Preach the Word

by Bill Bagents

“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and kingdom, preach the word” (2 Timothy 4:1–2a).

A friend sent a heartbreaking email. After two months of “worshiping apart” due to the global pandemic and “stay at home” orders, the congregation resumed meeting in one place to worship God on the Lord’s Day. She had such hopes for the reunion. There would be extra opportunity to “draw near [to God] with a true heart in full assurance of faith” (Heb 10:22) and to “stir up one another to love and good works” (Heb 10:24). Faith would be bolstered by hearing the word of God (Rom 10:17). What a blessing to be back together in God’s name to God’s glory! What a blessing to hear God’s man speak God’s word to God’s people.

What was the heartbreak? The sermon began with a disclaimer—basically, “What I’m going to preach today is just my opinion. It’s certainly not binding on any of you.” Then, there were twenty-five minutes of opinion before God’s word was read. And more opinion followed.

Dashed Hopes

My friend met with the saints to worship the Lord, but she also came to be fed and encouraged. She came seeking a word from the Lord (Jer 37:17). She came because of her faith in the teachings of Jesus: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matt 4:4, quoting Deut 8:3). She came because of her desire to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet 3:18). And the preacher let her down. He forgot the commission of 1 Peter 4:11, “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God.” He forgot the first words of 1 Timothy 4:2, “Preach the word!” He forgot the precious principle of 1 Corinthians 2:2, “For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” I’m not calling the error intentional, but he gave his word precedence over God’s word.

Our opinions can’t save. Our opinions can’t build faith. Our opinions can’t help people draw close to God. Only the clear, honest, and loving teaching of God’s word can accomplish those noble aims. The lesson is clear: If we’re going to preach, we must preach God’s truth. Nothing else compares. Nothing else even qualifies.

Failure to Discern the Time

We don’t mean to be harsh, but there was a second major issue with the preacher’s choice on that Sunday—he failed to discern the time; he failed to recognize and honor the opportunity unique to that day. Consider the array of appropriate topics and texts.

• Preach the joys of worship (Psalm 122:1).
• Preach the joys of reunion and face-to-face fellowship (Rom 1:11–12; 1 Thess 2:17 and 3:18).
• Preach the raging uncertainties of life and the rock-solid consistency of God (Heb 13:8; Jas 1:17).
• Preach God’s grace, mercy, and comfort (2 Cor 1:3–4).
• Preach hope and love as defined by Jesus (Heb 6:13–20; 1 Cor 13; 1 John 3–4).

In the spirit of 1 Chronicles 12:32 and Ecclesiastes 3:1–8, be a teacher and a leader who “understands the times.” Rise to the occasion. Meet the need. Bring God’s word to bear. Don’t just preach what’s on your mind or what seems important to you (1 Pet 5:5–6). When God presents a HUGE opportunity, seize it to His glory! Trust the truth to sanctify and set free (John 8:31–32, 17:17). Trust God’s truth to do what human opinion can’t even begin to accomplish!

Bottom line—Preach the word, the whole word, and nothing but the word. Nothing else matters.