Preach the Word! (and take notes)

“Preach the Word!”

This is a simple plea directed especially to pastors–though Sunday School teachers and Bible study leaders need to give heed as well. Too many churches today have opted to study books about the Bible, with little but an occasional proof text from God’s Word here and there. I know of one church where the pastor chose to “preach” through Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress. One attending a service said there was very little Scripture in the message, though this professes to be a Bible-believing church.

There are many good books available, but there is only one inspired Word of the living God. It is not John Bunyan or some other author that transforms lives–insightful as they may be–it is the Spirit of God working through the Word (Jn. 17:17; Eph. 5:25-26; 6:17; II Tim. 3:16-17; Heb. 4:12). Paul’s exhortation to young Timothy needs to be heard afresh today: “Preach the Word!” (II Tim. 4:2). God’s Word: correctly interpreted, clearly explained, creatively illustrated, and carefully applied. Make every effort possible to nurture people with the Scriptures.

And let me go a step further. There is certainly a place for topical preaching. I have done it myself on occasion. Series on basic Bible doctrines, on prophecy, on the grace of God, on dealing with emotional depression, and so on. But I am convinced what helps people the most is the careful exposition of the Scriptures, verse by verse. That is the way to expose a congregation to the flow of biblical thought. Likely it is also the way they will be handling the Bible in their daily devotions, verse by verse, chapter by chapter.

With this in mind, exhort your people to bring with them the same Bible they use at home, and encourage them to mark their Bibles as you preach. The simple underlining of a word, or adding basic definition in the margin, will be of help to them in future time in their own study. For example:

1. You might invite those before you to underline the repeated and terrifying words of Romans Chapter 1, “God gave them up” (vs. 24, 26), and “God gave them over” (vs. 28), explaining the significance of this.
2. When dealing with First Thessalonians Chapter 2, you might have folks underline “as a nursing mother” (vs. 7) and “as a father” (vs. 11), explaining how Christian ministry is to have qualities exhibited by both parents.
3. Next to the word “blessed” in Psalm 1:1 I have written a definition which I find helpful: “Enriched, contented, and fulfilled.”
4. Having folks jot down a cross reference next to a verse can also be helpful. For instance, next to Luke 16:15 I have written Deuteronomy 12:30-31, next to Psalm 71:18 I have Acts 13:36.