PREACH THE WORD
PREACH THE WORD
By Envageline Unity Esaaba Folson
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, revoke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
The word “preach” according to the oxford English Minidictionary means to deliver a sermon or to proclaim or teach the word which is found in the bible.
In the verse above, Timothy admonishes Christians to proclaim, or teach the message of salvation which is the central theme of the bible. We are to preach at all times, whether the time or opportunity given to us to preach is “favorable or unfavorable” (in season and out of season). This implies that we should be ready at all times to teach or share the word of God, whenever there is an opportunity. In order to be ready at all times to preach the word, reprove (give condemnation for a fault), rebuke (say sharp words), exhort (urge or advice earnestly) as the verse above says, we must
Accept that the word always accomplishes its purpose
Isaiah 55:11
Hebrews 4:12
Study the word
2 Timothy 2: 15
Psalm 119:18
Joshua 1:8
Trust the Holy Spirit to give you utterance
Acts 2:4
Ephesians 6:19
We must accept that the word always accomplishes its purpose
Isaiah 55:11
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and I shall prosper in the thing where to I sent it.
The whole bible contains God’s words that he inspired (directed or stimulated people to write) mankind to write whenever we speak or confess verses from the bible, we are activating God’s creative power used at creation in Genesis chapter 1 and 2. If you say for instance that (Isaiah 53:5)
———-by His stripes we are healed. we are calling the healing power of God into being and it would bring healing to whoever speaks the word. The person might not be healed instantly but will eventually be healed if he/she continues to pray and confess healing. like the verse in Isaiah 55:11 says the word spoken in faith will achieve its purpose. Always believe that this principle is true and accept that the purpose would be achieved once the words are spoken.
Hebrew 4:12 says
For the word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two- edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
This verse also emphasizes the power in the word of God to achieve its purpose. It has power to affect the inner man in the way it has to. The word also has the ability to achieve its purpose in whatever area of life it is directed to, for example in your studies, your career, your marriage etc. it is the medium through which God accomplishes His purpose here on earth.
We must study the word
Joshua 1:8
This book of law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein; for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
When you read, study and memorize the word of God and you practice or obey what it says, the word becomes part of you like your course of study or your career and you can preach whenever you are called upon to without prior notice. It is like you work manual or the cases you refer to as a lawyer.
Psalm 119:18
Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wonderous things out of thy law.
To be able to fully understand the word of God and how to apply it, you need God to open your spiritual eyes and give you revelation on the word you read to know how to apply it in your life and use it to do exploits.
2 Timothy 2:15
Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, nghtly dividing the word of truth.
There is an appropriate or suitable scripture verse for every challenge or battle or battle or occasion. You can get verses (Ephesians 5:22-25) for a wedding ceremony, (1 Corinthians 15:54-56) a funeral, (Ecclesiastes 3:13) a birthday party (James 1:5) an exam etc.
Ecclesiastes 1:9 says
The things that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which
Shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
Every problem, situation or challenge is not new, it existed before the bible was written therefore the bible is complete it live a successful Christian life.
Ours as Christians is to study the bible thoroughly and know when and how to apply it. If we study it we will have a verse for whatever situation we are called to preach on we can start our study by memorizing the scriptures quoted for our quiet time each day.
Trust the holy spirit to gives you utterance
To give utterance, is to enable to speak or talk once you have studied the word, when you are called upon to speak on a topic, the holy spirit will bring to remembrance what you have studied and enable you to present it well.
Acts 2:4 says
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the spirit gave them utterance.
On the day of Pentecost, the holy spirit enabled the disciples to speak in tongues just as the Holy spirit made them speak different languages they had never learnt, the Holy spirit can enable you put together a message appropriate for the time you are called upon to speak without prior notice (Acts 2: 6-7)
Ephesians 6:19
And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel.
In the verse above Apostle Paul requests that the Christians pray that the Holy Spirit gives him utterance to make known the mystery or revelations in the gospel.
Apart from studying the word, you also have pray that the Holy Spirit gives you. Utterance, whenever you are called to present the gospel, may the lord add His blessings to the preaching of His word always. Amen
References
2. Oxford English Minidictionary
3. Google.com
