Truth Magazine

By Johnie Paul Edwards

While all those who preach the gospel of Christ are charged with the same responsibility of preaching the word, there are some things young preachers, especially, need to be. We try to stress these things to our young men in the Preacher Training Program. Perhaps, these things can also be of benefit to other young men who are laboring on behalf of the gospel of Christ. Young preachers need to be:

Someone has said that “enthusiasm is contagious.” If that be the case, then we need a good epidemic! There is no substitute for enthusiasm. The Lord God told Ezekiel of old, “Smite with thine hand, and stamp with thy foot …” (Ezek. 6:11).

Enthusiastic

Paul told the young evangelist Titus that Christ gave himself to redeem a “peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:14). Philip’s passion for preaching the word can be seen in the fact that he “ran” to teach the man of Ethiopia (Acts 8:30). Young preachers need to learn to be enthusiastic in their preaching.

Friendly

Solomon said, “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother” (Prov. 18:24). A lot of congregations build a reputation for being unfriendly. Young preachers need to learn early to shake hands with folks and be friendly with all. The example that you set as a gospel preacher will help others to see the value of being friendly and may help the church to grow.

Neat

There have been many books written about the importance of dressing for success. It would seem that one’s dress says something about his attitude toward his work. While it is not necessary to spend money on expensive clothing, it is important to dress neatly. In the Preacher Training Program we recommend to the young men that they purchase a blue blazer. A blue blazer goes well with lots of things. Further, we stress to the young men that they keep their shoes cleaned and shined. Invest in a shoe care kit. Then use it! Dad has always told the young men to “watch that body odor! Nobody wants to be around a stinking preacher!”

Mannerly

There are some standards for social behavior and it doesn’t hurt to apply these standards. Lots of our young people today have not been taught to be mannerly. Young preachers need to learn early to say “thank you” and be courteous enough to listen to people when they are speaking to you. Good “bed-side manners” are important when visiting the hospital or visiting the sick at home. Dont go to the hospital and tell the sick patient that you had a relative that died with the same disease!

Punctual

Some people are late to everything! I remember a few years ago that a fellow was late to his own funeral. I can’t remember a time when he and his family were on time for the services of the church and sure enough, they wheeled him in fifteen minutes late for his own funeral. It’s important to be on time. If you tell someone that you’ll be there at 7:30, then be there at 7:30!

Tactful

Tact, very simply, has to do with a person knowing how to say a thing properly. Some are so blunt that they scare people away before they ever get their “foot in the door.” It is important for young preachers to have some tact about themselves. Use some wisdom in your speech. Jesus told the Twelve, “I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harm-less as doves” (Matt. 10:16).

Organized

One of the things that we often stress to the young men in the Preacher Training Program is that they get organized and stay organized! We spend quite a bit of time helping these young men with the art of organization. It is important for young preachers to learn to organize their sermons properly and organize their time so they can be productive. You might think of this as “Redeeming the time…” (Eph. 5:16). It is good to make a list of things you need to do, in order of importance, and then, when you accomplish one thing, go on to the next item on your list.

Optimistic

It’s important for young preachers to be optimistic and not “doom, gloom, and boom!” Be optimistic about the congregation you work with. Be optimistic about your work. Remember that your work may involve planting or watering, but God gives the increase (1 Cor. 3:6). Far too many young preachers get discouraged to the point that they want to throw up their hands and quit. Be optimistic and realize the value of doing the Lord’s work.

Able To Take Some Constructive Criticism

It’s not always easy to take criticism, but constructive criticism is for one’s own good. Young preachers need to be ready to receive and accept criticism that is offered by well-meaning members of the Lord’s church. Listen to their criticism, use what you can, and discard the rest.

Humble

Peter exhorted Christians to, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time” (1 Pet. 5:6). It’s easy for young preachers to be lifted up with pride and have an air or arrogance about themselves. Learn to be “clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble” (I Pet. 5:5).

Studious

To be studious is to be devoted or given to study. Paul told the young evangelist Timothy to “study to shew thyself approved of God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). Young preachers need to be given to Bible reading and Bible study. Your preaching will reflect the amount of time you put into studying God’s word. You don’t have to tell the members of the church that you didn’t have time to study your lesson, they will already know!

Prompt In Paying Your Bills

It’s easy for young preachers and their families to over extend their finances and spend more than they should. Don’t allow yourself to get into a financial pinch. Set yourself a reasonable budget and then stick with it. Be sure to set aside some money each week or each month for savings. There will always be bills that will come up that you did not expect. Don’t try to live like everyone else, just learn, as Paul did, “in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (Phil. 4:11). When you make a debt, pay it!

