NT Worship - Preaching

New Testament Worship: Preaching

Text: 1 Tim 4:13

“Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching.”

Thesis: To note the aim of preaching and the responsibility of the listeners.

Introduction:

(1)    Remember the formula for worship: IN Spirit and IN Truth (John 4.24).

(2)    The reading/preaching of God’s Word is one element of worship.

(a)    Paul was preaching to some on the first day of the week (Acts 20.7).

(b)    Peter and the apostles preached the first gospel sermon (Acts 2).

(3)    Reading/preaching is “God speaking to us” (cf. 2 Tim. 3.16).

(4)    We shall look at 2 points regarding preaching:

Discussion:

I.                   The task of the preacher:

A.    “Preach the Word” (2 Tim. 4.2)

1.      The Bible alone is God’s power (Rom. 1.16).

2.      It is sharper than any two-edged sword (Heb. 4.12).

3.      It is the weapon of choice for the Holy Spirit (Eph. 6.17).

4.      It has all that one needs for life and godliness (2 Pet. 1.3).

5.      It is able to build one up and to give him/her an inheritance (Acts 20.32).

6.      It alone will make a person complete (2 Tim. 3.17).

B.     Ways to ensure that the Word is being preached:

1.      Expository Sermons should be the bulk of one’s preaching.

a.       There is a place for topical sermons; E.g., What does the Bible teach about…

b.      Nevertheless, one must give the utmost attention to CONTEXT!

c.       Example: 1 Thess 5.22 – Abstain from the appearance of evil (KJV); from every form of evil (NASV)

(1)    Some have used this verse to teach a Biblical truth not found in this verse (found elsewhere in Rom. 14.16)

(2)    The verse in 1 Thess. means to reject every teaching that has been tested and not found to be good (v. 21); thus, false

2.      Rule of Thumb: Is God getting in a word?

3.      Study, Study, Study

C.     A dilemma that faces a preacher is best stated by the title of John Stott’s book Between Two Worlds.

1.      How does one preach a 1st-century gospel to a 21st-century audience?

2.      Tom Holland suggests a three-point formula: 1) Explanation; 2) Illustration;

and 3) Application.

3.      One failing to have application becomes a “so what” sermon and one failing to have explanation becomes a talk as opposed to a sermon.

II.                The task of the audience:

A.    First, try everything taught by the Word of God.

1.      Acts 17.11 – search the Scriptures daily

2.      1 Thess. 5.21 – test all things

3.      1 John 4.1 – try the spirits

4.      Reality – There are some false teachers out there (Matt. 7.15-20; Acts 20.28-31).

B.     Second, be doers of the Word (James 1.22).

1.      In one ear and out the other syndrome

2.      Ways to avoid:

a.       Get a good night’s rest

b.      Bring your Bible with you and read along

c.       Take notes for reference

d.      Remember that you are going to be tested over these things (John 12.48)

e.       Study outside of worship services (2 Tim. 2.15)

f.       Picture God Himself talking to you in order to get the serious mindset

g.      Simply, be active listeners!

Conclusion:

(1)    God is speaking only when His Word is proclaimed, but when it is, then we must listen and do something with His message.

(2)    What are you doing with His message about how to become a Christian?

(3)    What are you doing with His message about then living faithfully?