Second Corinthians 4 Part 2 Preaching The Gospel Must Be Central In Each Church

Preach the gospel because it glorifies Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

2 Corinthians 4:1-4  Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2)  But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. 3)  But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4)  In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 

So far in chapter four, Paul reminds us that preaching the gospel is his great blessing and privilege. 

He has shined the light of God's truth upon the devious teaching and slanderous ways of false teachers.

He warns us that the Devil exerts himself to blind the minds of anyone who hears the gospel of Christ. 

He does not want gospel truth to shine into a sin darkened heart so that a sinner repents and turns to Christ for salvation.

This is why we must consistently share the gospel with people who are lost and dead in their sins. 

The Spirit of God can break through the most calloused heart to bring that sinner to Christ. 

Pastors must preach the gospel of Christ above all else!

2 Corinthians 4:5   For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.

Here is God's clear message to all the churches. "Your singular mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ!"

Preaching is a public proclamation of the gospel, an explanation of its holy doctrines and the clear communication of apostolic teaching. 

Preaching Christ is central to every church gathering. 

Preach the Word because it is living truth whereby God speaks to us.

Hebrews 4:12  For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 

The Bible is living truth from God whereby He speaks to us and reveals His glory. 

It shows us the thoughts and motivation of our heart, whether it be good or bad. 

It pierces through any religious pretensions that we may have in order to shows us our need of regeneration. 

Preach the Word because it gives spiritual life and revives those who are weary.

Psalm 119:25  DALETH. My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.

Psalm 119:107  I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.

The word "quicken" means to bring spiritual life where there was none or to revive those who are worn out and weary.

God's Word can save souls by showing a sinner the reality of sin, judgment and condemnation, followed by showing them our Savior, Jesus Christ.

God's Word can revive people of faith who are exhausted and weary in well doing. 

It can revive those who are crushed by the burdens and afflictions of life. It can comfort those who are overwhelmed with grief and sorrow.

Preach the Word because it tells us of God's love, grace and mercy.

Psalm 119:149  Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O LORD, quicken me according to thy judgment.

God's Word reveals His infinite lovingkindness to us. Scripture tells us of the love of God that sacrificed His own Son in order to save us from sin, death and hell.

It tells us of the glorious grace of God and saving faith in Christ and what it means to be born again into God's family.

It shows us the mercy of God whereby He poured out His wrath for our sins upon Jesus Christ, so that He might extend mercy to each, each moment of each day for eternity.

If Pastors fail to preach the Word of God then no quickening work will occur. No spiritual life will sprout up. No comfort and reviving of believers will happen. 

Many churches have made preaching the gospel something peripheral and have diminished the value of scripture in the eyes of their people. 

Failing to consistently preach the gospel of Christ is a grievous sin in the eyes of God and will bring His strong condemnation upon all who do so.

God never told Pastors to substitute programs in place of preaching. 

God never told His church to poll people in a community and then make church conform to what residents said they wanted church to be like.  

God never told Pastors to use worldly music in place of God honoring worship.

God never intended to tell professing Christians that they can be saved and love the world too (See 1 John 2:15-17).

Preach the Word because it is the will of God for all Pastors.

2 Timothy 4:2-4  Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3)  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4)  And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 

Here is a command from God to all Pastors given by His apostle. Preach the Word at all times! Preach the Word when it is popular and preach it when it is unpopular. 

We live in a time where people want to hear something new or novel rather than hearing the scripture explained and exposited. 

We live in a time when "professing" Christians want to claim to be right with God while they live for the world.

Televangelists and false teachers have turned their ears away from the gospel to lies of men.

Pastors especially, must be committed to preaching the gospel of Christ. 

Preaching the gospel is central to the Great Commission (See Matthew 28:18-20).

Pastors especially must live their lives sacrificially, as a bond slave of their Master, Jesus Christ. 

A good Pastor is one who lives according to the gospel, one whose family is in order, one whose steps are ordered by the Lord.

Preach the Word and God will command gospel light to shine brightly.

2 Corinthians 4:6  For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 

The apostle refers here to Genesis 1:3. For when God created the heavens and the earth Darkness was on the face of the deep. 

And God said, Let There Be Light; and there was light. Thus he caused the light to shine out of darkness.

He has given into our hearts the glorious light of the Gospel, as He has given the world the glorious light of the sun. 

As sure as God is the source of light and the Creator of the universe, so is He the Author of the Gospel. 

The gospel of Christ is no human invention. 

The gospel is as far beyond the power of man’s wisdom and might, as the creation of the world is beyond mankind's power, energy, or skill.

May Paul's initial words to the church at Corinth guide and shape all pastoral ministry.

May our Pastors, Teachers and Elders be encouraged to preach the gospel and to live according to its precious truths. 

Do you have children, grandchildren, loved ones, friends or neighbors that you want to be in heaven with you?

You must share the gospel of Christ with them and live according to its holy teachings.

Bob

Preach the gospel and the cross of Christ because it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 1:17-18  For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 18)  For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.  

Preach the gospel because this is God's plan to save the lost. 

1 Corinthians 1:21  For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 

Preach the gospel because it is the power of God and the wisdom of God. 

1 Corinthians 1:23-24  But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24)  But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.