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Preach the Word What the New Testament Teaches About Preaching and Teaching God’s Word in Worship to God Prepared by Chris Reeves * Skyline church of Christ Gospel Meeting * May 17, 2015

Preaching and Teaching As Worship to God New Testament churches assembled together to hear God’s word proclaimed (Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1 Cor. 14:4,5,12,19,23,28,33,34,35; “church” here = “assembly”)

Preaching and Teaching Teaching God’s word followed baptism (Mt. 28:19-20) New Testament churches had teachers (Acts 13:1; 1 Cor. 12:28-29; Eph. 4:11-12, 14; Heb. 5:12)

Preaching and Teaching God’s word was read publically in the assembly (Col. 4:16; 1 Thess. 5:27; Rev. 1:3; 1 Tim. 4:13; see NRSV; see Neh. 8:8 in the LXX) Public reading and exposition of the Bible text was patterned after the practice of public reading in the synagogue (Lk. 4:16; Acts 13:15,27; 15:21; 2 Cor. 3:14-15)

The Apostles’ Doctrine It came from Jesus; thus, divine (Jn. 14:26) It was complete (Jn. 16:13) It was authoritative (1 Cor. 14:37) It was written down (2 Thess. 2:15; 2 Tim. 1:13) It is not “my”, “our”, or “Church of Christ” doctrine

The Apostles’ Doctrine We continue in it to be saved (1 Tim. 4:16) We continue in it to grow (1 Pet. 2:1-2) We continue in it to be fed (Acts 20:28) We continue in it to avoid error (Tit. 1:9)

How Can We Improve Our Preaching and Teaching of God’s Word? Remember the purpose of preaching is not to entertain, but to change (Acts 14:15), to save (1 Cor. 1:21), and to mature (Col. 1:23,28) Remember what is preached is not human wisdom, but God’s word (1 Cor. 2:1-5; 2 Tim. 4:2) Remember, we are reading the very words of God – show reverence and worship (Neh. 8:5-6)

How Can We Improve Our Preaching and Teaching of God’s Word? Keep preaching and teaching a high priority in the assembly for the sake of our salvation (1 Tim. 4:16) Come prepared to receive and accept God’s word; leave changed (Jas. 1:19-22; 1 Pet. 2:1-2) Are you a good listener (Mt. 13:1ff; Acts 10:33)?

How Can We Improve Our Preaching and Teaching of God’s Word? Read and examine the Bible text as it is read, take notes (Acts 17:11) [ Parents, encourage your children to read their own Bible at an early age and bring their own Bible to the worship service! ]