WHY DO WE WANT TO PREACH? 2 Tim. 4:1-2 [By Ron Halbrook]

1. 2 Tim. 4:1-2 A great charge from God: “Preach the word” WHY DO WE WANT TO PREACH? Introduction: 1. 2 Tim. 4:1-2 A great charge from God: “Preach the word”

1. 2 Tim. 4:1-2 A great charge from God: “Preach the word” 1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

2 Tim. 4:1-2 A great charge from God: “Preach the word” WHY DO WE WANT TO PREACH? Introduction: 2 Tim. 4:1-2 A great charge from God: “Preach the word” Many preach—why— what are the deepest motives?

2. Men have many wrong motives: WHY DO WE WANT TO PREACH? Introduction: 2. Men have many wrong motives: Money (1 Tim. 6:5) Popularity (2 Tim. 4:3-4) Pride (1 Jn. 2:16) Self-promotion (Jn. 11:48) Prestige (3 Jn. 9) Envy & strife (Phil. 1:15) Many worldly motives (1 Jn. 4:5)

3. Examine proper motives: WHY DO WE WANT TO PREACH? 3. Examine proper motives: Command of Christ in the Great Commission Essential in God’s Plan to Save Sinners Duty to Christ Fire Burning in Our Bones Duty to All Men Terror of the Lord Save Ourselves & Those Who Hear KEY TO SUCCESS: Focus on Christ

I. Christ Commanded Gospel Preaching in the Great Commission WHY DO WE WANT TO PREACH? I. Christ Commanded Gospel Preaching in the Great Commission A. This Commission Given by God’s Son & Our Savior Matt. 28:18-20

Matt. 28:18-20 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 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.

I. Christ Commanded Gospel Preaching in the Great Commission WHY DO WE WANT TO PREACH? I. Christ Commanded Gospel Preaching in the Great Commission A. This Commission Given by God’s Son & Our Savior Mk. 16:15-16

Mk. 16:15-16 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

I. Christ Commanded Gospel Preaching in the Great Commission WHY DO WE WANT TO PREACH? I. Christ Commanded Gospel Preaching in the Great Commission A. This Commission Given by God’s Son & Our Savior Lk. 24:46-47

Lk. 24:46-47 46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

I. Christ Commanded Gospel Preaching in the Great Commission WHY DO WE WANT TO PREACH? I. Christ Commanded Gospel Preaching in the Great Commission B. Does It Apply Only to the Apostles? Matt. 28:20 “teaching them to observe all things… I have commanded you” Go, teach, baptize Teach them to do the same!

II. Gospel Preaching Is Essential in God’s Plan to Save Sinners WHY DO WE WANT TO PREACH? II. Gospel Preaching Is Essential in God’s Plan to Save Sinners A. The Gospel Is God’s Power to Save Sinners Rom. 1:16-17

Rom. 1:16-17 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

II. Gospel Preaching Is Essential in God’s Plan to Save Sinners WHY DO WE WANT TO PREACH? II. Gospel Preaching Is Essential in God’s Plan to Save Sinners B. Preaching Is a Vital Link in the Chain of Salvation Rom. 10:13-17

13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? 17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Rom. 10:13-17

II. Gospel Preaching Is Essential in God’s Plan to Save Sinners WHY DO WE WANT TO PREACH? II. Gospel Preaching Is Essential in God’s Plan to Save Sinners C. The Gospel Is God’s Wisdom & Power to Save 1 Cor. 1:18-24

1 Cor. 1:18-24 18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 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.

1 Cor. 1:18-24 22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

II. Gospel Preaching Is Essential in God’s Plan to Save Sinners WHY DO WE WANT TO PREACH? II. Gospel Preaching Is Essential in God’s Plan to Save Sinners C. The Gospel Is God’s Wealth of Wisdom Revealing Salvation in the Church Eph. 3:8-12

8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; 9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: 10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, 11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: 12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. Eph. 3:8-12

III. Our Sense of Duty to Christ Compels Us to Preach WHY DO WE WANT TO PREACH? III. Our Sense of Duty to Christ Compels Us to Preach A. Paul Was Chosen by Christ & Must Answer to Christ As an Apostle 1 Cor. 9:16-17

1 Cor. 9:16-17 16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! 17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.

