The Vital Role of Preaching in the Church

 

Summary

In this lecture, I explored the critical role of preaching within the church and its significance in the modern world. I began by acknowledging the decline in the prominence of preaching and the questioning of its necessity in contemporary society. This decline, I argued, is a reflection of the broader challenges facing the church today, including a loss of belief in the authority of the Scriptures and a shift towards entertainment and personal counseling over traditional preaching.

I emphasized that preaching is not merely a method of communication but the primary task of the church and its ministers. This assertion is supported by the New Testament, where Jesus Christ and His apostles prioritized preaching and teaching as their main mission. The miracles performed by Jesus were secondary to His primary role as a teacher and preacher, emphasizing the kingdom of God and the need for spiritual enlightenment over temporal concerns.

Furthermore, I highlighted how the early church, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, focused on preaching as its central activity. Despite social and political challenges, the apostles prioritized the ministry of the Word over other pressing needs, such as social welfare. This focus on preaching was not only foundational to the early church but also a catalyst for historical revivals and reformations, which were marked by a resurgence in powerful preaching.

In conclusion, I argued that the church's primary mission is to preach the Word of God, as this is the means by which spiritual transformation and revival occur. The history of the church demonstrates that periods of spiritual decline are often characterized by a neglect of preaching, while times of renewal are heralded by a return to robust, doctrinal preaching.

Key Takeaways:

- The Primacy of Preaching: Preaching is the primary task of the church and its ministers, as evidenced by the New Testament and the life of Jesus Christ. The miracles of Jesus were secondary to His role as a preacher, emphasizing the kingdom of God and spiritual truths over temporal concerns. [36:51]

- Authority of Scripture: The decline in preaching is linked to a diminished belief in the authority of the Scriptures. Great preaching requires great themes, and when the authority of the Bible is questioned, the power and effectiveness of preaching diminish. [15:19]

- Historical Patterns: Throughout church history, periods of spiritual decline have coincided with a neglect of preaching, while revivals and reformations have been marked by a resurgence in powerful preaching. This pattern underscores the importance of preaching in the life of the church. [49:29]

- Challenges to Preaching: Modern challenges to preaching include a shift towards entertainment, personal counseling, and a focus on social and political issues. These trends have contributed to the decline in the prominence of preaching within the church. [26:59]

- The Role of the Church: The church's primary mission is to preach the Word of God, as this is the means by which spiritual transformation and revival occur. The early church prioritized preaching despite social and political challenges, setting a precedent for the church today. [46:26]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction of Dr. Lloyd-Jones
- [00:44] - Dr. Lloyd-Jones' Connection to the Seminary
- [01:57] - Lecture Methodology
- [03:05] - The Trouble with Modern Preaching
- [05:05] - The Need for Preaching Today
- [06:59] - Questioning the Role of the Church
- [09:05] - Decline of Preaching in History
- [14:38] - Attitudes within the Church
- [22:04] - Misconceptions about Sermons
- [26:41] - Entertainment in Worship
- [31:57] - Criticism of Traditional Church
- [35:45] - The Primacy of Preaching
- [42:15] - New Testament Evidence
- [49:29] - Historical Evidence of Preaching's Importance

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 6:15
2. Acts 6:1-4
3. 2 Timothy 4:2

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Observation Questions:

1. In John 6:15, why did Jesus withdraw when the people wanted to make Him king after the miracle of feeding the 5,000? How does this reflect His primary mission? [38:51]

2. According to Acts 6:1-4, what was the apostles' response to the social issue of the neglected widows, and what does this reveal about their priorities? [45:17]

3. In 2 Timothy 4:2, what are the specific instructions Paul gives to Timothy regarding preaching, and how do these instructions emphasize the importance of preaching? [48:50]

4. How does the sermon describe the role of miracles in Jesus' ministry compared to His role as a preacher? [37:11]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does Jesus' decision to withdraw from being made king in John 6:15 suggest about the nature of His kingdom and His mission on earth? [38:51]

