Preaching is a vital part of the assembly. Paul said he would rather speak five words with understanding than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue (1 Cor. 14:18,19). Why? So the brethren would be edified! Preaching is important for the growth of the body of Christ.

Preaching is a sober work. The apostle Paul charged Timothy “in the sight of God and of Christ Jesus” to “preach the word” (2 Tim. 4:1,2). The preacher has no authority outside the word of God. He is simply a mouthpiece for God. When the preacher preaches the truth it is the “oracle of God” (1 Pet. 4:11). If he preaches anything other than the word of God he has violated this divine charge. Each preacher must work diligently to preach only what God has revealed.

Preaching is to be heard. In order to be edified a person must listen to the divine message (1 Cor. 14:5, 12). Timothy was to preach the word because the time was coming when they would not listen to sound words but heap to themselves false teachers (2 Tim. 4:1-4). Each person has a responsibility to listen to God’s word and apply it to their own life.

Preaching is one of the most important works in the world. God has chosen to save the world through the preaching of the gospel (1 Cor. 1:18). Souls are comforted and spirits refreshed by hearkening to the will of God. We need our best and brightest to become preachers who will be mouthpieces of God and proclaim his truths to the world. And, we need men, women and children who will give their complete attention to that message and apply it diligently. Every member of the body of Christ participates in preaching. A few preach, all hear, and God is glorified!

Greg Weston
Ashland, Or.

Paul reasoned, “if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of, for necessity is laid upon me: for woe is

unto me, if I preach not the gospel” (1Corinthians 9:16). W.E. Vine says the word “woe” is used in denunciation in 1 Corinthians 9:16. A.T. Robertson comments, “He could do no other and deserves no credit for doing it” (Word Pictures vol. IV, 146). Jesus himself had told Saul, “it shall be told thee what thou must do” (Acts 9:6). Paul was given the instruction to “preach Him among the Gentiles” (Galatians 1:15-16). He became a “debtor both to Greeks and to Barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish” (Romans 1:14).