III. Our Sense of Duty to Christ Compels Us to Preach WHY DO WE WANT TO PREACH? III. Our Sense of Duty to Christ Compels Us to Preach A. Paul Was Chosen by Christ & Must Answer to Christ As an Apostle Christ personally chose each Apostle We volunteered to preach & will also answer to him! Army of preachers: Apostles drafted, others volunteer, all answer to Christ

III. Our Sense of Duty to Christ Compels Us to Preach WHY DO WE WANT TO PREACH? III. Our Sense of Duty to Christ Compels Us to Preach B. Christ Gave Gifts to Men in Order to Reveal, Spread, & Perpetuate the Gospel Eph. 4:11

Eph. 4:11 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

III. Our Sense of Duty to Christ Compels Us to Preach B. Christ Gave Gifts to Men in Order to Reveal, Spread, & Perpetuate the Gospel Eph. 4:11 Gifts or roles given to men Revelation: apostles & prophets Proclamation: evangelists Application in local church: pastors Additional teaching: teachers Roles of evangelists, elders, & teachers are voluntary based on maturity, talents, & opportunities

IV. The Gospel Is a Fire Burning in Our Bones WHY DO WE WANT TO PREACH? IV. The Gospel Is a Fire Burning in Our Bones A. God’s Word Burns in Our Hearts Even in Times of Discouragement Jer. 20:7-9

Jer. 20:7-9 7 O LORD, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived: thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed: I am in derision daily, every one mocketh me. 8 For since I spake, I cried out, I cried violence and spoil; because the word of the LORD was made a reproach unto me, and a derision, daily. 9 Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.

IV. The Gospel Is a Fire Burning in Our Bones WHY DO WE WANT TO PREACH? IV. The Gospel Is a Fire Burning in Our Bones B. Our Faith in God & the Truth of His Word Compel Us to Speak Out! 2 Cor. 4:13-14

2 Cor. 4:13-14 13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; 14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.

V. Our Sense of Duty to All Men Compels Us to Preach WHY DO WE WANT TO PREACH? V. Our Sense of Duty to All Men Compels Us to Preach A. Someone Extended God’s Love to Us & We Must Extend It to Others. Rom. 1:14-17

Rom. 1:14-17 14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. 15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

V. Our Sense of Duty to All Men Compels Us to Preach WHY DO WE WANT TO PREACH? V. Our Sense of Duty to All Men Compels Us to Preach B. We Must Share God’s Gifts to Us with Others! Matt. 10:7-8

7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matt. 10:7-8 7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

VI. We Know the Terror of the Lord WHY DO WE WANT TO PREACH? VI. We Know the Terror of the Lord A. The Judgment Is Sure: We Must Convince Men While There Is Time! 2 Cor. 5:9-11

2 Cor. 5:9-11 9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

VII. We Preach to Save Ourselves & Others Who May Hear Us WHY DO WE WANT TO PREACH? VII. We Preach to Save Ourselves & Others Who May Hear Us A. In the Process of Preaching, We Apply the Saving Power to Ourselves & to Our Hearers 1 Tim. 4:16

1 Tim. 4:16 16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

VIII. If We Focus on Christ Not Self, We Will Succeed WHY DO WE WANT TO PREACH? VIII. If We Focus on Christ Not Self, We Will Succeed A. Christ Is the Power & Purpose of True Gospel Preaching— We Are But Messengers by God’s Grace 2 Cor. 4:1-5

2 Cor. 4:1-5 1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

2 Cor. 4:1-5 3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.

VIII. If We Focus on Christ Not Self, We Will Succeed WHY DO WE WANT TO PREACH? VIII. If We Focus on Christ Not Self, We Will Succeed A. Christ Is the Power & Purpose of True Gospel Preaching— We Are But Messengers by God’s Grace 2 Cor. 4:1-5 Focus on Christ We will not faint

