The Work of the Preacher/Evangelist (3) NT Church 2017 – Leaders (11)

About Preachers It is a gift from God – Ephesians 4:8, 11-12 There is a great need God places great worth on his work – Romans 10:14-15 Preacher – announcer; evangelist – proclaimer of good news; minister – servant, teacher – not titles!

The work of a preacher He needs to be a Christian and faithful in his work displaying various qualities - 2 Timothy 2:24-26 2 Timothy 4:1-5 - He has a work to do – - He needs to preach the word – In season and out of season, (convince) reprove, rebuke and exhort with all long suffering

Be an example 1 Timothy 4:12-16 He is a Christian first Let no one despise your youth - 4:12, do not act to give cause for others to reject you – young or old! (examples – arrogance, favoritism, harshness, etc.) Titus 2:6-8

Be an example 1 Timothy 4:12-16 In word – (λόγος, logos) a communicated message with understanding. - He preaches the word of God - In his every day speech (Colossians 4:6) - He keeps his word (Matthew 5:37)

Be an example 1 Timothy 4:12-16 In conduct – conversation (KJV) – one’s manner of life, you live as a Christian. Continue in them vs. 16 How often did Jesus condemn hypocritical behavior? If you want respect, live what you preach

Be an example 1 Timothy 4:12-16 In love – motivation behind what you do. In every relationship (Matthew 22:37-39, Romans 13:9, etc.). Do you care? 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 Is love reflected in WHAT you say and HOW you say it? 1 Corinthians 16:14

Be an example 1 Timothy 4:12-16 In spirit – (not in some versions) – with control of one’s passions. - Acting with zeal (Titus 2:14, Galatians 4:18) - One’s overall demeanor and attitude (cf. John 4:24, Matthew 23:23, 12:7) - Spiritually minded (Romans 8:5-6)

Be an example 1 Timothy 4:12-16 In faith – trusting God and His word Romans 1:16-17 At the foundation – 2 Peter 1:5, Hebrews 11:6, 10:22 You must believe what you preach to be true (conviction) You walk by faith… 2 Corinthians 5:7

Be an example 1 Timothy 4:12-16 In purity – unpolluted and undiluted. Living virtuous and morally. Living ABOVE the world’s standards Matthew 5:8 – pure heart 2 Timothy 2:22 – flee youthful lusts 1 Timothy 5:2 – younger women with purity 1 John 3:3 – in hope he purifies himself as He is pure Consider the tragedy of scandals

Be an example A preacher will deal with all sorts of people – Christians and non-Christians, good and bad, strong and weak, stubborn, other preachers, elders, friends and enemies, family, etc. He needs to love people. He CANNOT isolate himself from the world (cf. John 17:15-16) OR his brethren and effectively do his job. Jesus loved people! (NOTE: Brethren need to welcome him into their lives)

About preachers: A preacher must: Study the word 2 Timothy 2:15, 1 Timothy 4:15-16 Give attention to reading – 1 Timothy 4:13, 15-16, cf. Joshua 1:8, Deuteronomy 17:18-19 Realize he is accountable – James 3:1, Matthew 12:36, etc.

About preachers A preacher can be supported in this work: 1 Corinthians 9:4-14, Paul addresses his right to be supported Philippians 4:15-16 (2 Corinthians 11:8-9) – Paul was supported by other churches at times Galatians 6:6 - Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches Acts 18:2-3 Paul “made tents”

About preachers: A preacher can also stay at a local work: The length of time is not mentioned – as long as he is effective and needed and working. Acts 18:11 – Paul was in Corinth for 18 months; Acts 19:10 – He was teaching in Ephesus daily for two year (cf. Acts 20:31 – for 3 years) Acts 21:8 (Acts 8:40) – Philip, the evangelist, in Caesarea

Fight the good fight 1 Timothy 6:12 We are at war with the devil. He needs to be in front and properly wearing the “armor of God” (Ephesians 6:10-18)

Fight the good fight 1 Timothy 6:12 He fights: - for the purity of the church - for true unity within the body (Ephesians 4:1-3) - against false teachers and their doctrines (Ephesians 5:11) - against worldliness and its influences - for the mind (2 Corinthians 10:4-6)

Preachers and prophets A study of Old Testament prophets gives insight into the work of a preacher - They had deep convictions - They did not “beat around the bush” – they spoke plainly! - They did not fear being rejected - They did not compromise (going along with the crowd)

Preachers and prophets A study of Old Testament prophets gives insight into the work of a preacher - They were willing to suffer and sacrifice for the cause - They were often grieved - They challenged false prophets, corrupt leaders AND their corruption.

Preachers and prophets A study of Old Testament prophets gives insight into the work of a preacher - They addressed immorality and ungodly behaviors - They warned of coming judgment - They called for repentance - They didn’t give up or quit!

1 Timothy 4:16, Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine 1 Timothy 4:16, Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

Let us seek one who stands before us who will preach what we need to hear rather than what we want to hear