Drawing Close To God through Preaching

I. Introduction: A final area of worship in which we draw closer to God is through the preaching of the word. To some it is a necessary evil, something to be endured before we eat lunch. Others believe in the preaching of the word but may give little attention to the word of God itself. However, God commanded the preaching of the word for the proclamation of His message, to build up the church, and convict the unbeliever and the false teacher. When Jesus came to the earth, He preached His message to the multitudes. It is an important means of drawing us close to God.

II. Text: Romans 10:8-18

III. Purpose of Preaching

A. Teach the gospel, the good news of Jesus and the kingdom

B. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 - To draw the unbeliever to God Romans 1:7-8, 15 – To Christians also

C. Urge obedience to the covenant

D. Similar to the work of the Old Testament prophets

E. God made a covenant with Israel at Mt. Sinai with blessings that would follow them if they were faithful to the covenant and curses that would overtake them if they were disobedient. God sent prophets to turn the people back to Him when they left Him to follow idols and disregarded the covenant of Mt. Sinai.

F. We are covenant people of God through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross

G. Hebrews 9:15 – Through Jesus’ sacrifice The preacher reminds Christians that they have made a covenant with God through Jesus and must keep it.

H. Exhortation to obedience

I. Colossians 1:23-25 – Remain steadfast Ephesians 4:11-15 – Grow towards completion

J. Instruct believers about the covenant

K. When you sign a mortgage or other complex agreement, the lawyer will usually explain the terms and conditions of the covenant and point out things that you must carefully consider. Part of my job is to expound on different parts of our covenant so nothing will be lacking in our obedience to God.1 Corinthians 4:17 – Timothy would remind believers of God’s word2 Thessalonians 2:15-17 – Stand fast in what you are taught1 Timothy 4:6-11 – Instruct the brethren in these things

L. Warn believers about the consequences of disobedience or rejection of the covenant

M. 2 Timothy 2:14-19 – Warn of false teachers2 Timothy 4:1-5 – Preach the word in season and out of season

N. The example of the Old Testament prophets

O. Jeremiah 1:10, 17-19 – Jeremiah was going to be rejected by Israel Isaiah 6:8-13 – Isaiah was to proclaim the message amidst rejection from God’s people Ezekiel 2:1-9 – Sometimes our message is to give people no reason to say that they did not know what God expected If the preacher chooses to entertain and appease his audience instead of exhorting believers to obedience and warning them when they disobey, he has left the pattern of God’s messengers throughout Bible history.

P. The modern religious audience tends to reject such an approach to preaching and sometimes rejects preaching altogether

Q. Man rarely wants what he needs

R. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 (read previously) – times come where people do not want sound doctrine that will transform them but teachers who will tell them what they want to hear without condemnation or judgment James 4:1-5 – God is jealous for his believers but their love often drifts between Him and the world2 Chronicles 18:7 – Reminds us of wicked King Ahab: “So the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “There is still one man by whom we may inquire of the Lord; but I hate him, because he never prophesies good concerning me, but always evil.”

S. Yet man needs the full counsel of God, what is sweet and what is bitter

T. Acts 20:26-27 – “Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.” One cannot preach the whole counsel of God without offending someone or causing sorrow; hopefully godly sorrow that will lead to repentance2 Timothy 2:24-26 – Of course, the preacher must preach in a loving and humble manner with a desire to save souls. Man needs to be less concerned with what is religion means to him and more concerned with how he can serve God.

U. Preaching should draw us closer to God through a knowledge of Him and His will, Colossians 1:9-10

IV. How can we get more from preaching

A. If we can get more from the preaching of the gospel, we will draw closer to God through a knowledge of Him and His will

B. Stay awake

C. I realize that some are on medications that cause drowsiness and some have been up with sick children or at work; I certainly don’t have you in mind.

D. Don’t be quick to judge someone without knowing the circumstances. However, we can judge ourselves to see if we are without excuse. Get plenty of sleep before services even if it means watching a movie at a more decent hour, leaving social gatherings earlier, or changing habits.

E. Listen

F. Some people tune out regardless of the message; no appetite for spiritual things.

G. A person may tune out if the message is not obviously relevant to them; they do not actively listen to see how the lesson might apply to them.

H. Elders lesson:

I. Qualified men - immediate application Young married men - remember how children will affect qualifications Young single men – consider marriage choices and qualifications Women – how they can help husbands/potential husbands be qualified Marriage - Unmarried can get ideas to use when they are married However, some say, “This does not apply to me” and disengage. Of course, all lessons are profitable in that we can use the message to teach others who may have questions about what the Bible teaches regarding certain subjects.

J. Make notes

K. Active participation increases retention of the message

L. Do not have to make notes on everything.

M. Might note particular verses to meditate on later Might note the subject and some main points and perhaps a few verses to review and reflect upon. Notes provide great reference materials to use when teaching others, teaching a class, or preaching elsewhere.

N. Learn and apply the lesson

O. Sometimes we listen to justify ourselves or reinforce what we already believe. It is easy to say, “I agree with the message” and quickly forget it. The lessons from God’s word should transform us; we should leave changed people.

P. We should use this time to build our knowledge of God and His will

Q. So we can become stronger in time of weakness So we can appreciate our wonderful God much more than we did before So we can teach others, 1 Peter 3:15 – “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;”

V. Conclusion: God gave us His word to draw us close to Him and transform our lives. Do we let His word have that effect? Do we use the time of teaching and preaching at the church to make us better or simply fill our time?

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