There was a second important point in the article that I read by Pastor Jon Payne, which is that the ultimate aim of preaching must be the glory and praise of God. Strictly speaking, the preaching of the Word of God is not primarily for the salvation of sinners. Instead, preaching is first and foremost for the glory of God, magnifying our Lord’s awe-inspiring character and awesome works. Shouldn’t the content of preaching communicate this glorious reality? The first question of the Westminster Shorter Catechism asked: “What is the chief end of man? To which the answer is: “Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” This is the root purpose and focus for life, which all else sprouts to fruitful living.
Psalm 96:3-4 “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised.”
But Pastor Payne reminds us that preaching must be carried out in utter dependence upon God, not our talents, intellect or personality. Indeed, apart from the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit in the hearts, minds and souls of those to whom the Word of God is presented, the Law of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ will fall upon deaf ears and stone hearts. My “Evangelism Explosion” small group always prayed before we went out witnessing to others, that the Holy Spirit would prepare, in advance, the hearts of those who we presented the gospel message to that evening. There is no place for pride or self-reliance. Apart from Christ and the life-giving Holy Spirit, we can do nothing (John 15:5).
Psalm 106:47-48 “Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise. Blessed be the Lord, the God of
Preaching is the primary means of grace appointed by God to regenerate, sanctify, nourish and comfort others. That same Westminster Shorter Catechism states that preaching is an effective means of enlightenment, and humbling sinners’ of driving them out of themselves, and drawing them unto Christ’ of conforming them unto His image; and subduing them to His will; of strengthening them against temptations and corruptions; of building them up in grace’ and establishing their hearts in holiness and comfort through faith unto salvation. No task is of greater importance for the minister or the church body than the faithful proclamation of the whole counsel of God.
Romans 15:5-6 “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 2:10 tells us that “we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ministry is busy, but we all need to faithfully preach the Word. Let us trust God’s promise to employ the foolishness of preaching for the advancement of His kingdom (1 Cor. 1:21). Pray that our preaching would be chiefly about God, to the glory of God and praise of God, and in prayerful dependence upon Him.
Romans 11:36 “For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.”
In Christ, Brian
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