June 20

“But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:” Titus 2:1

Titus had been called to minister the word of God. Paul instructed him to be responsible for the message he gave forth. True today as it was then, there are many who profess a call of God to minister to others, yet do great damage to the cause of Christ because they do not heed the directions given in God’s word. We cannot be made responsible for what others may say or omit in their speaking of scriptural things, but we are responsible for our own communication. Words are not cheap nor are they ‘just words’ when we are delivering the message from God. They are important and should reflect the holiness, power and love of God. Much more care is taken in some cases, in preparing a speech for a formal occasion, such as a wedding or social gathering, than the time and effort placed in praying over and setting out some sermons! Conversely, some use the pulpit and the means of preaching, mainly as a tool to pander their own philosophies and push their personal viewpoints or agendas. Paul instructs that ministerial communication, which includes not merely our words, but our actions also, should ‘become’, that is be appropriate, in-line with and reflecting of, sound doctrine! Clearly the purpose of our preaching and teaching is not to portray ours or ourselves, but what the Lord has already revealed and determined to be right and correct doctrine in His Holy Word. The task for the minister is to highlight these established truths and proclaim them so they can be understood and accepted by all. Our prayers should always include intercession for those in ministry, to be true and humble channels, through whom the word of God can flow, in anointed power and wisdom for the benefit, instruction, encouragement and edification, of all that hear them.   

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Apr 9

“Preach the word…” 2 Timothy 4:2

An action, and the object of it, is expressed in the first part of this verse. The action is ‘preach’! This means to ‘proclaim loudly’. It is the equivalent in manner and purpose to what was done in ancient days. When a king wanted a message to be sent among his people, he would issue a proclamation. Men in the service of the king, called ‘heralds’, would then go through the land and loudly announce the proclamation the king had made, so that that people everywhere in the realm could hear it. Sometimes a trumpet sounded before the herald spoke, to gain the attention of the people, and encourage them to momentarily leave their activity or work, and gather around to listen. This is the context of the task and manner of preaching. We as Christians are to ‘herald’ the proclamations of our King Jesus, to the world around us. As an action, preaching is loud, in the sense that it stands out as different from normal speaking; it is meant to carry the message from the King clearly; it must be done in places and ways where people can hear; it must be carried in the precision and authority of the Sender; it is a task of obedience and personal consecration, which may well also require sacrifice in various ways, and at different times! Preaching is different to any other ‘speaking’ activity known to man. It is not merely giving a ‘talk’ or discourse. It is not oratory in the general sense of the word, or lecturing per se. It differs from teaching in manner and overall content. It can only really be properly carried out, through the anointing of the Spirit of God resting on the speaker and causing him to bring out ‘the message’, God laid on his heart to begin with! The object of this holy exercise is the ‘Word of God’! ‘Preaching’ anything else, regardless of how interesting, current or pressing, is not the preaching intended for God’s heralds! The Word of God, must be the centre, basis, content and message of Christian preaching, and the motivation of the preacher. All topical preaching must be soundly founded upon the correct basis of scriptural principle. It is in expounding, and explaining the text and principles of the Word, that preaching (and teaching), is actually carried out. To this privileged task, God has called His people, in every walk of life. Preaching the Word of God, the Holy Scriptures, the Bible, is an action that takes place at many levels. God calls some to various aspects of ministry, such as pastoring, teaching and evangelism, where this task is a very regular part of life. He also calls all believers, everywhere to be faithful and ‘preach’, proclaim and share the message from the King of Kings, by words, actions and lifestyle behaviour, to all with whom we come in contact with, in everyday life. It is by preaching the Word that God has seen fit to save the lost of this world! Have we done any of this preaching lately?

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Mar 1

“Then rose up Zerubbabel….. and began to build the house of God…” Ezra 5:2

The work of rebuilding the house of God, had come to a standstill. Inspired by the Lord, the prophets began to preach, and their message spoke to the heart of the leaders, whose response was to again take up the building work and encourage others to do the same. We are reminded of several principles in these verses. Firstly we recognise that in spite of early enthusiasm by most of God’s people, often even the work of God is put aside, and the vision for it lost when difficulties arise, or the work requires extended time and constancy. We often begin a project or effort supported by many, but soon, the desire and involvement lapses, and other things take over the time and energy which might have been invested as a sacrifice and service unto the Lord. Secondly, we see the necessity of teaching and preaching God’s messages, in order to rekindle the fire, passion and vision of service unto the Lord. These reminders must be ordained of God, and must be in His timing and anointed by His Spirit, to touch the hearts and minds of those who hear them. The result of re-awakening, revival and renewal of heart and vision, can have tremendous effects on the people as a whole, and the culmination and fulfilment of the work at hand. Unless the hearts of the people are revitalized, however, it is unlikely that any work they may undertake, physical or otherwise, will actually continue. Thirdly, we note the beauty and joy of various groups of people, or various individuals working together for a common goal and aim. Here we see the prophets, the civil leaders and the priests, all co-operating to complete and bring about the construction of the house of God. Each one of us has a task to do, and everyone can contribute and lend a hand, in doing what the Lord wants accomplished. When people put aside their personal agendas, strip themselves of the pride of their position, and willingly ‘roll up their sleeves’ in hearty, loving and courageous labour unto the Lord, much is accomplished and great joys and growth results from the experiences.

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion