Preaching, importance of

Preaching has a central place among God's people and is vital to their life and growth. It is authorised by God, empowered by the Holy Spirit and expressed supremely by Jesus Christ.

Preaching has its origin in God

It is a divine command

Mark 16:15 parallel Matthew 28:18–20 See also Jonah 1:1–2; Matthew 10:5–7 parallels Mark 6:7–12, Luke 9:1–6

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

It is rooted in God's grace

Ephesians 3:7–9 See also Isaiah 6:1–10; Romans 15:15–16

I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace, given me through the working of His power. Though I am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to illuminate for everyone the stewardship of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.

It is empowered by God's Spirit

Acts 1:8 See also Isaiah 61:1–3; Luke 24:46–49; Acts 2:1–11, Acts 4:8–12, Acts 10:44; 1 Corinthians 2:4–5

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

The importance of preaching and Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ himself came to preach

Mark 1:38 parallel Luke 4:43 See also Ephesians 2:17

But Jesus answered, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns so I can preach there as well, for that is why I have come.”

Jesus Christ's own ministry involved much preaching

Matthew 4:23 See also Matthew 11:1–5 parallel Luke 7:18–22

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.

Jesus Christ commissioned his disciples to preach

Mark 3:14–15 See also Matthew 10:5–7 parallel Luke 9:1–2

He appointed twelve of them, whom He designated as apostles, to accompany Him, to be sent out to preach, and to have authority to drive out demons.

The importance of preaching and the church

It is a natural part of the church's life

Acts 8:4 See also Acts 3:11–26, Acts 15:35

Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.

It is a trust from God

Galatians 2:7 See also 1 Thessalonians 2:4; 1 Timothy 1:11; Titus 1:3

On the contrary, they saw that I had been entrusted to preach the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised.

It is an integral aspect of key ministries in the church

1 Timothy 3:2 See also Ephesians 4:11–12; 2 Timothy 4:2–5; Titus 1:7–9

An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

Its importance to Paul

1 Corinthians 1:17–18 See also Acts 9:20–22, Acts 18:5; Romans 1:14–15; 1 Corinthians 1:22–25

For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with words of wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

It is an apostolic command

1 Timothy 4:13 See also 2 Timothy 4:2

Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching.

The importance of preaching for salvation

Romans 10:14–15 See also Isaiah 52:7; Romans 10:17; 1 Corinthians 1:21

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!”

The importance of preaching means preachers and teachers will be judged more strictly

James 3:1 See also Romans 2:17–24

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.