Embracing the Divine Call to Preach Boldly

In our journey of faith, we are reminded of the profound calling to preach the Word of God. This calling is not just a task but a divine appointment, a sacred duty that God has entrusted to us. The scriptures remind us that preaching is a means through which God reaches the hearts of those who believe. It is through the "foolishness of preaching" that salvation is brought to those who hear and believe. This is a reminder that the power of the message does not lie in the eloquence of the speaker but in the truth of the Word and the work of the Holy Spirit.

The role of a preacher is not just to speak but to be sent, to be a vessel of honor, sanctified and prepared for every good work. We are chosen by God to bear fruit, and this fruit is meant to last. The Word of God is likened to a seed, and as preachers, we are sowers of this seed. The Holy Spirit, like the wind, carries these seeds to places we cannot see, reaching hearts and transforming lives.

Preaching requires boldness, a boldness that comes from being alone with Jesus and soaking in His Word. It is not a boldness of the flesh but a holy unction that empowers us to speak fearlessly. This boldness is necessary because the path of a preacher is fraught with adversaries and challenges. Yet, we are called to endure, to remain steadfast, and to trust in God's protection and provision.

The journey of a preacher is also one of humility. We are reminded that God chooses the foolish, the weak, and the despised to confound the wise. This is a call to remain humble, to seek not great things for ourselves but to glorify God in all we do. Our work is not in vain, for God is faithful, and He will bring forth fruit in the land of our affliction.

Finally, we are reminded that our time is limited. We must work while it is day, for the night comes when no one can work. Our calling is urgent, and we must fulfill the ministry we have received from the Lord. In doing so, we find the greatest joy and honor in serving God and proclaiming His truth to the world.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The power of preaching lies not in human eloquence but in the truth of God's Word and the work of the Holy Spirit. It is through the "foolishness of preaching" that God reaches the hearts of believers, reminding us that our role is to faithfully proclaim His Word. [00:36]
• 2. Preaching requires a holy boldness that comes from being alone with Jesus and immersing ourselves in His Word. This boldness is not of the flesh but a divine empowerment to speak fearlessly, even in the face of adversaries. [10:12]
• 3. The journey of a preacher is one of humility, as God chooses the foolish and weak to confound the wise. We are called to remain humble, seeking not great things for ourselves but glorifying God in all we do. [44:03]
• 4. Our time is limited, and we must work while it is day. The urgency of our calling compels us to fulfill the ministry we have received from the Lord, knowing that our labor is not in vain. [51:18]
• 5. Despite the challenges and adversities faced, the privilege of preaching the gospel is the greatest joy and honor. We are reminded not to stoop to lesser pursuits when called to such a noble task. [59:17]
  ** [59:17]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:36] - The Foolishness of Preaching
• [01:07] - The Call to Preach
• [02:24] - Chosen to Bear Fruit
• [03:39] - The Word as a Seed
• [05:42] - Speaking Faithfully
• [07:46] - The Power of God's Word
• [09:33] - Boldness in Preaching
• [11:13] - The Gift of Ministry
• [14:04] - The Seed Pod Analogy
• [17:26] - The Wind of the Spirit
• [19:49] - The Power of the Gospel
• [22:14] - Facing Adversaries
• [25:32] - The Power of Prayer
• [29:46] - Opposition and Envy
• [33:46] - Humility and Integrity
• [37:52] - Fruitfulness in Affliction
• [41:58] - Enduring Hardships
• [45:02] - The Danger of Pride
• [50:37] - The Urgency of Our Calling
• [54:51] - The Work is Not Finished

1. 1 Corinthians 1:21 - "For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe."
2. Romans 10:14-15 - "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent?"
3. 2 Timothy 2:21 - "Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work."

1. According to 1 Corinthians 1:21, what is the role of preaching in God's plan for salvation? How does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on the "foolishness of preaching"? [00:36]
2. In Romans 10:14-15, what sequence of events is described that leads to someone believing in God? How does this relate to the preacher's calling as discussed in the sermon? [01:07]
3. What does 2 Timothy 2:21 say about the preparation and purpose of those who are called to preach? How does this connect to the idea of being a "vessel of honor" mentioned in the sermon? [02:24]

1. The sermon mentions that the power of preaching lies not in human eloquence but in the truth of God's Word and the work of the Holy Spirit. How does this perspective change the way one might view the role of a preacher? [09:09]
2. The sermon emphasizes the need for boldness that comes from being alone with Jesus. How might this boldness differ from other forms of confidence or courage? [10:12]
3. The sermon discusses the urgency of our calling and the limited time we have to fulfill it. How does this urgency impact the way one might prioritize their daily activities and commitments? [51:18]

1. Reflect on a time when you felt called to share your faith. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in the future to embrace this calling more fully? [01:07]
2. The sermon highlights the importance of humility in preaching. How can you cultivate humility in your own life, especially when you are in a position of influence or leadership? [44:03]
3. Consider the adversities and challenges you face in your spiritual journey. How can you draw strength from the Holy Spirit to remain steadfast and bold in your faith? [10:12]
4. The sermon speaks about the urgency of our calling. What specific steps can you take this week to ensure you are making the most of your time in fulfilling your ministry or personal calling? [51:18]
5. How can you ensure that your motivations for serving and preaching are aligned with glorifying God rather than seeking personal recognition or success? [44:03]
6. Identify one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to be more bold. What practical steps can you take to step out in faith in this area? [10:12]
7. The sermon mentions the joy and honor of preaching the gospel. How can you find joy in your current role or ministry, even amidst challenges and adversities? [59:17]