PREACHING Lesson Three PREACHING WHAT YOU CAN SEE by Given O. Blakely The preacher is not a purveyor of second-hand material. While this has a show of wisdom, and is recognized as a valid form of instruction by the world, it is not so in the kingdom of God. The preacher is a husbandman in the vineyard of the Lord. As such, he must first partake of the fruit he is sharing with the hearers. No person, no matter how well credentialed, or how excellent in presentation skills, has been commissioned by God to preach what he does not know. This lesson will focus on the importance of declaring what you have seen yourself, and being confident that this goal is attainable. INTRODUCTION We Are Participators! Every facet of the Kingdom of God involves participation. Every covenantal benefit is dispensed within the framework of "the knowledge of God," or intimacy with Him (2 Pet 1:2,3,8; 2:20; 3:18). In the same way, truth cannot be profitably disseminated without first being ingested by the speaker. Truth cannot sanctify others unless it has first sanctified the individual speaking it. I say this with some caution, knowing that God can speak through Balaam and Caiaphas, although they personally were dissociated from the truth they spoke (2 Pet 2:15-16; John 11:49-51). Their role, however, is not the norm for the body of Christ. They were the exception, not the rule. The standard is this: those that walk with God can speak for Him. The Reason for Participation There is a reason for this general requirement. The individual delivering the message can be a hindrance to its acceptance. "Not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things" (Tit 2:10). "Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed" (1 Tim 6:1). Both admonitions are given to "servants" -- those that are not their own, but belong to another. Yet, there is a principle to be seen here. There is a direct correlation between the "doctrine" (teaching) and those that have embraced it. Even more, it is true of those that teach. THE PRINCIPLE BEFORE US Truth Sanctifies This does relate to our subject; ingesting the truth that you proclaim. Truth has a sanctifying power. This is the proclamation of the Lord Jesus Himself. "Sanctify them through thy truth: Thy word is truth" (John 17:17). "And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth" (John 17:19). This is truth internalized, or experienced by the believer. More technically, it is obeying the truth: "Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit . . . " (1 Pet 1:22). Motives and desires are altered when you bring your life into conformity with the truth. Affection is now set on "things above," and not on things on the earth (Col 3:1-3). This puts a new perspective on teaching. You now speak with heaven in view. The will of God dominates your thinking, and your desire is to enable others to enjoy the same blessing. The Word Engrafted The Word of God obtains its greatest power when it is "engrafted," becoming a part of you. "Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls" (James 1:21). Under the law, the thoughts and ways of the people were at variance with those of God. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD" (Isa 55:8). But this is not true in Christ Jesus. In the new covenant, the laws of God are written upon our hearts and placed in our minds (Heb 8:10). This is a condition where the redeemed are brought into agreement with God. In other words, you think like God so far as His Word is engrafted in you. Knowing the Truth There is yet another aspect to this. When the truth is known, or experienced in the inner man, it brings liberty from the contaminants of earth. "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32). This freedom is required for the profitable communication of the Word of God. As you teach, your person is mingled with the things you declare, either adding to or taking from your teaching. Remember, when the Master Preacher spoke, people sensed a difference in His instruction. He Himself had entered the things He declared. "And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes" (Matt 7:29). In your individual measure, you can partake of this benefit, standing apart from the multitude of mediocre preachers that have flooded the church. Praise God, you do not have to be in that category. SPIRITUAL UNDERSTANDING Special Understanding Precisely what is "spiritual understanding?" First, it is understanding that is received from God. This is "understanding" centering in another realm, and it deals with "things above" (Col 3:2). Second, it is real understanding, not a mystical experience that excludes the involvement of the human mind. To some, "spiritual" and "understanding" are contradictory and irreconcilable things. Thus, something "spiritual" is perceived as beyond the grasp of "understanding." Others see "understanding" as purely within the confines of the human intellect. Both views are wrong. In Christ, the Holy Spirit joins with the human spirit as the mind is directed toward the truth of God. The result is "spiritual understanding" -- the comprehension of things conceived in the