2. How does the apostles' decision in Acts 6:1-4 to prioritize the ministry of the Word over social welfare reflect the early church's understanding of its mission? [45:17]

3. In what ways does 2 Timothy 4:2 challenge modern perceptions of preaching and its role in the church? How might this verse speak to current trends in church practices? [48:50]

4. The sermon suggests that periods of spiritual decline are linked to a neglect of preaching. How might this historical pattern inform the church's approach to ministry today? [49:29]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you prioritized secondary concerns over spiritual growth. How can you realign your priorities to focus more on spiritual enlightenment, as emphasized in the sermon? [37:11]

2. The apostles in Acts 6:1-4 chose to focus on preaching despite pressing social needs. How can you balance addressing social issues with maintaining a focus on spiritual matters in your own life? [45:17]

3. Considering the decline in the authority of Scripture mentioned in the sermon, how can you strengthen your belief in the Bible's authority in your daily life? What practical steps can you take? [15:19]

4. The sermon highlights the shift towards entertainment in church services. How can you personally contribute to a church culture that values doctrinal preaching over entertainment? [26:59]

5. Think about the role of preaching in your church. How can you support your church's preaching ministry, whether through prayer, encouragement, or other means? [36:06]

6. Reflect on the historical patterns of revival linked to preaching. How can you be part of a movement that prioritizes preaching in your community or church? [49:29]

7. Identify one area in your life where you can apply the principles of preaching and teaching as a means of spiritual transformation. How will you take action on this in the coming week? [36:06]

Devotional

Day 1: The Centrality of Preaching in the Church
Preaching is not just a method of communication; it is the primary task of the church and its ministers. This is evident in the New Testament, where Jesus Christ and His apostles prioritized preaching and teaching as their main mission. The miracles performed by Jesus were secondary to His primary role as a teacher and preacher, emphasizing the kingdom of God and the need for spiritual enlightenment over temporal concerns. The early church, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, focused on preaching as its central activity. Despite social and political challenges, the apostles prioritized the ministry of the Word over other pressing needs, such as social welfare. This focus on preaching was not only foundational to the early church but also a catalyst for historical revivals and reformations, which were marked by a resurgence in powerful preaching. [36:51]

"And he said to them, 'Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.' And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons." (Mark 1:38-39, ESV)

Reflection: How can you prioritize the Word of God in your daily life, ensuring it remains central to your spiritual growth and understanding?


Day 2: Upholding the Authority of Scripture
The decline in preaching is linked to a diminished belief in the authority of the Scriptures. Great preaching requires great themes, and when the authority of the Bible is questioned, the power and effectiveness of preaching diminish. The authority of Scripture is foundational to the church's mission and message. Without a firm belief in the Bible's authority, the church risks losing its direction and purpose. The Scriptures provide the themes and truths that are essential for powerful preaching and spiritual transformation. Upholding the authority of Scripture is crucial for maintaining the integrity and impact of the church's message. [15:19]

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you deepen your belief in the authority of Scripture, and how might this belief influence your actions and decisions today?


Day 3: Learning from Historical Patterns of Preaching
Throughout church history, periods of spiritual decline have coincided with a neglect of preaching, while revivals and reformations have been marked by a resurgence in powerful preaching. This pattern underscores the importance of preaching in the life of the church. Historical evidence shows that when the church returns to robust, doctrinal preaching, spiritual renewal and transformation follow. The church's history serves as a reminder of the critical role preaching plays in maintaining spiritual vitality and growth. By learning from these historical patterns, the church can better navigate contemporary challenges and remain faithful to its mission. [49:29]

"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." (Acts 2:42, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced spiritual renewal through preaching. How can you seek out opportunities for similar experiences in your current church community?