2 Cor. 4:1-5 1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; FOCUS ON SELF: Faint, Fail FOCUS ON CHRIST: Not Faint, Fail

VIII. If We Focus on Christ Not Self, We Will Succeed WHY DO WE WANT TO PREACH? VIII. If We Focus on Christ Not Self, We Will Succeed A. Christ Is the Power & Purpose of True Gospel Preaching— We Are But Messengers by God’s Grace 2 Cor. 4:1-5 Focus on Christ Right Motives, Morals, Methods

2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. FOCUS ON SELF: Wrong Motives, Morals, Methods FOCUS ON CHRIST: Right Motives, Morals, Methods

VIII. If We Focus on Christ Not Self, We Will Succeed WHY DO WE WANT TO PREACH? VIII. If We Focus on Christ Not Self, We Will Succeed A. Christ Is the Power & Purpose of True Gospel Preaching— We Are But Messengers by God’s Grace 2 Cor. 4:1-5 Focus on Christ Glorious light

3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. FOCUS ON SELF: Blinded Mind FOCUS ON CHRIST: Glorious Light

VIII. If We Focus on Christ Not Self, We Will Succeed WHY DO WE WANT TO PREACH? VIII. If We Focus on Christ Not Self, We Will Succeed A. Christ Is the Power & Purpose of True Gospel Preaching— We Are But Messengers by God’s Grace 2 Cor. 4:1-5 Focus on Christ Succeed serving others

2 Cor. 4:1-5 5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. FOCUS ON SELF: Frustrated, Seeking to be served FOCUS ON CHRIST: Succeed, Serving others

VIII. If We Focus on Christ Not Self, We Will Succeed WHY DO WE WANT TO PREACH? VIII. If We Focus on Christ Not Self, We Will Succeed B. Focus on Christ Leads to Proper Preparation Diligent study of his word Sincere concern for lost souls Focus on self: waste time & opportunity

VIII. If We Focus on Christ Not Self, We Will Succeed WHY DO WE WANT TO PREACH? VIII. If We Focus on Christ Not Self, We Will Succeed C. Focus on Christ Leads to Proper Content Sermons filled with Scripture Sermons rightly dividing the Word Sermons rich in application Focus on self: many jokes, stories; misuse the Word; weak application

VIII. If We Focus on Christ Not Self, We Will Succeed D. Focus on Christ Leads to Proper Conduct Highest moral standards Love & attention to family Honesty, integrity with all men Promote love, peace, & unity in truth not envy, strife, factions Focus on self: moral compromise, neglect family, lack integrity, cause strife

1. 2 Tim. 4:1-2 A great charge from God: “Preach the word” WHY DO WE WANT TO PREACH? Conclusion: 1. 2 Tim. 4:1-2 A great charge from God: “Preach the word”

1. 2 Tim. 4:1-2 A great charge from God: “Preach the word” 1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

2 Tim. 4:1-2 A great charge from God: “Preach the word” WHY DO WE WANT TO PREACH? Introduction: 2 Tim. 4:1-2 A great charge from God: “Preach the word” Many preach—why— what are the deepest motives?

2. Men have many wrong motives: WHY DO WE WANT TO PREACH? Conclusion: 2. Men have many wrong motives: Money (1 Tim. 6:5) Popularity (2 Tim. 4:3-4) Pride (1 Jn. 2:15) Self-promotion (Jn. 11:48) Prestige (3 Jn. 9) Envy & strife (Phil. 1:15) Many worldly motives (1 Jn. 4:5)

3. Examine proper motives: WHY DO WE WANT TO PREACH? 3. Examine proper motives: Command of Christ in the Great Commission Essential in God’s Plan to Save Sinners Duty to Christ Fire Burning in Our Bones Duty to All Men Terror of the Lord Save Ourselves & Those Who Hear KEY TO SUCCESS: Focus on Christ

4. Mk. 16:15-16 Before we teach others, we must teach ourselves. WHY DO WE WANT TO PREACH? 4. Mk. 16:15-16 Before we teach others, we must teach ourselves. 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.