Sermons should be loaded with scripture. Preachers who rely upon antidotes, experiences, stories, eloquence of speaking, selected interesting or topical preaching are putting themselves at great risk. The Apostle James gives this warning to preachers:
“Not many [of you] should become teachers [serving in an official teaching capacity], my brothers and sisters, for you know that we [who are teachers] will be judged by a higher standard [because we have assumed greater accountability and more condemnation if we teach incorrectly].” (James 3:1 amp).

The pastor/teacher must rely upon three truth matters:
1. “the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating” (Hebrews 4:12)
2. “All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness;” (2 Timothy 3:16)
3. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

It is the word of God that the Holy Spirit uses to change the hearts of people. Teachers are given varied gifts and abilities of communication, but the focus must always be on the word of God and not on experience or “soap boxes.”

Today's My Utmost for His Highest reminds us of these truths:

“Paul was a scholar and an orator of the highest abilities. When he says that he didn't use “wise and persuasive words” in delivering the gospel, he isn't speaking out of self-deprecating humility. He's saying that if he'd tried to impress people with his talent when he preached the gospel, he would have veiled the power of God. Paul knew that belief in Jesus is a miracle produced by the redemption—by the sheer, unaided power of God—not by making fancy speeches.

As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are called to follow Paul's example. If we are going to preach the gospel, we must practice a special kind of fasting—not from food but rather from eloquence and impressive diction, from everything that might hinder the word of God coming through us to reach others. The power of the redemption does flow through the preaching of the gospel, but we have to recognize that this power is never due to the personality or the eloquence of the preacher.

“We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20). Preachers are representatives of God. We are commissioned to present His gospel, not human ideals. If it's only because of my charisma that people desire to be better, they'll never get anywhere near Jesus Christ. Anything that flatters me in my preaching will end in making me a traitor to Jesus, because I will prevent the creative power of his redemption from doing its work. “And I,” said Jesus, “when I am lifted up . . . will draw all people to myself” (John 12:32).

It isn't that God hasn't gifted men with certain individual abilities and approaches to teaching...He has. But the point is this...the word of God must always be the main focus. It's the word of God the Spirit uses to regenerate the unbeliever and sanctify the believer. The preacher must never lose sight of this. While there are times when stories, experiences, or antidotes may be useful in helping to explain God's truth, the focus must always be on God's written word.

My prayer for you and me this day is this: Lord, raise up men who will obey the call to preach and teach...men who are committed to Your word above all else...men who realize how powerful Your word is...and people who are hungry to know “Dost sayst the Lord.” Amen


Walk with the King today and be a blessing.