2024-08-18 Why Biblical Preaching Matters
Title: Why Biblical Preaching Matters
You might wonder why preaching is such a big deal in our worship services. Have you ever thought about what makes a sermon impactful or why it should matter to you? Imagine walking into church and treating the worship service like a buffet, picking and choosing what you want to engage with. But what if I told you that preaching is not just another item on the menu, but the main course that nourishes your soul? Let's dive into why biblical preaching is essential and how it can transform your life.
What is Biblical Preaching?
Biblical preaching is more than just a speech or a monologue. It’s the oral communication of God's Word through a commissioned messenger to a given audience. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, emphasizes that preaching involves both a message and a messenger. The message is the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the messenger is someone whose life aligns with the message they preach.
Paul and his team worked tirelessly, not to burden the Thessalonians, but to bring them the good news of Jesus. They lived devoutly, righteously, and blamelessly among the believers, ensuring that their conduct matched their message. This alignment between message and messenger is crucial for biblical preaching to be effective.
Why Does Biblical Preaching Matter?
You might ask, "Why should I care about biblical preaching?" The answer is simple: because it has the power to change lives. The gospel is not just a set of ideas or moral teachings; it is the life-giving Word of God. When you hear biblical preaching, you are not just listening to a man speak; you are hearing God speak through that man to your heart.
Paul's preaching was centered on the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ. He didn't rely on eloquent wisdom or persuasive words but on the power of God. This power is what transforms lives, freeing us from the penalty and power of sin and ultimately from its presence.
How Should You Listen to Biblical Preaching?
Listening to a sermon is not a passive activity. To get the most out of biblical preaching, you need to listen expectantly so that God's Word can work effectively in your life. Here are three ways to do that:
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Welcome the Word: Approach the sermon with a joyful and open heart. Recognize that the message is not just human words but the Word of God. When you welcome the message with joy, you are more likely to receive it deeply.
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Receive the Word: Let the message penetrate your heart. Don't just hear it; internalize it. Allow God's Word to challenge and change you. The Thessalonians received Paul's message and let it transform their lives.
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Believe the Word: Be convinced that what you are hearing is true. Faith in the gospel is what activates its power in your life. When you believe God's Word, it works effectively in you, bringing about real change.
Conclusion
So, why does biblical preaching matter? Because it is through preaching that the Spirit of God takes the Word of God and applies it to the child of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified in the church of God. This week, I challenge you to approach the next sermon you hear with an open heart, ready to welcome, receive, and believe the Word of God. What steps will you take to let God's Word work effectively in your life?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Word and the power it has to transform our lives. Help us to welcome, receive, and believe Your message with open hearts. May Your Spirit work effectively in us, so that we may glorify Your Son, Jesus, in all that we do. Amen.