Song Numbers 1

The Purpose of Preaching 2

1 Cor. 1:21 [21] For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 3

“The foolishness of the message preached” – (NKJV) 4

In the Bible we find that God has always placed great importance on preaching 5

Noah – “a preacher of righteousness” O.T. prophets John the Baptizer Jesus The apostles 6

What is the purpose of preaching? 7

I. To convict people of sin 8

Holy Spirit would convict the world of sin --- Jn. 16:8 [8] And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: HOW WAS THIS DONE? 9

Mk.16:15 [15] And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 10

Lk. 24:47 [47] And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 11

Through the preaching of the gospel conviction of sins occurs! 12

Acts 2:37 [37] Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? HERE IS A N.T. EXAMPLE OF CONVICTON OF SIN – BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE PREACHING OF THE GOSPEL 13

The world today still needs to be convicted of sin Rom. 3:10,23 [10] As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: [23] For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 14

II. To convert people to Christ 15

Mankind needs to be convicted of sin then pointed to the Savior, Jesus Christ Preaching should lift up Christ 16

Jn. 14:6 [6] Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 17

Preaching must stress the importance of conversion to Christ – of being changed from a life of serving Satan to a life of serving Christ 18

Acts 3:19 [19] Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; 19

Sinful men must be told what to do to be saved! Acts 2:38 [38] Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 20

Philip in Samaria - Acts 8:5-12 He preached Christ to them and the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ The results “they were baptized, both men and women” 21

Philip with the Ethiopian eunuch – Acts 8:35-38 Philip “preached unto him Jesus” The result [36] And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 22

The same good news needs to be preached today The good news of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (1 Cor. 15:1-4) 23

The conditions for responding to the gospel need to be plainly taught Hearing the word Faith in Christ (Jn. 8:24) Repentance of sin (acts 17:30) Confession of faith in Christ (Rom. 10:9-10) Baptism into Christ for remission of sins (Acts 2:38) 24

III. To confirm Christians in the Faith 25

Acts 14:22 [22] Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. 26

Acts 14:22 (NKJV) 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” 27

Confirm (KJV) – to make firm; to give additional strength --- strengthen, ground, stabilize 28

Mt. 28:19-20 [19] Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: [20] Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. 29

Acts 2:42 [42] And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 30

Col. 1:23 [23] If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; 31

In order for the strengthening to take place – preaching must be balanced Milk and meat of the word Positive and negative 32

The basic truths of the gospel The fundamentals of the faith 33

Doctrinal Moral/ethical Devotional Motivational Supportive 34

“Thus, the faithful preacher today will spend much time in strengthening the faith of those who have become Christians.” 35

IV. To help Christians transform their lives into the Image of Christ 36

Rom. 12:2 [2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 37

Gal. 2:20 [20] I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 38

Gal. 4:19 [19] My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, 39

“This is the ultimate purpose in preaching” --- to lead people to pattern their lives after Christ “This requires time, patience and is an on-going process” 40

The conditions for responding to the gospel need to be plainly taught Hearing the word Faith in Christ (Jn. 8:24) Repentance of sin (acts 17:30) Confession of faith in Christ (Rom. 10:9-10) Baptism into Christ for remission of sins (Acts 2:38) 41

Hugh Fulford, “The Purpose of Preaching.” The Spiritual Sword 42