The Pulpit
Intro.
1. There have always been a variety of expectations or demands placed
upon preachers of God's word (some right, some wrong) - Isa. 30:10; Jer. 5:31; Matt.
15:12.
2. The goal of gospel preaching is the conviction & conversion of souls - Jno. 16:8; 2
Tim. 4:2.
3. It is God's work, & we must not cheapen, disable & invalidate it by turning it
into the work & wisdom of man!
4. Consider what the pulpit (i.e., public preaching) is & is not.
I. THE PULPIT IS NOT:
A. A Soapbox To Promote A Personal Agenda. (Illus.
"soap operas")
1. Not for promoting, commending oneself - Such will not be commended
by the Lord! - 2 Cor. 10:12, 17-18.
2. Hidden agendas obscure the glory of the cross! - Gal. 6:12-15
B. A Stage To Entertain The Audience - 1 Cor. 2:1-5 (cf. Acts
8:9-11).
1. I don't know any preachers claiming they must entertain to be heard,
or churches saying they must have entertaining preachers.
2. But, "actions speak louder than words!" - 2 Tim. 4:3-4
C. A Lectern For Academia (Human Wisdom) - 1 Cor. 1:26-29; 2:1, 4;
Col. 2:8, 18.
1. Too many gospel (?) preachers "propose, suggest, offer options
& theorize" instead of boldly preaching absolute truth!
2. When this kind of preaching is accepted, then gradually….
a. Standard of absolute truth becomes relative (morals,
doctrines).
b. Sin is minimized, becoming "differing yet honest
opinions."
c. Worldliness invades our thinking & the churches.
d. Fellowship with sin & error grows ever broader.
e. Distinctive message/meaning of the gospel is lost! - 1
Pet. 2:9-10
D. A Rifle Range To Take Target Practice (Pot Shots) At Others - 3
Jno. 9-10.
1. Document & ad-dress every issue which affects truth &
righteous living, including identifying those who teach error (Matt. 16:6; 2 Tim. 2:16-18;
4:10, 14-15; 3 Jno. 9).
2. Don't preach attacks upon a man -- preach attacks on error &
preach the "purity & simplicity that is in Christ" (2 Cor. 11:3).
II. THE PULPIT IS:
A. A Divine Charge - 2 Tim. 4:1-2 (1 Cor. 9:16).
1. Entire word of God must be preached - Neh. 8:8; Acts 20:20, 25-27.
2. Make scriptural & practical applications, giving encouragement,
warnings & rebuke - 2 Tim. 4:2 (3:16-17).
3. Be true to the message of truth - 2 Tim. 4:2 (cf. Stephen).
B. A Sober Responsibility - (Jas. 3:1) 2 Tim. 2:24-26; 4:5.
1. Motivated by love of God, truth & souls (Phil. 1:15, 17).
2. To seize the opportunity to serve & save - 1 Tim. 4:16; 2 Tim.
4:5.
C. A Perpetual Work - 2 Tim. 4:5; 2:2.
1. Repetition: Continuing to preach the same truths without fear, favor
or faltering - Phil. 3:1 (2 Pet. 1:12-15).
2. By encouraging young (& older) men to become preachers - Mk.
16:15.
3. By churches sending & supporting gospel preachers - Rom. 10:14-
15; Acts 13:2-3.
Conclusion
1. The pulpit is a blessing, but when misused it becomes a curse - Gal.
1: 6-9.
2. Preach to us "right things"! (Isa. 30:10)