Cautious

Be sure to exercise caution when it comes to the young ladies. We all know of preachers who have ruined their good reputation with the brethren because they could not keep their hands off the ladies. When it becomes necessary to visit with a young sister in the Lord, take someone along with you (perhaps, your wife or one of the men in the congregation). Paul told Timothy to treat “the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity” (I Tim. 5:2). Give no ground to suspicion, no shadow or pretext to those who wish to slander.

Observing

Jesus realized the importance of teaching people to “observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you…” (Matt. 28:20). Paul told Timothy to “take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (I Tim. 4:16). The young preacher’s first obligation is to take heed unto himself! One must first do and then teach (Ezra 7:10; Ac. 1:1). Don’t play the part of a hypocrite! Remember what Moses told Israel of old, “.. . be sure your sin will find you out” (Num. 32:23).

Hopefully, these things will be of some benefit to young men who are just beginning to preach the gospel of Christ. Above all, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Tim. 4:2).

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: 7 p. 7-8
April 6, 1995

By Andy Alexander

The local church of Christ is to be overseen by men who meet all of the qualifications given in the New Testament (Acts 14:23; 1 Tim. 3:1-7). These men are to rule in the congregation as taught by the Scriptures (Heb. 13:17; Acts 20:28-30). They are to, “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof not be constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock” (I Pet. 5:2-3). This job, when properly fulfilled, is tremendous blessing to a local congregation. And congregations who have dedicated men faithfully carrying out this difficult task should be ever thankful to God for this blessing.

The apostle Paul instructed the Thessalonians, “But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another” (1 Thess. 5:12-13). Many of us (members of the local church) do not witness all the effort that is put into overseeing the work; therefore we may fail to fully appreciate their work. For that reason the admonition of the apostle Paul is needed. We need to consider the work that is being done and let the elders know that we are grateful to them for taking the time to study and make decisions that help the congregation grow spiritually.

Too often we are quick to find fault or let it be known that if we were making the decisions we would operate in a different fashion than those men who are currently serving and making decisions. However, if we were in exactly the same position and had access to the same facts the elders had access to, we may very well have made the exact same decision. Let us always think good of the men who lead the local church. They are human and they will make mistakes at times, but rarely, if ever, will the elders of a local congregation knowingly do anything that will hurt the work. If they are qualified, then they surely understand that they will give account to God for their stewardship (Heb. 13:17).

Managers or owners of most businesses will often hear from customers who are dissatisfied with their product or service. Ninety-eight percent of their customers may be completely satisfied and they may never hear a word from them. Silence is one form of approval and most business-men know this to be the case, so it is not too discouraging when no one calls or writes to extol the virtues of their product or service. However, the two percent who are unhappy will most certainly be heard and these can be a grief to a company. Sometimes the fault lies with the purchaser and not the company who manufactured the product, but still the company will hear the complaints.

This same scenario can happen in the local church. The elders may hear from those who are upset about some decision that is made or action that is taken. That is fine; it is part of the work of the overseers and they expect to hear criticism from time to time. In fact, constructive criticism is welcomed because they will always want to serve God and the brethren better. We should never be afraid to approach the elders with some problem or question that we may have.

Like the illustration above, there are many times when everything is going well and things are progressing steadily and we neglect to tell the elders that we appreciate the work they are doing. Not that they have to have us thank them, but it is good to know that people notice. All of us in our jobs or hobbies like to feel appreciated. It lifts our spirits when someone thanks us or commends us for a job well done and it also causes us to want to do a better job. The elders are no different, it is a boost to their spirit when someone lets them know they are appreciated. This is one form of exhortation that we can practice (Heb. 3:13).

Consider the work the elders do for the local congregation and remember this work is in addition to their work as husbands and fathers, providers for the family, and the ordinary activities of life.

They oversee the teaching program, the material and the teachers who will teach. This is an on-going responsibility and one that takes much time. Also included in this is the selection of men who will hold meetings in the future. Suggestions are welcomed from the members, but these suggestions must be checked out and arrangements made for their coming.

The elders usually handle an extra load of correspondence. Men who write and request financial support need to be answered. Questions or comments sometimes arrive in the mail and these deserve their attention, so some of their time will be used in reading and responding to these inquiries.

Individual problems arise from time to time that will require the attention of the elders. Personal visits to erring members sometimes have to be made and many times more than a few visits are required before a problem can be resolved. Sometimes the elders will have to help two brothers work out differences so that peace in the local church can be maintained. Again, this takes time, sometimes much time, and this is being done while the rest of the congregation is going about its ordinary daily activities.

