The Need for Preaching

The Need for Preaching

Introduction (Mark 16:15; I Timothy 3:15; Romans 1:16):
Preaching is central to God’s plan. Jesus commanded His disciples to preach the gospel in all the world. The church is the pillar and ground of the truth. The gospel alone has the power to save, and preaching is the way God chose to spread His message of salvation.

The Importance of Preaching God’s Word
Preaching is heralding the message of God, not the words of men. Preachers are to proclaim book, chapter, and verse so that the people hear directly from Scripture. This method of preaching is what built strong churches in the past. Such preaching does not rest on opinion, speculation, or entertainment. It rests firmly on the revealed word of God.

The Influence of the World on Preaching
We live in an age filled with distractions and entertainment. Information is abundant, and people consume constant news, music, movies, and entertainment. The danger is that these things crowd out what is spiritual. When this worldly mindset creeps into the church, members no longer desire solid Bible teaching. Sermons become shorter, less doctrinal, and more shallow to satisfy worldly tastes. But the church is meant to stand apart as the pillar and ground of the truth. Preaching must focus on Scripture to remove worldliness from our hearts and replace it with the truth of Christ.

What God Commands to Be Preached
Jesus gave the command: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel” (Mark 16:15). Preaching must center on the gospel because Romans 1:16 tells us it alone is the power of God unto salvation. The early disciples in Acts 8 went everywhere preaching the word. They proclaimed Christ, not philosophy or human wisdom. Paul told Timothy that the church is the house of God and the ground of the truth (I Timothy 3:15). Therefore, preaching must be Scripture-centered to guide the church in holiness.

The Defense of the Gospel
Paul declared that he was appointed for the defense of the gospel (Philippians 1:17). Jude urged Christians to contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 3). Preaching includes reasoning, correcting error, and defending the truth. This strengthens the faith of believers and prevents false doctrine from taking root. Faithful preaching builds conviction by presenting God’s word clearly and confidently.

The Clarity and Conviction of Preaching
Preaching must leave no doubt about what God commands. The Bible is plain about baptism for the remission of sins, the oneness of the church, and the necessity of repentance. Preachers must declare these truths without hesitation. When Paul spoke, he said, “I believed, therefore I spoke.” The same spirit of confidence must guide every preacher. Ambiguity has no place in gospel preaching. The word of God is definite, and the message must be spoken plainly and clearly.

The Goal of Preaching
Preaching must build up the church, strengthen faith, and provide instruction in righteousness (Acts 20:32; II Timothy 4:2). It must exhort, rebuke, and reprove as needed. Preaching must not be designed simply to entertain or please but to produce genuine conversion to Christ. Strong, biblical preaching transforms lives, convicts of sin, and leads to salvation. The church must never let worldliness dictate what kind of preaching is offered. Instead, the gospel must always be preached with boldness, love, and confidence in its saving power.

Call to Action
We must support and encourage strong, Scripture-centered preaching. Let us receive the word with faith and obedience, allow it to remove worldliness from our hearts, and carry it to others. If you have not yet obeyed the gospel, the time to respond is today. If you are a Christian, continue to stand with confidence in the truth and remain faithful to the message of Christ.

The Need for Preaching Sermon Outline:

Introduction

• Preaching commanded by Christ (Mark 16:15).

• The church is the pillar and ground of truth (I Timothy 3:15).

• The gospel is God’s power to save (Romans 1:16).

I. The Importance of Preaching God’s Word

• Preaching defined: heralding God’s word.

• Book, chapter, and verse preaching strengthens the church.

• Not human opinions, but divine truth.

II. The Influence of the World on Preaching

• Age of entertainment and distraction.

• Worldliness crowds out spiritual focus.

• Danger of shallow preaching shaped by worldly desires.

• The church must remain distinct and focused on truth.

III. What God Commands to Be Preached

• Mark 16:15 – preach the gospel.

• Romans 1:16 – gospel is the power of salvation.

• Acts 8:4 – disciples went everywhere preaching the word.

• I Timothy 3:15 – the church as pillar and ground of truth.

IV. The Defense of the Gospel

• Philippians 1:17 – appointed for the defense of the gospel.

• Jude 3 – contend earnestly for the faith.

• Acts 17 – Paul reasoned with the people from Scripture.

• Preaching must build up faith and protect against error.

V. The Clarity and Conviction of Preaching

• The Bible is plain on salvation and the one church.

• Preachers must declare truth with certainty.

• Ambiguity in preaching weakens conviction.

• God’s word must be proclaimed with confidence.

VI. The Goal of Preaching

• Acts 20:32 – the word builds up the church.

• II Timothy 4:2 – preaching reproves, rebukes, and exhorts.

• Preaching must lead to genuine conversion.

• Faithful preaching transforms lives and strengthens the church.

Call to Action

• Support and stand for strong Bible preaching.

• Obey the gospel if you have not yet done so.

• Remain faithful and confident in God’s word.

Key Takeaways

• Preaching is commanded by Christ and essential to God’s plan (Mark 16:15).

• The church is the pillar and ground of the truth (I Timothy 3:15).

• The gospel alone is the power of salvation (Romans 1:16).

• Preaching must remove worldliness and build faith (Acts 20:32).

• Preachers are appointed to defend and proclaim the gospel (Philippians 1:17; Jude 3).

• Preaching must be clear, bold, and convicting.

• Faithful congregations support strong, Scripture-centered preaching.

Scripture Reference List

• Mark 16:15 – The command to preach the gospel.

• I Timothy 3:15 – The church as the pillar and ground of truth.

• Romans 1:16 – The gospel is God’s power to save.

• Acts 8:4 – Disciples went everywhere preaching.

• Philippians 1:17 – Appointed for the defense of the gospel.

• Jude 3 – Contend earnestly for the faith.

• Acts 20:32 – The word of God builds up.

• Acts 17 – Paul reasoned from the Scriptures.

• II Timothy 4:2 – Preach with reproof, rebuke, and exhortation.

• Galatians 4:16 – Telling the truth can create opposition.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO