One might ask the question, “Why preach?” There are many preachers who have been asked this very question by family members, friends and even those in the community. To some, preaching may seem foolish (1 Corinthians 1:21), but to God it serves very important purposes.
First, preaching is the means used to demonstrate God’s power to save (Galatians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:4). Paul wrote, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16). God has commissioned Christians to deliver the Gospel message so men can hear God’s power to save and to be converted (Romans 10).
Second, preaching is used to edify. Paul indicated this purpose when he wrote, “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:15-16). One preaches to build the body up, which is confronted by a sinful world on a daily basis. The pressures that the Christian must face in everyday life are hard. Hearing God’s Word can help bear the weight of those trials and tribulations.
Third, the Word of God must be preached to convince and to convict people of their sins. Peter, when preaching to the Jews on the Day of Pentecost, was able to convince and convict the people. It is recorded in Scripture, “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:37-38). Peter further stated, “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19). Through the Word of God, man is able to be converted from a world of darkness to a world of light. Peter wrote, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9). By converting one, you help cover a multitude of sins (James 5:19-20).
Why does God want you to preach and teach His Word? God’s Word is His power to save. God’s Word is able to edify His people, and His Word is able convince and to convict people of their sins.
