In the very shadow of his pending death, Paul reminded his “son in the faith” to “peach the word…” Preaching is important to God! In fact, preaching is the very method by which God chose to deliver and divulge His message to the world (cf. Luke 24:47; Titus 1:3; Romans 10:13). Sadly, sometimes public speeches and other forms of open rhetoric are classified as preaching. Even sadder still, some of this rhetoric is found within the walls of where the church of Christ assembles. Thus, it behooves us to understand exactly what kind of preaching is pleasing to God.
Firstly, preaching that pleases God is Bible-based! What was Timothy to preach (2 Timothy 4:2)? The Word! Paul did not tell Timothy to preach psychology, traditions, current events, popular self-helps or anything else. Only the Word of God can save man’s soul (Romans 1:16), build faith (Romans 10:17), strengthen the soul and give an inheritance in heaven (Acts 20:32). Preaching that pleases God is preaching grounded in the text of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Secondly, preaching that pleases God is comprehensibly-clear! Beating around the bush preaching leaves its hearers confused, frustrated and not one bit closer to God. God told Habakkuk to “…Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it” (Habakkuk 2:2b emphasis added). Peter’s hearers understood his clear message (Acts 2:37). How sad it would have been if Peter had left his sinful hearers guessing as to what they must do! Stephen’s message was so clear that the hearers could not miss the point (Acts 6:9ff)! Preaching that pleases God is preaching that is comprehensibly-clear!
Thirdly, preaching that pleases God is Christ-centered! Jesus Christ must be exalted in every Gospel sermon preached! In fact, He is the center of our message (1 Corinthians 2:2). Consequently, the Lord cannot be exalted unless His bride, the church, is emphasized (Matthew 16:18; Acts 20:28). “Tell me the story of Jesus” ought to the preacher’s desire as he mounts the pulpit. As the Greeks (John 12:20) desired long ago, so should our desire be, “…Sir, we would see Jesus” (John 12:21b). Christ-centered preaching pleases God!
Bible-based, comprehensibly-clear and Christ-centered preaching is the preaching that pleases God! No hearer ought to ever accept anything less of a man who is called a preacher. The need for preaching has never been greater! Our nation, the church and this world need Gospel preaching as much or more than it ever has. Some men preach for money, others preach for fame, but God’s preachers preach because they are compelled by Calvary! Preaching that pleases God is the only preaching worth anything!
