Throughout the Bible, God communicates with people through words (Gen. 1:28). Words, and our ability to reason with them, are how God intended people to learn His ways (Isa. 1:18). Whether orally spoken to the prophets, passed down in conversation with descendants, written down as Scripture, or preached from the mouths of saints and evangelists, people are meant to hear and learn through the preaching of the Gospel (Heb. 1:1–2; Deut. 6:3–4; Exod. 24:12; 2 Tim. 4:2).
When studying preaching in the Bible, there are many preachers and instances to consider. Though there are many preachers and diverse preaching styles, the core message of the Gospel remains the same. First and foremost, preaching can only be an exposition of what God has already declared in His Word—nothing more and nothing less (2 Pet. 1:20; 2 Tim. 4:2; 1 Pet. 4:11). Preaching was done in a way that convicted people of sin so that the option of repentance was ever before the listener (Acts 2:40; 3:19). Preaching should not be about self-recognition or earthly gain; it should be solely focused on Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 4:5).
When studying preaching, we must remember that the power of this communication style is in the Gospel, not in the individual delivering the message (Rom. 1:16). The Apostle Paul clarified that the central focus of preaching is Christ and Him crucified, which gives people the opportunity to accept Christ in obedience to the Gospel (1 Cor. 1:23). Preaching must be done boldly, with love and power, to the fullest of one’s capability (Acts 4:31; Eph. 4:15; 1 Cor. 16:13; Rom. 15:19).
The Word of God must be shared not in part, but in full. The whole counsel of God’s will must be expounded upon throughout the life of a preacher (Mark 16:15–16; Matt. 28:19–20; Acts 20:27; 2 Tim. 4:6–7). A minister of Jesus Christ must carefully preach in accordance with the correct form and doctrine, lest he be in danger of leading souls astray (Rom. 6:17; 1 Tim. 4:6).
Biblical preaching was done in a way that was easy to understand. It was done this way because people’s souls were on the line; if they could not understand and obey the Gospel message, they would be lost. Spiritual life and death were in the balance, and a clear, simple, and concise message was necessary. Preaching must be done simply so the audience has the opportunity to hear, reason, choose, and act upon those words (1 Cor. 2:1–5; Acts 16:30–31). Although every preacher—old and modern—has his own unique style, we must never find ourselves using vocabulary that complicates the message instead of making it plain.
Preaching is done to transform minds and give people new life (Rom. 12:2; Eph. 4:23–24). Preaching gives people the opportunity to obey God’s glorious message and be part of His glorious church (Eph. 5:27).
Although we cannot cover this entire subject in one article, we can see a good picture of what Biblical preaching looks like.
A General View of Biblical Preaching
- Preaching and hearing the Word is God’s chosen method to reach man (Heb. 1:1-2).
- The Gospel is the power to save souls (Rom. 1:16).
- The message cannot change and must remain pure (2 Pet. 1:20, 1 Pet. 4:11).
- Preaching must convict the hearer of sin and bring forth repentance (Acts 2:40, Acts 2:38).
- Preaching must never be about the preacher but rather the message (2 Cor. 4:5).
- Preaching must bring a central message of Christ, and Him crucified (1 Cor. 1:23).
- Preaching must be bold, full, and with love (Acts 4:31, Eph. 4:15,1 Cor. 16:13).
- Preaching was designed to be shared (Mark 16:15-16, Matt. 28:19-20)
- The whole counsel of God’s word must be preached (Acts 20:27).
- Preaching must be of sound doctrine (1 Tim. 4:6).
- Preaching must be simple and easy to understand (1 Cor. 2:1-5).
- Preaching transforms lives (Rom. 12:2).
- Preaching gives people, a chance to obey the Gospel (Rom. 10:16, 2 Thess. 1:8).
- Preaching is urgent and necessary (1 Cor. 9:16).
-Justin Gonzalez