Preaching The Gospel
Gospel preaching is indispensible to the plan of God for the success of His church on earth and the salvation of souls. (Mark 16:15) "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." The apostle Paul said, "For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel." (I Cor. 9:16) The preacher is charged by the Holy Spirit to: "preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." (2 Tim. 4:2)
Those who preach the gospel of Christ enjoy many wonderful blessings. It is the most rewarding thing in this world to see those whom you have taught the truth render obedience to the gospel. To witness their happiness and joy is an experience which defies the telling in mere words. It must be experienced to truly appreciate the thrill of knowing that your work in the Lord's service has brought about the salvation of a soul. Then there is the feeling that you may have, in sonic small way, contributed to making life happier and more worthwhile for others by pointing them to the word of God; which, when applied, corrects those things wrong in their lives. It is, indeed, a source of joy to watch a congregation of God's people grow in grace and knowledge of the truth. To see members of the church grow strong in faith and become more Christ-like in life is not one of the least of the rewards to those who preach the gospel.
The preacher enjoys the association of the very best people on God's green earth — Christians. Every preacher should recognize the fact that this association with those of like precious faith strengthens hint and makes it easier for hint to be faithful in God's service. Those preachers who have never had to work all day along side the worldly minded; having to combat the influence of the evil round about you all the time, cannot truly appreciate the blessing of constant association with God's people. The social life of the preacher is not interwoven with the drinking, dancing, cursing crowd.
Most people respect the preacher for his work and show their appreciation by assisting hint in every way possible. If he needs help there are always a great host ready to come to his aid. Words of thanks and encouragement come the preacher's way continually from those who love and respect God's truth. Another blessing which many preachers may not appreciate is that if he should teach error there is always some brother with courage enough to point out such error. On and on we could go numerating the blessings and rewards the preacher of the gospel receives.
However, all is not "a bed of roses" for the preacher of the word. His work is of such nature that he will be called upon to do many things distasteful. He must reprove and rebuke. Where this is done there is always some who resent it. It seems to be a proclivity on the part of mankind to turn on the one who administers a rebuke. As a result, the preacher accumulates many enemies as he travels through life. This is especially true of any preacher who takes a firm stand for truth. He who preaches without fear or favor will incur the wrath of those who do not wish to give up their sinful ways. Of course, a preacher may avoid the disfavor of any by preaching in such a way that none will be offended. But Paul says if that is done the preacher ceases to be the servant of Christ. (Gal. 1:10)
We should contend for the faith (Jude 3), and be "set for the defense of the gospel." (Phil. 1:17) Any preacher who has ever contended for the faith and defended the gospel in debate knows that misrepresentation and character assassination are the weapons of the proponents of error. Paul found this truth in his day, not only of those from without, but from those within also. He suffered from false teachers IN the church as well as from those outside. They tried in every way possible to weaken Paul's influence. The same is true today. Those preachers who have had to meet some false teacher who is IN the church can testify that these brethren who teach error will go to any lengths to ruin the influence of those who oppose them. This causes the faithful preacher a great deal of anguish. Another thing which is heart-breaking is that those preachers who are set for the defense of the gospel receive calls from churches that are having troubles. He is called upon to come in and do what he can to correct the situation. This is one of the most difficult tasks of a preacher. Regardless of how things go, the man called to do this work suffers. Even if he is able to save the church and get them back into the work of the Lord, he can never go back without knowing that some have a resentment against him. Usually, in accomplishing the work he was called to do, so much prejudice is created against him that it would be unwise for the church to ever call him back. They find it expedient to call some one that everybody will come to hear. This is sad, but true. Even though this is the case, I believe it is the duty of a faithful preacher of the gospel to accept any invitation where there is an opportunity to save souls and strengthen the body of Christ.
The preacher spends many anxious hours and sleepless nights trying to determine just HOW to say what MUST be said. He cannot show partiality. He must be gentle and kind; firm and positive. He must be willing to defend what he teaches. If the occasion arises he must be willing to withstand false teachers to the face before them all. (Gal. 2:11-14) The faithful gospel preacher cannot be swayed from duty by a consideration of what others may say or do.
He can be thankful that there are always loyal brethren to hold up his hands as he discharges his duties. But above all, he may be assured that the Lord will be pleased, and will reward all who serve Him faithfully.
— 41325 Kathlean, Fremont, California