God’s preachers are God’s treasures. God values preachers because of the work they do and the journey they trod. Their feet are beautiful because they carry a beautiful message (Romans 10:15). God’s preachers are God’s heralds. They proclaim a message from the king to the subjects. Their message is not their own, but it is handed down from the divine king in a divine book (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 4:2). God’s preachers are God’s men. No man will be a good preacher unless he is a good man (1 Corinthians 9:27).
The first time “preaching” occurs in the Bible is in reference to John, the preacher (Matthew 3:1; Mark 1:7; John 1:7, 15). His work prepared men for the coming of Jesus. His lessons sparked interest, persuaded repentance, and even angered some. Although John was God’s preacher, he was first God’s man. John was the son of Zachariah and Elizabeth; a Levite, but most importantly he was a son of God. From this country preacher, what can we learn about some attributes God’s preachers need to possess?
Be humble. No one likes a prideful preacher, especially God. Preachers are called to minister, not to be ministered with praise, admiration, and honor. While such may come naturally from others (cf. John 7:46), it is dangerous if it comes from within (Proverbs 27:2). John was the greatest preacher in all the land at the time, but he did not let others know it. A humble preacher will:
Recognize his own weaknesses (Matthew 3:14). John felt out of place to baptize Jesus. Perhaps it was his imperfection that led him to say, “I have need to be baptized of thee.” John was God’s preparer (Isaiah 40:3; Matthew 3:3), not God’s perfect preacher. Good preachers will seek ways to improve and specific sins with which to confess. Imperfect should be followed with confession (Mark 1:7; Luke 3:16).
Elevate Jesus instead of self (John 1:15, 27). Some preach sermons with no Jesus and many leave saying, “we didn’t see Jesus today” (cf. John 12:21). John was a glass window. He put his focus on and pulled people’s attention toward the One who could save their souls. John was a nobody trying to tell everybody about a Somebody who could save anybody (cf. John 1:19-22). When some came to him after Jesus increased in popularity, John responded with, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). A preacher’s goal is always to step out of the way so that Jesus may be seen in him, not behind him.
Remember that he is not Jesus, but a servant of Jesus (John 1:19-23). Some preach as though their sermons should be on the front cover of the New York Times, while some believe themselves to be near divine level. John denied that He was the Christ or even the prophet foretold by Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15-17). When asked who you are preacher, say, “I am the servant of the Lord” (Luke 1:38).
God rejects prideful preachers, but stands by the meek ones (1 Peter 5:5).
Be satisfied (Matthew 3:4; Mark 1:6). No good preacher preaches for the money, only greedy ones do that (1 Timothy 6:5). John was no greedy preacher. His lifestyle and eating habits showed that. His focus was the Gospel, not gain. He sought repentance, not riches (Matthew 3:8), salvation from sin, not salvation in sin. God’s preachers will never tire of preaching because they are satisfied with the life it brings. Paul said, “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (Philippians 4:11). A godly preacher with contentment is true gain (1 Timothy 6:6).
Stay with the message (Matthew 3:7-12; 14:1-10). Some preachers go everywhere, but they forget to bring the Word with them (cf. Acts 8:4). John did no such thing. Instead, John condemned the Pharisees for their wrongful ideas concerning ancestral importance. He also lost his life for preaching the sacred truth on marriage! If death did not stop John from proclaiming the truth, it should not stop preachers today. Preachers should not refrain from speaking on topics like:
Biblical marriage principles (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6; 1 Corinthians 7:1-5; Hebrews 13:4).
The sin of alcohol (Ephesians 5:18; 1 Peter 4:3).
Homosexuality (Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:10; Jude 7).
Baptism (Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21).
Worship (John 4:24; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16).
Good preachers preach situationally, but God’s preachers always preach Scripturally. Paul concluded “For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:16). John the Immerser preached a message that cost him his life, now preacher how about you?
God’s hall of preachers is filled with numerous names and John is blessed to be a part of such. While no man is perfect, some are good influences; John being one of them. God loves all preachers, but those who excel He appreciates more. What one are you?