Preachers, call of

God declares his word through called and anointed preachers. He overcomes their reluctance, helps their weakness, authorises their message and confirms the truth of what they declare.

God's call of preachers

It is not dependent upon background

Amos 7:14–15 See also Jeremiah 1:1–5; Matthew 4:18–20 parallels Mark 1:16–19, Luke 5:1–11; Acts 9:10–16

“I was not a prophet,” Amos replied, “nor was I the son of a prophet; rather, I was a herdsman and a tender of sycamore-fig trees. But the LORD took me from following the flock and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to My people Israel.’

It is not dependent upon ability

Exodus 4:10–12 See also Jeremiah 1:6–9; Acts 4:13

“Please, Lord,” Moses replied, “I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since You have spoken to Your servant, for I am slow of speech and tongue.” And the LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Or who makes the mute or the deaf, the sighted or the blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go! I will help you as you speak, and I will teach you what to say.”

It is not dependent upon willingness

Exodus 4:13 See also Jonah 1:1–3; Acts 9:1–6

But Moses replied, “Please, Lord, send someone else.”

It is a matter of God's sovereign choice

Jeremiah 1:4–5 See also Isaiah 49:1–6; Ezekiel 2:1–5; Amos 7:14–15; Luke 4:18–19; Isaiah 61:1–2; Galatians 1:15

The word of the LORD came to me, saying: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

God's commissioning of preachers

They are commissioned to declare God's word

Ezekiel 3:1; Romans 10:13–15 See also Jeremiah 1:9; Jonah 3:1–2; Matthew 28:18–20

“Son of man,” He said to me, “eat what you find here. Eat this scroll, then go and speak to the house of Israel.”

for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then can they call on the One in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

They are to declare God's word with authority

Titus 2:15 See also Jeremiah 1:9–10; Mark 3:14–15; Luke 9:1–2

Speak these things as you encourage and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.

They are to declare God's word without fear

Jeremiah 1:7–8 See also Ezekiel 2:3–7, Ezekiel 3:7–9; Acts 5:27–29; 2 Timothy 1:6–8

But the LORD told me: “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ For to everyone I send you, you must go, and all that I command you, you must speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD.

God's constraint upon preachers

1 Corinthians 9:16 See also Jeremiah 20:8–9; Acts 4:18–20; Romans 1:14–15

Yet when I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am obligated to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!

God's confirmation of his call upon preachers

Acts 14:3 See also Exodus 4:1–9; 1 Kings 17:17–24; Mark 16:20; Acts 4:29–31; 1 Corinthians 2:4

So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who affirmed the message of His grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders.