Across our land and across the world, people have been led to believe that preaching should be evaluated by how engaging or polished or cool or funny the preacher is. Sermons should never be too long, and always on a topic that is "relevant." But What if this is all wrong? What if it's the reason why the church is so weak and why it is so prone to follow the trends of culture rather than the truths of God's Word? What does the Bible actually say about preaching?
The world prizes status, achievement, and human wisdom. Were the world to compose the church, it would fill it with the rich and famous. But God has intentionally chosen those who, in the eyes of the world, are nobodies to shame the wise so that no one may boast in His presence, and that the redeemed would boast only in Him.
People are always desiring to have their ears tickled at the expense of the truth (2 Tim. 4:3), and preachers who are willing to cater to that desire abound in our narcissistic, entertainment driven culture. When we tamper with the truth of God's Word, we empty the gospel of its divine power because the wisdom of this world and the true wisdom of God are diametrically opposed.
The qualification for an elder to be "able to teach" (1 Tim. 3:2) does not simply refer to a man's ability to captivate an audience. While the supernatural gift of teaching is essential, the content of what is taught is far more important than how it is packaged for delivery. An elder must be wholeheartedly committed to God's word so that he may be able to preach it accurately.
The truth of the Gospel is a treasure that God revealed in His time and in His way. What the Lord entrusted to the Apostles was proclaimed and codified in His word so that we might pass it on to the next generation.
The Apostle Paul referred to the gospel and all it's implications as a precious treasure that must not only be protected and proclaimed, but passed on to others. In the introduction to this little letter, we find the reason why this message is so priceless and how we can find assurance of our salvation and grace to be transformed.
Among those who claim to have the truth are many who allegedly speak for God and even use the title "apostle." How can we know someone is a genuine spiritual leader? The Apostle Paul provides a template for those who possess the qualities that are necessary in a true servant of Christ.