mind of God, yet given to the sons of men. Not Automatic This type of understanding does not come automatically. This is seen in the prayer of Paul for the Colossians. "For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God" (Col 1:9-10). Observe that being "fruitful in every good work" requires the possession of "spiritual understanding." Also, this dimension of comprehension allows one to Thus, one becomes more conversant concerning the Person and purpose of the Almighty God."increase in the knowledge of God." This has a direct bearing upon the appointed role of teaching. The person with "spiritual understanding" has, in fact, partaken of the fruit of the kingdom. Such an one is communicating what has been personally comprehended and appreciated. The power of this kind of communication is beyond estimation. Use Your Mind Understanding, while coming from God, necessarily follows the activity of our mind. Paul's admonition to Timothy confirms this to our hearts. "Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things" (2 Tim 2:7). Notice: Timothy was to "consider" what Paul had said. He was to devote his mind to it, perusing its breadth and depth. Yet, this was not the end of the matter. In that act of involvement, the Lord would "give" him "understanding in all things." What a blessed condition; and it is available to every "preacher" of the good things of God. God Opens The Understanding You must not miss this point, or underestimate its indispensable value in teaching. In Christ, we have increased capabilities to understand. Yet, those capabilities cannot become fruitful through our effort alone. Because we are in an evil world, surrounded by innumerable distractions, we must be "enlightened," or enabled to see the unseeable, and know the unknowable. Thus did Paul pray for the Ephesians; "The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us- ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places" (Eph 1:18-20). Knowing these things is essential to excellence in teaching. Seeing the Scope Yet another example is necessary. The devil will make every effort to obscure this truth to you. He does not mind if you rely upon language, commentaries, or even your natural capacities of discernment. He knows this will not yield the results desired by our Lord. Once again, Paul prays for the Ephesians; "That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God" (Eph 3:16-19). Truth has tremendous scope. It has breadth, with staggering implications. It has length, with long-term views and effects. God's truth also has depth, challenging both heart and mind. Too, it has height, reaching into heaven itself, exposing us to the "eternal purpose" of God (Eph 3:11). No one can hope to plumb these things without divine intervention! The Spirit must strengthen you, and Christ must dwell within you for this to take place. Give Me Understanding! The Psalmist often asked the Lord to give him understanding. As he walked about the circumference of truth, he sensed its magnitude, as well as the staggering deficiency of the natural mind. Join with him in the earnest plea. "Give me understanding . . . " (Psa 119:34,73,125,144,169). "Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works" (Psa 119:27). Never be ashamed of identifying yourself with holy man that asked for understanding! NOT SEEING WHAT YOU PREACH Is it possible to preach something you yourself have not seen? Indeed it is! But this is not a condition you want to exist. Such teaching is never praised in Scripture, although it is frequently found among those professing allegiance to the Word of God. You Can Miss the Point Paul warned of some whose doctrine corrupted rather than edified. One identifying mark of those defiling the truth is this: they do not understand what they said. "From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm" (1 Tim 1:6-7). Notice, they wanted to be teachers of the law, but that was not sufficient. Their ambition was not motivated by faith. Therefore, it caused them to swerve from the right path, going up the profitless tributary of "vain jangling," or "meaningless talk" (NIV). In the above text, Paul "urged" Timothy to remain in Ephesus so that he might "command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer, nor devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies." Such things "promote controversies rather than God's work," he affirmed (v 3-4, NIV). The objective of the commandment "is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere (unfeigned, KJV) faith" (v 5, NIV). Some preachers, however, sharply swerved from the goal of "a good conscience and a sincere faith." The evidence of their departure from those qualities was found in their teaching. Their words degenerated into "meaningless talk," because they did not "know what they were talking about" (NIV). Suffice it to say, you must strive to understand what you teach! If you do not, your teaching will surely become "vain jangling." LABORING IN THE WORD AND DOCTRINE While our subject is not confined to elders, there is a word concerning them that is appropriate