“The Word That Must Be Preached”
2 Timothy 4:1-4
Sermon Series: “God’s Playbook For A Winning Life”
Introduction: Why preach about preaching? You may be thinking that this does not seem like a very relevant topic for those who are not preachers, and I said this would be a very application-oriented series. However, there are some very important reasons for us to look at this subject. They include: we need biblical convictions as a church about the issue of preaching, I am praying for God to call out the called, we need to see the importance of the true gospel, this applies to those of you who teach the Word in any setting, it is important for us to learn how to listen to a sermon, and some of you need to step up to teach (Hebrews 5:11-14).
Principle #2: The Bible is God’s perfect Word that must be boldly and accurately preached.
Let’s break this principle down and look at the details of it.
1. The Bible must be boldly and accurately preached because many are turning away from the truth (v. 3-4). These verses are being fulfilled in our day. Many people want their ears tickled and prefer man-made myths to the truth of God. However, that means there is a greater need for bold and accurate preaching instead of a lesser need. We must obey God instead of following the tides of public opinion.
2. The Bible must be boldly and accurately preached because we are commanded to preach the Word (v. 2). This is a command-not a choice! Nehemiah 8:8 says, “So they read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God; and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading.” That is a great picture of biblical preaching. Paul said that he declared the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27) and preached Jesus Christ crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2) so biblical preaching is expounding the whole Word of God with an emphasis on Jesus and His cross. Why is the Lord so serious about us preaching the Word? Well, “therefore” in verse 1 ties this passage back to what we have been studying in the last couple of messages, which gives us these reasons:
Jesus is revealed (3:15).
The Bible is God’s inspired and perfect record of His revelation to man (3:16).
The Bible is helpful to us (3:16).
The Bible is sufficient (3:17).
3. The Bible must be boldly and accurately preached because of the characteristics of true preaching (v. 2). They include:
A constant readiness to preach
Dealing with sin
Encouragement
Patience
Teaching
4. The Bible must be boldly and accurately preached because of the reality that we will stand before Jesus and answer to Him alone (v. 1). Ultimately, the preacher has an audience of One! If I have pleased Him, everything will be ok, but if I have not pleased Him, it does not matter what anyone else thinks. According to Warren Wiersbe, the reality of His judgment means:
We must do our work faithfully and carefully.
It should deliver us from the fear of man.
It should encourage us to keep going in the midst of difficulties.
Conclusion-Applications: Here are some ideas on how to listen to a sermon in order to make it worship and make it profitable:
1. Expectation-Desiring a word from God
2. Preparation-Prayer, heart is right and ready to worship
3. Participation-Active listening (to the preacher and the Lord), note taking, response, thinking, evaluating what is said in light of Scripture
4. Retention-Coming back to it afterwards
5. Application-Obediently putting it into practice
