The
early church of Christ “continued
steadfastly in the apostle’s doctrine” [teaching] (Acts 2:42). This was a
part of the first worship service of the church that took place on the Sunday
during the Pentecost feast in Jerusalem (Acts 2). This is indicated in the list
of other activities that were taking place along with this teaching [i.e.
“fellowship, breaking of bread, prayers”].
Preaching is defined as “publicly proclaiming or
teaching; delivering a sermon or religious address to an assembled group of
people, typically in church.” Preaching has its place throughout the Bible, but
always finds priority among God’s people, especially New Testament Christians, for regular instruction or teaching
unto righteousness.
Numerous passages remind us of its purposes:
- To proclaim and teach of Jesus (1 Corinthians 2:2; 2 Cor. 4:5)
- To teach all nations / all the world (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16)
- To hear and believe in the Gospel (Romans 10:13-14)
- To grow in our faith (Romans 10:17)
- To grow unto maturity (2 Peter 1:off)
- To grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus (1 Peter 2:2; 2 Pet. 3:18)
- To become teachers (Hebrews 5:12-14)
- To be able to defend (1 Peter 3:15)
- To keep our focus on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2)
- To stay focused on the prize of Heaven (Philippians 3:14)
J. Winfred Clark wrote an article years ago and
then republished in EXPOSITIONS OF THE
EXPOSITOR entitled The Fruit of Sound Teaching from
Titus 2:1 which reads: “speak thou the
things which become sound doctrine.” This article included below reminds us
of the place of Gospel Preaching in our worship services and in our daily lives.
The results of the preaching of the Gospel:
There Would Be a Balanced Life (v. 2-10)
If
you take the time to read through these verses, you will find those things
addressed to each group that would help them to live mature and complete lives
of godliness. In fact, you will find the phrase, “in all things” in verse 7, 9,
10. That means one’s life is affected in all things, whether in his talk or his
walk, whether in public or in private. Sound teaching will govern his life and
lip in all that he does or says.
Not
only is there balance in each life in each group, but there is also that
balance to be maintained between each group. Note the term “likewise.” This
means there is no double standard.
There Will Be a Blameless Life (v. 3-5)
The
life that is affected by sound doctrine will be in accord with holiness. Such
will mean their speech will be blameless, for they will tell the truth as they
are not false accusers. This is in contrast with the reputation of those on the
isle of Crete. There will also be temperance as they are able to control
themselves.
There Will Be a Beautiful Life (v. 6-10)
In
this section, one is able to show by his manner of life what the gospel will
produce. His manner of life will attract people to that which produces such.
Such a life is attractive and is made to be so by the teaching of Christ. Such
a life will be well ordered and properly arranged by the guidelines set forth
by sound teaching.
The preaching of the Gospel of Christ affects
change to all those who believe (Romans 1:16). May we never take for granted
the part of our worship services characterized by preaching and teaching.
~Wayne Rodgers
Source:
Clark, J. Winfred. Expositions
of the "The Expositor": J. Winfred Clark. Ed. Michael McDaniel.
Vol. 1. Memphis, TN: Memphis School of Preaching, 2001. Print.
