The Preacher's Authority
“Throughout the history of the church the greatest preachers have been those who have recognized that they have no authority in themselves and have seen their task as being to explain the words of Scripture and apply them clearly to the lives of their hearers. Their preaching has drawn its power not from the proclamation of their own Christian experiences or the experiences of others, nor from their own opinions, creative ideas, or rhetorical skills, but from God’s powerful words. Essentially they stood in the pulpit, pointed to the biblical text, and said in effect to the congregation, “this is what this verse means, do you see that meaning here as well? Then you must believe it and obey it with all your heart, for God himself, your Creator and your Lord, is saying this to you today!” Only the written words of Scripture can give this kind of authority to preaching.”
Wayne Grudem – Systematic Theology
And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 1Co 2:1 - 1Co 2:5
12 Comments:
I guess Diotrephes never read Grudem! He seems to have a good handle on how a pastor should feed the flock of God.
Gordon,
I'm not familar with Diotrephes. What did he teach regarding preaching?
Doug
Very True Doug. Yet it is these preachers that are often hushed and suffer persecution.
Hi Doug,
The words you quoted were very good and true.
The preacher must be a man who studies the Word of God and lives by it.
I have not saw you in a long time. Seems like you are growing in the Lord quite well.
Tim Blankenship
Great post! Preachers must get into the word and present it to the saints and it alone. In their expounding the word the people should be able see Christ face to face and thereby be treansformed into His image by the working of the Holy Spirit.
Isn't Diotrephes mentioned in 3 John 9?
hi doug! i just made a post i'd like to hear your wisdom on! :-)
Diotrophes was a self-serving pastor that John rebuked in his third epistle. I probably should have worded my first post differently. I was trying to complement Grudem not Diotrophes. Sorry!
Gordon,
Thanks for the clarification on Diotrephes. I assumed you were complimenting Grudem, because of the solid theology that is evident at your blog and in your comments.
Diotrephes is one of those names I read over quickly because I can't pronounce it. :-)
Doug
I disagree with Mr Grudem and his Systematic Theology but agree whole heartedly with Paul. The letter of the law without the Spirit to breathe life on it is dead and breeds death. Agreeing with it and trying to implement it is merely frustrating.. The Spirit of the Lord is the power which gives any preaching its authority.
Jada,
Thanks for the comment.
I don't think Grudem would disagree with you. When we preach from the Word we are not just preaching the law but we are preaching the Gospel too. The Spirit is what gives us to power to live what God has told us in his word. But the authority that causes God's word to be binding upon all humanity is the fact that God has said it to His creation. Whether or not we have the ability to follow it does not enhance or dimish it's authority over our lives.
Grudem in other parts of his systematic speaks clearly that we could preach endlessly, but without the working of the Holy Spirit no one would be moved or have the ability to follow.
God Bless,
Doug
Doug, you are a gracious man.
My pastor once said "I feel sorry for those preachers who have to come up with a new story, gimmick or idea each week just to catch the congregation's attention. My job is really quite simple...I just have to preach the word."
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