Langham Preaching Level 2 – 3 Lahore 2014 Topic: The Integrity of the preacher The Rt. Revd. Irfan Jamil Bishop of Lahore

Meaning of integrity : Wholeness, Soundness, Uprightness, Honesty

This is very vital and important that we understand that God is more interested in us (being) rather than doing. To me when we talk about the Priest. It has to be both preaching and practicing. When we talk about the integrity of the preacher, it means how does the preacher lives out the message he preaches.

Let us look at some of the areas which are important for the preaching and the preacher.

We read in Luke Chapter 10, when 70 came back from their mission field rejoicing what God has done. Jesus told them that it is more important that your names are written in the book of Heaven. Relationship with God is very vital.

The Integrity of preacher means that: They Recognize who they are (Their Character) is more important than what can they do (their preaching).

They need to accept that their preparation of sermon is not physical and mental but it includes spiritual aspect too. Understand that preparing to preach involves (a) asking God for help (b) looking in to the Bible (c) context of the passage (d) application (e) looking inside “the life of integrity”.

“Preaching is not just about thinking the right thoughts, or just about doing the right things, it is about being the right person”.

1-Thessalonians 2 : 1 – 12 Watch what you preach 1-Thessalonians 2 : 1 – 12 Watch what you preach. (vv 1 – 4 a) it is important what we preach (faithful to the word of God ) True/False - Preaching plant for the year Is your preaching relevance. The content and the context .

Watch how you preach (4b – 6b) how you care for people (6b – 9) It deals with communication. Are your people understanding the message. “The minister has to defend and confirm the Gospel” PHIL 1 : 7 – 8 Paul emphasizes that preacher defend and confirm the Gospel.

Faith is not the opposite of knowledge, faith strengthened by knowledge. In the New Testament faith is the result of persuasion, conviction, demonstration and argument. Paul, Peter, book of Acts and Apostles all were defending the Gospel.

Preacher is not only to defend but to confirm the Gospel Preacher is not only to defend but to confirm the Gospel. Confirming is something an important action. The world is in great darkness and hopelessness. God has sent His Son to give hope and light.

These great themes that the Church announces to the world confirming the truth of the Gospel. The minister has this great task in and out of season of defending and confirming the Gospel.

Watch how to deal with people (vv 10-12) Holiness, Righteousness, Spotless, Encouragement, Exhortation, Wisdom.

The minister’s faithful beliefs and spiritual affections should always be endorsed by his congregation. 1- Thessalonians 1 : 7-8- Paul was accepted by their congregation and they identify themselves with Paul submitted to its teaching and supported his ministry.

Are we showing loyalty to our congregation Are we showing loyalty to our congregation. A minister’s congregations are in His heart and He longs for them. 1-Thes 1: 7-8, The affection for congregation only come when we really know Christ. Pulpit without emotions is empty.

1-Timothy 4 : 1 – 16 Watch your life and Doctrine closely 1-Timothy 4 : 1 – 16 Watch your life and Doctrine closely. How to watch your life closely = preacher needs to set an example in : Words : Our conversation In life : The way we live In love : Our behavior In Faith : What we believe and practice In purity : Transparent life.

The Doctrine needs to be matched by our lives the monitering needs to be done very closely everyday.

“Listen. To God. :. Through daily Bible study and prayer. To the world “Listen To God : Through daily Bible study and prayer. To the world : Update knowledge so to preach relevant word. To the Church: What God has to say to the Church.  

Trust God’s commitment to His word. God’s commitment to His Church Trust God’s commitment to His word. God’s commitment to His Church. God’s Commitment to you.   How does God look at you today