Preaching and Listening

We continue in the vein of quotations from various sources. Today our topic is preaching.

Preaching is God’s means of grace given to the church to proclaim his gospel and declare his glory. I should not have to convince you of the priority and primacy of preaching for the church. At CRC we already know this. But allow me to quote two verses in defense of my original statement. It is Paul writing to the young pastor Timothy regarding the priorities of his ministry. Paul writes,

“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus… preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” (1 Timothy 4:1-2)

Preaching is thus the highest calling given to any man anywhere on this side of eternity. It should come as no surprise, then, that the preacher must take his responsibility to preach very seriously. We are, after all, told that, “whoever speaks, [speak] as one who speaks oracles of God.” A high calling indeed.

But did you know that the congregation who hears the word preached must also take their role as listeners very seriously? It makes sense when you think about it. If God is speaking through his appointed minister as he exposits and applies God’s word in the sermon, we who are listening are hearing God himself speak. A high calling to be sure.

Put simply, preaching must be attended to by BOTH the preacher and the congregation. God’s word preached is only effective when both parties take their responsibilities seriously and seek to maximize each and every sermon.

What are the responsibilities of the preacher and the hearers? Let the Westminster Larger Catechism explain,

Q. 159. How is the Word of God to be preached by those that are called thereunto?

A. They that are called to labor in the ministry of the word, are to preach sound doctrine, diligently, in season and out of season; plainly, not in the enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit, and of power; faithfully, making known the whole counsel of God; wisely, applying themselves to the necessities and capacities of the hearers; zealously, with fervent love to God and the souls of his people; sincerely, aiming at his glory, and their conversion, edification, and salvation.

Q. 160. What is required of those that hear the word preached?

A. It is required of those that hear the word preached, that they attend upon it with diligence, preparation, and prayer; examine what they hear by the Scriptures; receive the truth with faith, love, meekness, and readiness of mind, as the Word of God; meditate, and confer of it; hide it in their hearts, and bring forth the fruit of it in their lives.

May God find us ALL faithful as we attend to our responsibilities in preaching.

Soli Do Gloria