Preaching That Is Y2K Compliant 2 Timothy 4:1-5
Introduction The hoopla about Y2K Not sure I was compliant! Unnecessary hype What about preaching needed?
Current Situation Social and political changes Modernism into post modernism Atheism and humanism Truth is viewed as relative
What about the preaching? Positive preaching only (Isaiah 30:9, 10; 2 Timothy 4:1-5) Dynamic presentation desired (1 Corinthians 2:1)
First Century Preaching Peter No formal education or training Direct (Acts 2:23; 3:14, 15, 22, 23) Killed (John 21:18, 19)
First Century Preaching Stephen Not politically correct Uncomplimentary speech, accusations (Acts 7:51, 52) Killed (Acts 7:58-60)
First Century Preaching Paul Educated (Acts 5:34; 22:3) Debated (Acts 15:2; 19:8, 9) Condemned others (Acts 17:22-31)
First Century Preaching Paul (continued) Taught there was one gospel (Galatians 1:6-9) Identified Demas as an quitter (2 Timothy 4:10)
First Century Preaching Paul (concluded) Taught young men to preach like him (2 Timothy 2:2; 4:2; Titus 1:12; 2:15) Killed (2 Timothy 4:6)
First Century Preaching Jesus Some felt insulted by Him (Matthew 13:54-57; 15:1-14) Abandoned by some (John 6:60-66)
First Century Preaching Jesus (continued) Shamed His listeners (John 7:21-23; 8:3-9) Enraged others (Matthew 21:28-46)
First Century Preaching Jesus (concluded) Exposed false teachers (Matthew 7:15; 1 Timothy 4:1, 2) Motivated by love (Ephesians 4:15) Killed
Paul (1 Corinthians 2:1-5) Christ-centered (v. 2) Need an intimate knowledge of God (Philippians 3:7-11) Distinct from other preaching
Paul (1 Corinthians 2:1-5) Serious (v. 3) With them in weakness and fear (2 Corinthians 10:10) Aware of frailties (2 Corinthians 4:7)
Paul (1 Corinthians 2:1-5) Demonstrated God’s power, not his (vv. 1, 4, 5) Not superior speaking skills Content not style (2 Corinthians 5:11)
Paul (1 Corinthians 2:1-5) Purpose to produce faith (v. 5) No room for “preacheritis” (1 Corinthians 1:12, 13; 3:5) Confidence in God, not men
Conclusion Same kind of preaching needed Are you listening?