here. "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine" (1 Tim 5:17). The point to be seen is this: there is a type of effort that is exalted in the kingdom of God. Laboring in the "word and doctrine" involves the energetic exertion of--mind, heart, and soul energy! A good preacher is one that works at it; works in research, works in prayer, and works in communication. Hastily prepared Saturday night lessons neither commend the preacher nor edify the student. The Nature of the Labor The NIV translates this verse, "especially those whose work is preaching and teaching." This is a very weak expression. "Whose work" seems to place the emphasis on responsibility. "who labor" emphasizes the willingness of the worker. The word "work" denotes unusual activity. The lexical definition "work" in this text is: "kopiao, kop-ee-ah'-o; from a derivative of kopos, (kop'-os; . . . toil (as reducing the strength), lit. or fig.; by implication pains:--labor, + trouble, weariness.); to feel fatigue; by implication to work hard:--(bestow) labor, toil, be wearied." This is a description of willing effort that depletes human resources. It also the confrontation of obstacles and hindrances. The one that "labors in the word and the doctrine" overcomes deterrents that stop the average person. There is an element of inconvenience related to teaching that does not discourage such a person. His heart is in the work, and it has brought a harvest of truth to his spirit. The Total Mind Is Involved Laboring, or toiling, in the "word and doctrine" also extends beyond the common perception of "preaching and teaching." In Scripture, the term "preaching" is normally represented by the word kerusso [ke-rus-so], meaning to proclaim, publish, or announce. This is not the word used in this text. The word translated "word" is logos [log-os]. The foundational meaning of this word is relevant to this discussion. "logos, log'-os; something said (including the thought); by implication a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive . . . " Laboring in the word entails contemplation and reasoning. The preacher has an objective that is harmonious with God's revealed purpose. His preaching includes reasoning designed to clarify the truth of God to the hearers. If you have been in Christ for any length of time, you know that there are members of the body that have this trait. They are the real preachers. You Are Working With God In all of this "work," do not forget that the preacher is laboring together with God (1 Cor 3:9). Such activity is truly work, but it is not debilitating activity. Energy is expended, yet strength is renewed. There is a certain refreshment that comes to such workers that is known only by them. No amount of academic expertise and discipline can compensate for a lack of fellowship with God. If we are not working with Him, our work is without any redeeming value! We thus are only clanging cymbals! PARTAKING OF THE FRUITS There Is A Harvest Extensive effort in the field of truth will yield a harvest. That harvest must be tasted by the laborer before it is passed on to others. What is more, the preacher is like a caretaker of the domain of truth--a "husbandman." He/she is not an owner, but a caretaker; a custodian of the truth of God. Hear the word of God to the "husbandman." "The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits" (2 Tim 2:6). Strength Is Required What sort of activity constitutes "labor?" The "labor" will require strength and fortitude that can only be found in the grace of God. "Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus" (v 1). It also requires alertness; being on the watch for competent individuals that can join in the labors. "And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also" (v 2). Because preachers are in a war zone, the ability to withstand evil encroachments is difficult. "Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ" (v 3). Vigilance is required to avoid entanglement with the lesser things of this world. "No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully" (v 4-5). The First to Benefit Preachers that zealously engage in these activities will be the first to eat the fruit. They will see the invigorating implications of the text. The glory of the doctrine will first dawn upon them. They will see its association with the purpose of God, and perceive its relevance to life. The Word of God will bring personal benefit to them, thereby enabling them to effectively communicate it to the people. Those that do NOT experience such things are, by that very condition, disqualified from the ministry of teaching. More Than Academics The "fruits" of the harvest involve more than an academic understanding of the text. The heart is strengthened by the fruit. The soul is gladdened as the effect of discernment is realized. A peace that passes understanding that floods the heart. Confidence in God begins to dominate, as reliance on the flesh wanes and finally disappears. How delightful to the heart experiencing such things! As you must know, there are many "preachers" that have never experienced these things. To them, teaching is a burden, laden