Lecture #3 Preaching the Heart of Worship

(10) Authoritative Proclamation

As the preaching of the Word of truth it comes with authority. The terms for preaching refer to the source of its authority: a herald or ambassador of the King who comes with the King’s Word, II Corinthians 8:20. For this reason also it must be proclaimed by one called and sent by Christ through the church, Acts 13:2; Romans 10:15; Ephesians 4:11; I Cor. 12:28. Scripture warns against false prophets whom God has not sent.

The character of preaching described in Scripture states that it comes with authority. The positive exhortation is to “reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine,” II Timothy 4:2. It is “by sound doctrine to exhort and to convince, “ Titus 1:9. “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority, let no man despise thee.” Titus 2:15.The negative implication is that preaching is not to be the setting forth of the opinions of one who has studied the Scriptures, which hearers may accept or reject, I Corinthians 2:4 The preaching is not to be a form of entertainment, replete with stories, quotations from men, newspaper clippings, or diverting examples, much less comedy. II Timothy 4:3, 4.

Because preaching comes with authority as the Word of truth, it comes in the form of a call of God, II Corinthians 5:20, of a command, whether explicit or implicit, to repent and believe, to all who hear, Mark 16:15; Acts 20:21, with particular promises proclaimed to all who hear, but addressed to the elect believing child of God, in whose heart God works the grace commanded. Matt. 11:28-29; John 6:39, 40, 65; John 8:47 As God’s Word of Truth proclaimed, it is not an offer or invitation to be accepted or rejected of men. An offer or invitation depending for its efficacy on men is inconsistent with Scripture’s conception of preaching and authority It is also inconsistent with the work of grace by preaching.