New Testament preaching however is to have the purpose of preparing man for the day of judgment (I Peter 4:4-6) and giving the hearer the “words of eternal life” (John 6:68) that God has revealed to us. It is preached to bring about the purification of men’s souls (I Peter 1:22-25) and to instruct us to live holy and pure lives in stark contrast to the world around us (cf., Titus 2:12; II Corinthians 6:14 – 7:1; I Peter 1:14-16).

What is to be preached? Gospel preaching is to include the “whole purpose (counsel) of God” (Acts 20:18-27). Nothing that God has revealed is to be left out. Jeremiah the prophet recorded God’s words to him, “…speak to all the cities of Judah, who have come to worship in the Lord's house, all the words that I have commanded you to speak to them. Do not omit a word!” (Jeremiah 26:2-3). This means that preaching is to be both positive (“exhort”) as well as negative (“reprove, rebuke”, II Timothy 4:2). The substance of what is taught is to be consistent regardless of who is in the audience. We read in I Corinthians 4:17 that Paul taught the same message everywhere he went. The message is also to be consistent over time. Changes in eras and social settings do not change the word of God (I Peter 1:23-25).

When is the gospel to be preached? All the time, regardless of whether the message is desired or not. Paul directed Timothy to “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction” (II Timothy 4:2).

Where is the gospel to be preached? Jesus instructed the apostles to take the message into “all the world” (Mark 16:15-16). Preaching is done in public settings when brethren are gathered together as well as from “house to house” (Acts 5:42; 10:33; 20:7). Wherever opportunities arose, preaching took place (Acts 8:26; 16:13; John 4:5).

There are certain attitudes that must accompany New Testament gospel preaching. It must be done with humility (I Corinthians 2:1-5). It must not be done for sordid gain or selfish ambition (I Corinthians 9:18; Philippians 1:17). It must be done with discipline in which we limit our speaking to the utterances of God (I Peter 4:11;cf., Galatians 1:8). It is to be done with all boldness (Ephesians 6:19-20) and without hypocrisy (Romans 2:21).

We are so blessed to get such preaching as this on a regular basis as members of the Lord’s church which meets on 5th Street East here in Lancaster. But, we have something special to look forward to in our gospel meeting to hear men preach who also have proven themselves to be gospel preachers according to this biblical pattern. We can’t afford not to partake of such a spiritual feast.