The flock of God needs to be fed.
This is the third article of a three-part series about the priority of preaching. We have considered together the vital importance of steadfast Bible preaching since the health and strength of our churches depend on the consistency and quality of our preaching. We need to ask the Lord to stir up our pastors to prepare, stand and deliver the Word week after week.
Jesus said the Kingdom of God is like the seed of the Word cast upon the soil. Jesus taught Peter that to shepherd the flock is to feed the flock. Paul declared that the Lord gave some to be pastor/teacher. In fact, he said that a basic requirement for local church ministry is that a pastor be able to teach the Word of God. Preaching the Word must be a priority.
Let me be clear. You do not have to be a celebrity chef to feed the people of God. Not every preacher is gifted to be a famous pulpiteer; however, we are all called to give the Word to our people in a manner that is accurate, relevant and clear. This requires diligence on the part of the preacher. “Take pains with these things, be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all” (1 Tim. 4:15).
What is wrong with your church? Is it division, impurity, immaturity or apathy? The Word of God preached to the people of God produces a harvest of unity, purity, maturity and passion. Build your ministry on the preaching of God’s Word, and you will produce and attract healthy disciples of Jesus Christ. Build on some lesser foundation—music style, events, political action, age group attraction—and you will most likely be building a house on the sand.
We believe in the Bible. Not only do we believe in the authority of Scripture, we believe in its power. The Bible is inspired by God. The Word is living and active, piercing hearts and bearing fruit. The pastor/teacher must prepare, stand and deliver week after week, believing with all his heart that the Word will do its work. Our high view of Scripture should move us to a high view of preaching.
Trust the Word like the sower trusts the seed. Confidence in the power and productivity of the Word preached brings four blessings to the pastor: focus, simplicity, authority and patience. You can trust the Word to bear its fruit in its season.
“For you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring Word of God. For all flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls off, but the Word of the Lord endures forever. And this is the word which was preached to you” (1 Pet. 1:23-25).
Oh, Lord, raise up a generation of pastors passionate for the preaching of Your Word and give us all ears to hear it.
