Articles
Faithful Preaching and Preachers
Faithful Preaching and Preachers- Acts 20:18-35
Stan Adams
The work, qualities and responsibilities of a local preacher are observed in Acts 20:18-35. If a men want to preach the gospel, he must first count the cost of preaching the gospel. Being a gospel preacher is not to be taken on lightly. Having preached the gospel full-time, for 47 years, these and other considerations must be taken seriously, in order to fulfill the role God has laid out for us. My father, Wiley Adams, who preached the gospel full time for over 70 years instructed potential young men who wanted to preach full-time that there were three types of preachers (those who have to say something----those who have something to say---and those who have something to say and have to say it). He concluded this thought with his observation that the last one was the only one who would ever be worth his salt.” Having a “heart that burns within you and having a commitment that you will not stop telling the old story, no matter what happens, is what sets apart a full-time gospel preacher from someone who occasionally preaches. Let’s notice what Luke tells us in Acts 20:18-35
1. A gospel preacher must have a life that is consistent with the gospel he preaches (20:18)
2. He must be will willing to serve others with humility (20:19)
3. He cannot hold back anything that is helpful for the souls of others (20:20)
4. He is to be willing and ready to preach publicly and from house to house (20:20)
5. He must preach a consistent message and never fear not favor any man (he cannot be a respecter of persons (20:21)
6. He must look beyond things that could happen to him and evaluate what is truly dear and of value to him (20:22-24)
7. He must prioritize the course and ministry he has in preaching the gospel. (20:24).
8. He must realize he cannot just preach about the life of Christ but also about the whole counsel of God which includes preaching about the one true church (the body of Christ. (20:24-25)
9. He is responsible for declaring to men the “whole counsel” of God. Nothing can be left out. If he is told to not preach on a bible subject, he must be ready to preach on it more. (20:27)
10. He must love the church and the good brethren that compose the local assembly where he is located. He must love truth, people and the leadership. (Acts 20:28-31)
11. He must work closely to encourage leaders and members and be on guard to constantly warn of dangers that may come from outside and inside (20:28-31).
12. He must care deeply for the pure gospel and protect the church from the pulpit with “sounds words” (20:28-31).
13. Always point others to the Lord and not to himself (20:32)
14. He must be a hard worker-s self-starter- a capable time manager and have a strong work ethic. He must also keep himself in check from the passions and cares of the world (20:33-35)
15. He must be mindful of those who struggle spiritually who may be easily overlooked (20:35)
16. He must remind all of the “words of the Lord: (20:35).
17. If these things are observed and followed the result should be a mutual respect between brethren and those who preach full time (20:37-38)
