Those entrusted with the task of preaching must ensure that their lives are in line with their message. They must be of good character and conduct, be consistent in all they teach and do and be accountable to others.
Preachers must be of good character
1 Timothy 4:12 See also 1 Thessalonians 2:9–10; 1 Timothy 4:16; 2 Timothy 2:20–26; Titus 2:7–8; James 3:1 That the judgment is based on character, and not just on teaching, seems clear from the references to guarding the tongue which follow.
Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
Preachers must practise what they preach
Matthew 23:2–4 See also Romans 2:21–23; Galatians 2:11–14
“The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So practice and observe everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy, burdensome loads and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.
Preachers must be accountable to others and to God
Mark 6:30 parallel Luke 9:10 See also Acts 14:26–27, Acts 21:17–19; Galatians 2:1–2
Meanwhile, the apostles gathered around Jesus and brought Him news of all they had done and taught.
Preachers must not look for honour for themselves
Mark 12:38–40 parallels Matthew 23:5–12, Luke 20:45–47 See also Acts 14:11–15; 1 Corinthians 3:5–6; 1 Thessalonians 2:3–6
In His teaching Jesus also said, “Watch out for the scribes. They like to walk around in long robes, to receive greetings in the marketplaces, and to have the chief seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They defraud widows of their houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation.”
Preachers must not look for personal gain
2 Corinthians 2:17 See also Acts 20:33–35; 2 Corinthians 11:7–9; 1 Thessalonians 2:6–9
For we are not like so many others, who peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as men sent from God.
Preachers must be people of integrity
2 Corinthians 4:2 See also 2 Corinthians 1:12; 1 Thessalonians 2:3–6
Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways. We do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.