with fear and foreboding. But it will not be so for those that "eat the fruit of their doings" (Isa 3:10), while working in the fruitful field of God's Word. To them, teaching will be a source of refreshment and happiness--both to themselves, and those that hear them. This aspect of preaching cannot be overstated. If you do not comprehend what you are preaching, you will not be able to put all of your person into it. It will also open the door for Satan to hinder your effectiveness. Insight is an essential part of proclamation. THE BLESSING OF FRESH MANNA A Parallel From the Past A marvelous parallel to this situation is found in the miraculous manna provided to Israel in the wilderness. The wonder of that food, however, did not reduce the requirement for effort by the people. God sent it, but they had to gather it. What is more, it had to be gathered within a certain period. Excessive manna could not be profitably gathered, for it would spoil after one day. Each day, the people had to eat fresh manna. God would not allow it to be any other way. Here is the record. "This is the thing which the LORD hath commanded, Gather of it every man according to his eating, an omer for every man, according to the number of your persons; take ye every man for them which are in his tents. And the children of Israel did so, and gathered, some more, some less. And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating. And Moses said, Let no man leave of it till the morning. Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto Moses; but some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and stank: and Moses was wroth with them. And they gathered it every morning, every man according to his eating: and when the sun waxed hot, it melted" (Exo 16:16-21). Give It When It Is Fresh Spiritual insight is like that manna; it does not last beyond current usefulness. I realize that some do attempt to carry old insights from lesson to lesson, so to speak. But they help neither themselves nor those that hear them. If the Word of God is not burning in your heart, it will not ignite the spirit of others. Labor in the Word until your heart is burning; then speak while the fire burns! Thus is it written, "My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue" (Psa 39:3). The productive preacher communicates spiritual realities by which he/she is currently being affected. Though the facet of truth with which he/she is dealing may not be totally new, yet the characteristic of newness remains within it. The expanse of kingdom realities has produced expectancy in the preacher. The vistas of truth are unfolding in his heart, bringing a vibrancy to the message. As his heart burns within him, his speech will be blessed. This is not to be confused with mere human charisma or dynamism. The kingdom of God has its own sphere of power and effectiveness, and it is spiritual. The truth ignites the spirit, not merely the manner, of the preacher. As the truth sanctifies the human spirit, it vivifies the message to all that have received the love of the truth. This freshness is as indispensable to the preacher as daily manna was to Israel in the wilderness. Whatever robs your message of freshness also robs it of power. Make it your aim to possess your subject to the fullest extent possible Leave no stone unturned in this quest. This is more than merely being emotional! It is being insightful. SPEAKING FROM YOUR OWN TREASURY A Personal Treasury The preacher has a personal treasury of truth. It consists of the things he/she has seen and heard. More particularly, the understanding and appreciation of Scripture is the heart of your treasury. More than an understanding of the circumstances under which Scripture was written, the correlation of the text with God's "eternal purpose" is perceived. There is a certain rationale in Scripture that transcends the immediate issues with which it deals (i.e., the Thessalonians not working, the Galatians being inclined to law, immorality in Corinth, the selection of leaders in First Timothy, etc). The correlation of specific texts with the "purpose" of God, of the perception of the rationale that permeates Scripture, enables the preacher to make insightful applications of truth. Some of these insights occurred in the past, while others are "hot off the press," so to speak. Jesus said it this way; "Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old" (Matt 13:52). The NIV emphasizes that the "scribe" is a preacher, not merely a "note-taker." "He said to them, "Therefore every teacher of the law who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old" (Matt 13:52). It Is the Preacher's Treasury Notice that the treasury, or storehouse, belonged to the preacher; it was "his." Observe also that he is "instructed about the kingdom of heaven." Like Samuel, He knows the "manner of the kingdom" (1 Sam 10:25). This knowledge is revealed in the blending of "old" and "new" treasures from his "storehouse." The insightful preacher can correlate Scripture in the field of truth being cultivated. This does not mean the preacher knows everything about every affirmation