preaching and teaching the gospel
Preaching and teaching the gospel is commanded by our Lord according to scripture, and should be done so through the guidance of the Holy Spirit in light of God's Word.
When God calls you to be a minister and/or teacher of His gospel, this high calling should never be taken lightly. All manner of prayer and supplication is needed, along with many hours of study and meditation upon His Word. You can also benefit greatly from applying yourself through formal education from an accredited college, university, or seminary taught by other professional teachers and professors who have also lived long in the faith, and who teach doctrinal, fundamental truths of the Bible.
The command from God rings out to all who will heed His voice and call, just as Jesus declared it to His disciples, and did so Himself through these powerful words in Mark 16:15 where it says, "And He said unto them,' Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.'"
When Paul went out to proclaim the gospel, he was not shy at all and spoke out bodly when he said in Romans 1:16-17, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by faith."
the importance of preaching and teaching the gospel
The Great Commission was given to the disciples by Jesus to go out into all the world to proclaim the gospel. It was and still is indeed a great command given to them and to every follower of Christ to spread the Good News to all who will listen and obey!
We see the importance of spreading the gospel taught and mandated within these passages of scripture:
- Acts 10:42 tells us, "And He commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is He which was ordained of God to be the judge of the quick and the dead."
- 1 Corinthians 9:14 says, "Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel."
- Matthew 24:14 declares,"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."
- 2 Timothy 2:15 also says, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." Lastly,
- 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 tells us,"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain."
biblical requirements for preaching and teaching the gospel
As one expounds on the gospel, he/she needs to first heed what God has to say about it through His Word. Certain requirements and directives are given from the Holy Bible for those who are His called within these types of ministry. As you search the scriptures, you will want to pay close attention to how the Lord may be leading you through these passages:
- One Must Be A Servant And Follower Of Christ. This is first and foremost in that anyone who goes out to proclaim the gospel of Christ, whether by teaching or preaching, he/she must have the character of servanthood within. Then and only then is one able to heed His call of exhortation. You must place yourself at the feet of Jesus and become totally and completely committed to God in order for Him to use you in a mighty way through this kind of ministry. This is what Jesus said to His disciples in line of this thought: Mark 10:42-45 says, "But Jesus called them to Him, and saith unto them,'Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: and whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.'" And then John 13:16 He reminds us again, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, the servant is not greater than his lord; neither He that is sent greater than He that sent Him." Also, Paul said to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 4:1-2,"Let a man so account of us, as the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." This denotes spiritual maturity within the ministry of preaching and teaching the gospel.
- One Must Be A Leader In The Body Of Christ, Who Will Oversee His Flock. It was a hardship for Moses as he attempted to do everything and look after everyone within his huge congregation of Israelites after he led them out of Egypt. But it was Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, who advised him of a better way. The account was given to us in Exodus 18:13-22. The passage tells us, "And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning until the evening. And when Moses' father in law saw all that he did to the people, he said,'What is this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even?' And Moses said unto his father in law, 'Because the people come unto me to inquire of God: When they have a matter they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and His laws.' And Moses' father in law said unto him, 'The thing that thou doest is not good. Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone. Hearken now unto my voice, and I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God: And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do. Moreover, thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee." We go by this example even today. A bishop, elder, minister and/or teacher needs to be able to lead, to direct, and guide His congregation in the ways of the Lord. We see how important these various characteristics of leadership are in a man of God throughout these passages of scripture also: It tells us in 2 Timothy 2:24-26, "And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient; In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God preadventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will." Also, in Philippians 2:3 it says, " Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves." Furthermore, in James 3:1-2 it instructs, "My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body." Also, take a look at John 13:12-15 where Jesus explained to His disciples on how to lead by this example: "So after He had washed their feet, and had taken His garments, and was set down again, He said unto them,'Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well, for so I am. If then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you." And yet another verse from 2 Timothy 4:2 says that the man of God is to, "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine."
- One Must Have Uprightness Of Character. How can a man be in the ministry if his character traits are questionable and without integrity? No one will be able to trust, obey, or follow him within his position as a preacher/teacher. The man of God must be accountable to his flock since the Lord has put him in charge of them. God has strict standards on what He expects from His elect and thus, it can be demonstrated within the following verses: 1 Timothy 12:14-16 says, "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Til I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself; and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee." And then in Romans 12:9-18 more instruction is given,"Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another; not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind, one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men."
- One Must Obey God By Making Disciples. This was the mandate given to us by Christ, to the twelve disciples, to His apostles then, as well as to those who would believe and follow Him now. The following scripture verses lead us to that command: We see this in Matthew 4: 19-20 where it says, "And He saith unto them, 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed Him." As well as in Mark 1:19-20 it tells us, "And when He had gone a little farther thence, He saw James, the son of Zebedee, and John His brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets. And straightway He called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after Him." Furthermore, in Luke 5:10-11 it continues with the account: "And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, 'Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.' And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed Him." Matthew 28:19-20 helps us to understand further as it says, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Finally,
- One Must Keep His Personal Life And Family In Order. From the office of a bishop, elder, preacher, deacon, or teacher, or any other office that is regarded as a high position of leadership within the church requires orderly conduct within his/her own personal life and family unit. The example is set to all who will be affected by his leadership. The Bible speaks of this through the following verses: 1 Timothy 3:1-7 explains this, "This is a true saying, 'If a man desires the office he desireth a good work.' A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; But patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity: (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil."
offices and positions of preaching and teaching
There are many ministries out there within our Christian faith that help spread the gospel to those from far and wide.
Preaching and teaching ministries are everywhere and as you pray and seek the Lord's guidance on where you fit in within His purpose for you, perhaps this list of offices and positions within the lines of a preacher/minister or teacher can help you in your search:
Offices/Positions Of A Preacher May Include:
Bishops, Elders, Ministers, Preachers, Missionaries, Minister of Board Of Missions, Child Evangelism, Minister Of Music, Street Preaching, Child/Youth Ministers, and so on.
Offices/Positions Of A Teacher May Include:
Sunday School Teachers, Christian Private School Teachers, Teacher Of Women's Groups, Teacher Of Men's Groups, Teacher within Child Evangelism, Teachers in Youth Ministries, Missionary Teachers, Bible School Teachers, College Professor/Teacher in Christian Colleges/Universities, Teachers in the Home, and so on.
As you can clearly see, the roles of a preacher and/or teacher can be vast but so very important in the line of God's plan and purpose for His people. There are opportunities everywhere for strong leaders within these fields of work.
Jesus saw the need of the lost as He expressed His compassion for them towards His disciples when He said in Matthew 9:36-38, "But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith He unto His disciples, 'The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth laborers into His harvest'."
Let us ever be so mindful of the same harvest God has set before us today, whether it be in the way of our family members, co-workers, our next-door neighbor, or whomever God places on our heart to witness to. Let us say too, in the words of Isaiah 6:8, which declared, "Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying,'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' Then said I; Here I am, send me.'"
May the Lord God bless you as you go out to proclaim this beautiful gospel message as you preach and teach His Good News to all those who will hear.
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