In addition to these activities, the elders are usually called to the hospital or home of a sick brother or sister in Christ for their prayers and/or help in some situation that the sickness has created.

Many elders also teach Bible classes during the year and this adds to their work load. They must find time to study their lesson as any other teacher, but also continue to shepherd the flock in all the ways that we have discussed.

Remember, much of this type of work goes unnoticed by the congregation as a whole. While we are busy attending ball games, watching television, visiting our relatives, fishing, playing golf, or working overtime to bring additional revenue for the house-hold, the elders are quietly giving their time to overseeing the flock. Let us be thankful for the men who are fulfilling this responsibility and let us remember to thank them as well, thus encouraging them to better service for the Lord.

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: 7 p. 9-10
April 6, 1995

By Olen Holderby

“Though I were perfect, yet would I not know my soul: I would despise my life” (Job 9:21). This statement is in the midst of Job’s reply to the speech of Bildad the Shuhite. We must keep in mind Job’ s suffering, and the efforts of his three friends to explain that suffering. Chapter 8 gives Bildad’s speech, while chapters 9-10 record Job’s reply. Job points out the extreme unlikeliness of man’s being able to answer God (9:3), and that no one can really prosper by hardening himself against God (9:4). Then he speaks of the great power and wisdom of God, and of God being able to do what he pleases without man being able to alter his action (9:5ff).

Job considers arguing his case with God; but he is at a loss for arguments with such a wise and powerful opponent. Even if God should hear his concern, Job’s own limitations preclude his knowing how to answer God. Further, he feels that his own mouth would condemn him. However, Job cannot accept responsibility for his suffering condition and, at the same time, be honest with himself. He thinks himself to be innocent, “I am blameless, yet I do not know myself; I despise my life” (NKJ). What does Job mean by saying, “I despise my life”?

Some have suggested that Job was saying that he despised his past life; while others have said that Job was declaring that his life was not worth striving for with God. Tome, it seems more likely that Job was drawing a contrast between self-importance and the importance of Gods plans for him. Perhaps the NIV is plainer for verse 21, “Although I am blameless, I have no concern for myself; I despise my own life.” If this be accurate, the verse appears to offer some good lessons for us today.

1. We do not argue with God. How well this is taught in the New Testament, “Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? Nay but, 0 man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?” (Rom. 9:19-20) Whatever God says, on any subject, settles the matter on that subject. Will a man argue with God?

2. The relative insignificance of our life as compared with the plans of God for us. This, too, is well taught in the New Testament, “He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal” (John12:25). Luke 14:26, Matthew16:24-25, and Luke 10:16, all reflect very pointedly on this thought. How is it that the creature who receives life from the Mighty God, can argue with the Giver over the use of that life?

Webster defines “despise” as “feel contempt for,” and offers as synonyms: abhor, disdain, scorn, look down, etc. Vine says that it means, “To make of no account, to regard as nothing.” One very important question is in order: In contrast with the plans of God for you, can you say, I despise my own life?

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: 7 p. 6
April 6, 1995

By Jarod Jacobs

As a young person, it is a hard decision to “pick up and move” to a new area. It is, however, a necessary decision when making the choice to “preach the gospel” to a lost and dying world. My wife, Becky, has told me many times that 1 Timothy 4:12 is “my verse.” It describes how my attitude should be as well as the attitude of my peers in Christ.

Remember, the words of Paul in this passage are to a young preacher. “Let no man despise thy youth… .” In other words, do not let anyone look down on you because you are young. He continues, “. . . but be an example to the believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” We can see a contrast in this verse. “Do not let any-one look down on you because you are young. To keep people from doing this, show the right example in every facet of your life.”

This is something all young Christians need to remember. It would be a good idea as well to commit 1 Timothy 4:12 to memory.

Paul said in Romans 1:15, “So as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are at Rome also.” He continued, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth: to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith” (Rom. 1:16-17). After some hindrances, Paul was “ready to preach the gospel” (v. 15). He knew it was God’s power to save, and that it would save the world from sin. He considered himself the “chief ” of sinners, but was ready to preach (I Tim. 1:15). There is a shortage of gospel preachers in this country, and one important reason is that men with the ability to preach are not “ready to preach the gospel.”