of God's Word. It does mean he teaches only those things with which he is familiar. For many years, I have preceded my personal studies with a prayer for understanding. I have gauge the success of my study by this single criterion: did I see some fresh facet of truth? To put it another way, Did the panorama of truth become larger? Did the horizon of revelation become more beautiful and extensive? Did my appreciation for the Word of God grow, and my thanksgiving increase? The experience of these things increases your personal treasury. Ask the Lord to Increase Your Treasury Ask the Lord to help you develop and teach from a personal treasury of understanding. Ask Him to "enlarge" your heart (Psa 119:32); to give you a greater capacity for comprehending His truth. You will not be disappointed! The answer to your prayer will be reflected in your teaching. Such teaching will bring you pleasant experiences, and will not be easily forgotten by those fortunate enough to hear it. And remember, it is your treasury--a rich and valuable resource. Do not underrate the things you have been given to see! These are the fruits that you have eaten from the garden of God's Word, and they qualify you to teach for Him. SPEAKING WHAT YOU HAVE SEEN AND HEARD Our Great Example When our blessed Lord was here, He set the tone for all kingdom labors. He communicated ONLY what He had "seen and heard." With Him, that involved "all things," and yet it reveals the very nature of godly teaching. "He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony" (John 3:31-32). Peter and John When "Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest," confronted Peter and John, they commanded them to refrain from preaching (Acts 4:6). The response of those bold proclaimers is noteworthy: " . . . we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:20). That is the manner of the kingdom. Saul Commissioned Devout Ananias was sent by God to inform Saul of Tarsus that he had been chosen to communicate the Gospel. His commission to Saul again reveals the manner of the kingdom. "And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard" (Acts 22:14- 15). The Aged Apostle When John the beloved had grown old, and had gained respect in the household of faith, he maintained his grasp of this principle. He did not use his apostolic office to promulgate personal views or make a name for himself. Instead, he maintained the manner of the kingdom. "That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ" (1 John 1:3). An Ongoing Experience Seeing and hearing spiritual realities is an ongoing experience. It is the expansion of spiritual understanding and the enlargement of your kingdom perspective. It is possible for the preacher to experience such things on a daily basis. As you walk in the light, you will be illuminated. When you walk by faith, you will be convinced. When you live in the Spirit, you will be enlivened. That is the manner of the kingdom, and it is indispensable in the realm of teaching. CONCLUSION The requirement of first partaking of the fruit must not be viewed as a harsh and disqualifying law. This is a privilege granted by God in Christ. It provides an opportunity for the preacher to prove the faithfulness of the Lord. It brings glory to God and honor to Jesus. This is an area of blessing! The reality of "fruit" is a commentary on the preparations of the preacher. Your preparatory labor, when done in faith, will produce a harvest. God will see to it that it does. As you study and pray, look for the growth of satisfying spiritual produce! And, when you have tasted its sweetness, give a healthy helping of it to those you instruct. It will bring joy and satisfaction to every one that loves the truth, just as it did to you! It will also bring honor to the Savior Who has sent you. ASSIGNMENT Pick one of the texts shown below, and an audience to which you will declare it. Remember the previous lessons we have had, and incorporate your perception of them into your presentation. (1) What God has said about preaching. You are engaged in a holy activity--one that has been ordained by God as the exclusive means through which men can be saved. He will bless your efforts as you enter into them with Him. The message He has given us is tailored for men, and they will be able to grasp what you say when it is blessed by God. (2) Focusing your preaching. Let your words be like nails that fasten the truth in men's hearts. Do not let your message get away from you by lingering too long on the condition of your audience. Your sermon is like a flashlight. Do not simply wave it about, but shine it on something of eternal relevance. (3) Preaching what you can see. Thoroughness is good, but insight is better. If you can bring your audience to see something you have seen, it will effect them like it has effected you. The point of this class is not to obtain a grade, or preach according to a prescribed pattern. Rather, it is to encourage you to be an effective preacher--to move men's hearts toward the Lord, and persuade them to take hold of His great salvation. And other view of preaching is unacceptable.