Day 4: Addressing Modern Challenges to Preaching
Modern challenges to preaching include a shift towards entertainment, personal counseling, and a focus on social and political issues. These trends have contributed to the decline in the prominence of preaching within the church. While these elements have their place, they should not overshadow the primary mission of preaching the Word of God. The church must resist the temptation to conform to societal trends that detract from its core mission. By maintaining a focus on preaching, the church can address contemporary issues while remaining true to its foundational purpose. [26:59]

"For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions." (2 Timothy 4:3, ESV)

Reflection: How can you support your church in maintaining a focus on preaching, even amidst modern distractions and challenges?


Day 5: The Church's Mission to Preach the Word
The church's primary mission is to preach the Word of God, as this is the means by which spiritual transformation and revival occur. The early church prioritized preaching despite social and political challenges, setting a precedent for the church today. By focusing on preaching, the church can fulfill its mission of spreading the gospel and fostering spiritual growth. The history of the church demonstrates that periods of spiritual decline are often characterized by a neglect of preaching, while times of renewal are heralded by a return to robust, doctrinal preaching. [46:26]

"Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching." (2 Timothy 4:2, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take to actively participate in your church's mission to preach the Word, both within the congregation and in your personal life?

Quotes


To me, the work of preaching is the highest and the greatest and the glorious calling to which anyone can ever be called. And if you want something in addition to that, I would put it like this: that the most urgent need in the Christian Church today is that of preaching. [00:04:22]

The very fact that one has to build such a question or to consider it is, it seems to me, the most illuminating commentary on the state of the church at the present time. And I feel, as I have said, that that is the chief explanation of the present more or less parlous condition and ineffectiveness of the Christian Church in the world today. [00:05:21]

I wouldn't hesitate to put in the first position the loss of a belief in the authority of the scriptures, a diminution in the belief of the truth. I put this first because I'm sure it is the main factor. If you haven't authority, you can't speak well; you can't preach. [00:15:06]

Great preaching always demands great themes. Great themes always produce great speaking in any realm, and it's particularly true, of course, in the realm of the church. And while men believed in the scriptures as the authoritative Word of God and spoke from that authority, you had great preaching. [00:15:27]

I believe that there has been a reaction against what were called the great puppeteers, especially of the second half of the last century. What we call in England these Victorian puppeteers. You had them also here in this country. I always feel that the man who is most typical in this respect in your country was Henry Ward Beecher. [00:17:00]

The form became more important than the substance. The oratory and the eloquence became things in and of themselves, and ultimately it became a form of entertainment. The truth was noticed; they paid a passing respect to it, but the great thing was this form. [00:21:00]

As preaching has waned, there has been an increase in the formal element in the service. It's interesting how free church and non-conformists, whatever you may call them, have been increasingly adopting these ideas from the Episcopal type of service more and more as preaching has waned. [00:26:41]

The increase of the whole element of entertainment in public worship. You know more about this probably than I do, but we see a good deal of it even in Great Britain. The use of films, the introduction of more and more singing, the reading of the word and prayer shortened drastically, but more and more time given to singing. [00:27:24]

The primary task of the church and the Christian minister is the preaching of the word of God. This is the primary task of the church and of the minister in the church. Well, I've got to substantiate that statement. How do I do so? Well, let me give you some answers to the question. [00:35:45]

Our Lord performed miracles, but the interesting thing is that the miracles were not his primary work. They were secondary. John, as you know, refers to them always as signs, and that is what they were. He didn't come into the world to heal the sick and the lame and the blind or to quell storms on the sea. [00:36:51]

The twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them and said, it is not reason that we should leave the Word of God and serve tables. Now, this is surely a most interesting and important statement. It's a crucial one. What is the church to do? Here is a problem. [00:46:26]

Isn't it clear as you take a bird's-eye view of church history that the decadent periods and years in the history of the church have always been those periods when preaching declined? What is it that always heralds the dawn of a reformation of a revival? It is renewed preaching. [00:49:29]

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Transcript
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