Called Through The Gospel

Young men! There is a call from God through the gospel for sound preaching. Are you ready to answer that call (Matt. 28:18-20)7I heard this call of the gospel several years ago, but never felt “ready” until receiving the following advice from my best friend. He said, “If you wait until you `know it all,’ or until it feels right, you will never go.” He continued, “There will always be a subject you do not know, or an area you are not comfortable with. This is a part of life. When the time comes, you will know it and you will preach.” He continued to support me while I was preaching by “appointment” for over two years. He was the best man at my wedding, and continues to be my best friend and “brother in the faith.”

I grew up in a “Christian” environment, being the son of a deacon in the church. While I love my parents dearly, my faith is not inherited. Paul tells us, “So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). My faith is mine, and the fact I am preaching is a decision I have made. One of the reasons I became a preacher was that I could see many being lost in sin, and without a person to help them. This is not just those who refuse to worship God, but those in denominations. While I worked in several jobs after school, then full-time secular work, I tried to talk to those outside of Christ, only to see they were “turned to fables” (2 Tim. 4:4). I only became more determined as I talked to those who did not know the church of Christ from a denomination. Can anyone relate? Young men who want to preach, have you experienced this?

I was baptized and a member of the Ellettsville church of Christ in Ellettsville, Indiana. There I received the training from Johnie Edwards who gave me the knowledge and boldness I needed to preach. As of February 1, 1995, I will have been preaching full-time for 8 1/2 months. If you add the total preaching experience, it has been just over three years. The more I preach, the more I see the need for young men strong in the faith ready to take up the sword of the Spirit and to war a good warfare (Eph. 6:17; Heb. 4:12; 1 Tim. 1:18). Friend, do not give up because some may discourage you, but be an “example to the believers” (1 Tim. 4:12; Tit. 2:15).

Preach The Word At All Costs

Remember what Paul said, “For the time will come when men will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears” (2 Tim. 4:3). It is very important that young men do not give in to the crowd, but “preach the word” (2 Tim. 4:2). Yes, there are many experienced gospel preachers who are sound and who do not compromise the truth for anyone’s sake, but some of our older preaching brethren do not wish to speak “sound doctrine” anymore. They let family concerns, concerns of the congregation, and views of other “distinguished brethren” sway their view on various Bible subjects. This must not be so if we wish to please God, no matter what our age may be. I learned early on that when a man preaches, he must not have a friend in the audience. This rule applies in the writing a man may do, in his relations with others, etc. When it comes to the Word of God, we cannot play favorites, just as God does not (Acts 10:34; Rom. 2:11; Eph. 6:9)!

The apostles spoke sound doctrine at all costs (Acts 5:40-42; I Cor. 1 I :23-28). Let us as preachers of the Word be no different. Let us not fall into the trap of “hero-worship.” You will be elevating a man above what he should be and you will be let down every time. We may speak the truth and alienate our friends and family (Matt. 10:21-22, 36-37), but the reward is much greater than the hurt you may endure (Rom. 8:18; 2 Cor. 4:17; Phil. 3:13-14).

While thinking these things through, do not forget that “all the counsel of God” must be preached (Acts 20:27). As I said, a preacher must not have a friend in the audience. We need to preach the Word in its purity and simplicity. Paul preached to the Ephesians for three years (Acts 20:31). I am sure it made people mad at times, but it was for their own good. It was souls he was concerned about, not hurt feelings! After three years, he could say, “I kept back nothing from you that was profitable unto you, but have chewed you, and have taught you publicly and from house to house” (Acts 20:20). In verse 27, he said, “I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.” 2 Timothy 4:2 teaches us to preach “in season and out of season.” Preach it when they like it and preach it when they do not like it, is the meaning of this text.

I remember a lady coming to me after I had preached a sermon from 1 Timothy 5:22 about purity and keeping oneself pure. One of the points I made was on immodest apparel. She came to me afterward and we had a discussion on that subject. It had never been an issue with her until she heard it preached from the Word of God. After a few minutes of discussion, she agreed to what the Bible said, and has made the necessary changes since then. Can we see from this the necessity of preaching “the whole counsel of God”? We can gain a soul from the Devil when we do as Paul and the other apostles did.

Are You Ready?

Young men who want to preach, do not be discouraged! If your wish is to preach the Word, you are surrounded by many opportunities if you will only look for them. Please do not try to simply impress people, or do it for money, but preach because that is all you can think about. Be a Jeremiah, who had to preach because the word was “as a burning fire shut up in my bones” (Jer. 20:9-12). Preach because you can see the “fields are white unto harvest” (Jn. 4:35). “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few” (Matt. 9:37). Be a preacher! Be a servant of God (Rom. 1:1). Do all you can to bring others to Jesus before it is too late!

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: 6 p. 16-17
March 16, 1995