"With What Intent Have Ye Sent For Me?"
Introduction
1. Give the textual background. Every preacher is concerned with reasons for going anywhere to preach, and every church may well ask his reasons for coming. A good understanding is necessary to a profitable work.
2. Cornelius had sent three men to get Peter and they had informed him of the reason for the invitation of Cornelius, so Peter did not ask the question for information.
3. It was Peter's purpose to emphasize his work. Therefore, this lesson is appropriate as one of the first a preacher may give in a new place.
Discussion 1. Preaching And Teaching
A. You should expect only God's word and all of God's word on every subject that concerns our lives here and in eternity. (II Tim. 4:1-4).
1. This cannot all be done in one sermon, it will take a long period of time to even cover basic principles. Both preacher and congregation must "let patience have her perfect work."
2. The preacher may be unfaithful by failing to preach on needed scriptures as well as by misapplying scriptures.
B. The Head of the church expects you to bear faith with your preacher by supporting faithful teaching with your presence, interest, prayers, time, and money. The more you are present for every sermon and every class, the less repetition will be required and his time and energies will be best used.
II. Adequate Preparation
A. You should expect the preacher to be prepared to do his work, When you are expected to try to bring friends to hear him, he should be prepared with truth. This will take up most of his time.
B. Remember that every time he types a stencil, mails a bulletin, engages in social visiting (including at the hospital), he is cutting into just that much of his time needed to study or teach someone.
III. Attitudes
A. This preacher has heard far more about bad attitudes in the pulpit than he has ever heard bad attitudes manifested. Do not mistake plainness of speech, boldness to expose error, and courage to stand firm, for a lack of love for the souls of those laid bare by the preaching.
The statement in Eph. 4:15 has to do with the preacher's own motives and not with outward appearances.
B. You are expected to uphold strong teaching regardless of those who may be exposed, and never apologize for the teaching. Preachers and preaching should be measured by "the Book" and not by what other preachers may say or do, or whether he is popular or not.
IV. Impartiality
A. You should expect the preaching to be impartial. (James 2:9; Acts 10:34-35).
B. Just so, you should not try to prejudice the preacher by talking about your brethren. His head is not a garbage can. There are many things behind that ought to be forgotten. There is a scriptural way to deal with those with whom you dispute. (Matt. 18:15-19). The preacher is not a referee.
V. Full-Time Worker
A. The preacher who is supported by brethren has an obligation to both God and the brethren to give full measure of his time. To do less is to be dishonest and a hireling.
B. But he must take time for his family, for recreation, personal business, and reasonable leisure. His work is better when he maintains good health habits. "All work and no play make the preacher a dull preacher."
VI. The "Muzzled Ox"
A. I Cor. 9:1-14. This may be a stipulated salary (II Cor. 11:8), and the term "carnal things" show that support for the preacher may be in terms of goods and services as well as money.
B. Some unknown person, no doubt a preacher, observed: "When some congregations engage a preacher they expect him to be as stedfast as an elephant, as brave as a lion, as fearless as a tiger, as cunning as a fox, and as wise as a serpent. They expect him to bear the strength of an eagle, the grace of a swan the. gentleness of a dove, and the friendliness of a sparrow, He must parade like a peacock through the night hours of an owl, and then live on the food of a canary."
VII. Personal Living
A. It should hardly be necessary to add that you should expect the preacher's conduct to be such as becometh the gospel of Christ (Phil, 1:27).
B. You also are expected by the Lord that your lives will adorn the gospel he preaches (Titus 2:10).
Conclusion
1. With these facts in mind we should understand each other clearly. A response is welcomed if anyone feels such necessary.
2. Colossians 3:17.
— 840 N. Miranda Las Cruces, New Mexico