All of us are called to preach the Bible (Matthew 28:16-20), so, whether in full-time ministry, a house group leader or a Christian who wants to share the good news of Jesus (that should be all of us), here are 10 reasons to preach the Word of God.
1. Because the message of God’s Word is timeless and truly powerful
The Bible is timeless because it’s Author is timeless – and no matter how the culture changes, God’s message never changes.
2. Because God’s Word is the good news of salvation
Scripture alone unfolds God’s plan of salvation, as Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life”. Why would I go anywhere else for spiritual answers than to the inspired revelation of Jesus Christ?
3. Because God’s Word sets forth divine truth with clarity and certainty
The Bible is understandable. God revealed his Word in such a way that it can be comprehended with clarity. (Psalm 119:105, 130).
4. Because God’s Word stands as the authoritative self-revelation of God
Preaching the Bible establishes the authority of God over the mind and the soul. When the Bible is preached, people understand who has sovereignty over their souls – it is God alone who reigns over our thoughts and actions.
5. Because God’s Word exalts Christ as the Head of His church
Preaching exalts the lordship of Christ over His church. The headship of Christ is surely one of the most assaulted and least understood doctrines in church history, including today. When we preach the Bible, we establish the Word of God over the mind and soul, and thereby exalt the headship of Christ over His church.
6. Because God’s Word is the means God uses to sanctify His people
A sixth reason to preach the Word of God is that it is the instrument the Spirit uses to save and sanctify. We are born again by the Word of truth. As Jesus said, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”
7. Because God’s Word rightly informs our worship and our walk
Preaching the Bible has a massive impact on the reality and genuineness of our worship. Those who understand the gospel the deepest are the ones who worship with the greatest exaltation and exhilaration.
8. Because God’s Word brings depth and balance to ministry
Preaching the Word of God means that our faith and practice is tested by every text. When preaching the Bible (especially expository) we are being informed and refined by every verse in the New Testament with the support of the Old.
9. Because God’s Word explained ignites interest in personal Bible study
Another motivation for biblical preaching is that when we diligently study and teach or proclaim the Word of God, we demonstrate the value and blessing of personal Bible study and people are dramatically impacted by the power of the Word through us.
10. Because God’s Word builds a ministry with a divine foundation
Finally, a ministry that centers on the preaching of God’s Word is a ministry that is, by definition, wholly dependent on God. Rather than relying on gimmicks or ploys, it relies on God himself for both its content and direction.
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 his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions,and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. – 2 Tim 4:1-5
Why should we proclaim the wisdom of men when we have the privilege of preaching the Word of God?
This post is taken from the book Preaching the Cross from the chapter by John MacArthur
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