Theme: Understanding the distinct biblical responsibilities of a preacher, separate from the role of a pastor.
A. Romans 10:14–15 – The necessity of a preacher for hearing and believing the gospel.
B. Matthew 28:19–20 – The Great Commission includes preaching and teaching.
C. A preacher is a herald of the Word, proclaiming the gospel publicly (Mark 16:15).
D. A pastor is a shepherd, responsible for oversight and care of the flock (1 Peter 5:1–2).
E. Pastors are always mentioned in the plural (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5; Philippians 1:1).
F. All pastors preach, but not all preachers serve as pastors.
A. 2 Timothy 4:1–5 – Paul’s charge to Timothy to preach the Word faithfully.
B. Acts 8:4–5 – Philip preached Christ in Samaria.
C. 1 Corinthians 1:18–21 – God chose preaching to save those who believe.
D. (2 Tim. 4:15) Be ready in season and out of season – preach consistently regardless of circumstances.
E. (2 Tim. 4:1-5) Reprove (correct error), rebuke (call out sin), and exhort (encourage righteousness) with patience (longsuffering) and sound doctrine. (Luke’s sermon on patience and longsuffering) [Eph. 4:2; 15 “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;”]
A. 1 Corinthians 4:1–2 – Preachers are stewards of the mysteries of God. [The best example is that preachers are lawyers in the church. Preachers are to know what the law says and how to preach it with the proper application or wisdom that God intended; saying what is right and what is wrong. However, preachers are not judges to sit in condemnation of anyone, not members and not those that are without.]
B. Galatians 1:10 – Seek to please God, not men.
C. 2 Corinthians 4:5 – We preach Christ Jesus the Lord, not ourselves. [As preachers, are we preaching the whole counsel of God or simply those things we think are important, or preaching against our pet peeves and telling people how they ought to live according to what will make US happy?]
D. Philippians 2:3–4 – Serve with humility and selflessness.
E. John 13:14–15 – Follow Christ’s example of servant leadership. [A preacher must be faithful to Scripture, not swayed by popularity or pressure. In other words, the preacher is a servant to God first and then to the people.]
A. Ephesians 4:11–12 – Preachers equip the saints for the work of ministry. (through helping them mature, as a teacher or guide.)
B. Titus 2:6-8 – “In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works…”
C. 1 Timothy 4:13–16 – Devotion to reading, exhortation, and doctrine.
D. Preachers work alongside elders who shepherd the flock (Acts 20:27-28).
E. They assist in evangelism, discipleship, and public ministry. [A preacher is only a leader through the example of obeying the Lord and His Word.]
A. Acts 20:17, 28 – Elders oversee and shepherd the church.
B. 1 Peter 5:1–3 – Elders shepherd willingly and serve as examples.
C. Titus 1:5–9 – Elders must meet specific qualifications [one of which is to be able and willing to preach or teach] and serve in plurality.
D. Preachers proclaim the Word but do not hold oversight responsibilities.
E. Maintaining this distinction preserves biblical church structure and accountability.
A. 1 Thessalonians 2:4 – Preachers speak as those approved by God.
B. 2 Timothy 2:15 – Study and rightly divide the Word of truth.
C. Churches should support and encourage biblical preaching (Galatians 6:6).
D. All of these characteristics discussed this morning that have been attributed to a preacher can be done by all members, except in the public setting, when men are present, women are forbidden by God to preach and teach.
E. Challenge: Are we listening to and applying the Word preached to us?
F. Invitation