The Preacher

I. What needs serve as the basis for the preached word?

A. The preparation of the preacher is more important than the preparation of the sermon.

“A prepared messenger is more important

than a prepared message”-- Robert Munger

Broadus in his book on The Preparation and Delivery of Sermons offers the following six needs if the preacher is going to be true to the message:1. A sense of divine call (John

15:16; Acts 16:10; I Cor. 9:16; I Tim. 2:5-7; II Tim. 1:8-12)

a. When God calls us He also equips us with the spiritual gifts necessary to function in the call (I Pet. 4:10-11).

b. Everyone who preaches should feel like they are a person on a mission (John 1:6-7).

2. A vital Christian experience (Mt. 7:28-29 with Mt. 23:1-4)

a. You cannot lead others where you have not been (Acts 4:20; 19:13-16; I John 1:1-3).

b. Your goal is to be an example of what is being preached (I Tim. 4:12, 16).

c. Your life and testimony must be channels of truth to people (Rom. 15:18; I Cor. 11:2; I Th. 2:10; Mt. 7:28-29; 23:1-4).

Jerome said, “A holy clumsiness is better than sinful eloquence.”

Cervantes said, “He preaches well who lives well. That is all the divinity I know.”

3. A continuation of learning

This is important for several reasons:a. So that the preacher can

continue to grow personally, staying ahead of the people.

b. So that the preacher can draw from fresh experiences with God as a source of encouragement to others (Eph. 1:17).

c. So that the preacher can remain relevant to the times and the culture.

4. The development of natural gifts

a. This involves honing or sharpening our skills.

b. This involves enhancing what God has given.

c. This involves being willing to remove any personal obstacles that might hinder anyone from receiving our message.

5. The maintenance of physical health (I Cor. 9:27; I Tim. 4:8)

6. A complete dependence upon the Holy Spirit (I Th. 1:5).

We could add a seventh need of the preacher which deals with the heart or the motivation of the preacher.7. A pure heart

a. This includes a genuine fear of God (I Th. 2:3-5).

b. This includes a sincere love for the truth (II Cor. 4:2; II Th. 2:10).

c. This includes a true love for people (II Cor. 4:7-15).

d. This includes a heart free from covetousness (Acts 20:33; Phil 1:15-17).

B. The personal disciplines in the life of the preacher lay the foundation for all ministry of the word.

1. This means that the preacher must be a person of prayer and communion with God.

2. This means that the preacher must be a serious student of the Word (I Th. 2:13; Heb. 4:12). The more familiar we can be with God’s Word the more equipped we will be to represent God to man.

“ A preacher should be a live coal to kindle all the church” –

Emerson