GOSPEL PREACHING

The apostle Paul was a great preacher. By his example and instruction he teaches much about preaching the Gospel. In his letter to the Thessalonians he gives a glimpse into his style of preaching. In chapter two he writes, "For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the Gospel of God with much contention. For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the Gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness; God is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children" (1 Thess. 2:1-7).

From this description of Paul's preaching among the Thessalonians, we learn the following:

1. Paul's preaching was not vain, useless. He did not teach the doctrines of men which are useless (Matt. 15:8-9), but preached the "word of God which effectually worketh also in you that believe" (1 Thess. 2:13).

2. One who preaches the Word of God is subject to being shamefully treated. In Paul's day, as in ours, most folks do not wish to hear the pure, simple Gospel of God. Paul even warned the young preacher Timothy, "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2 Tim. 3:12). Jesus spoke of a time "when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake" (Luke 6:22). Preaching the Gospel does not make friends from the world or from those who have turned their backs on the truth and deserted the ranks of faithful Christians.

3. The Gospel must be proclaimed boldly! There is no place in the pulpit for one who is a coward. There is no room in the pulpit for one who will shirk from proclaiming ALL the counsel of God. At Miletus, Paul talked to the elders of the church from Ephesus. He told them, "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" (Acts 20:26-27). He instructed Timothy to "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine" (2 Tim. 4:2). One must be bold in his proclamation of the truth. He must preach it when folks desire to hear it and when they do not wish to hear it. He must not shun to declare the whole counsel of God without fear or favor.

4. Paul's preaching was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile. Paul had no hidden motives or agenda. His only motive was to please God and save men. Today, our pulpits are filled with men who will not teach the truth about God's plan for man. They will not teach the truth about the church of our blessed Lord. They refuse to speak out against worldliness in the church. Thus, they preach of deceit.

5. The Gospel preacher has been put in trust with the Gospel. This great treasure has been placed in earthen vessels! One should be ashamed to be afraid and afraid to be ashamed of this glorious Gospel. If the Gospel preacher is not true to this trust, then who is going to teach the truth to the world? Certainly it will not be done by denominational preachers preaching their lies!

6. The Gospel preacher must preach to please God, not men. "For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ" (Gal. 1:10). Too many today appear to be more concerned with "making friends" than in winning souls. Too many seem to be more interested in making a name for themselves than in proclaiming the name of Christ. Too many allow friendship, family, etc. to alter their teaching. We must preach to please God and Him only!

7. Paul never used flattering words. Plain talk is the easiest to understand. The Gospel is for all and should be taught so that all may hear, understand and respond.

8. God is witness to our preaching. Therefore, I dare not seek to preach to please men. I dare not preach less than the whole counsel of God. I dare not be anything but bold in my proclamation of the Gospel.

9. One can obey all of the teaching of Paul concerning the preaching of the Gospel. One can follow the example of preaching that Paul left for us and still be "gentle...as a nurse cherisheth her children." One can be bold in telling men the truth. He can be plain. He can be strong and still be gentle.

Expect nothing less.... the gospel of Christ MUST be preached!!!
 

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