“Preach the Word”
“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who
shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom:
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke,
exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.” [
2 Timothy 4:1, 2
.]
In these direct and forcible words is made plain the duty of the
minister of Christ. He is to “preach the word,” not the opinions and
traditions of men, not pleasing fables or sensational stories, to move
the fancy and excite the emotions. He is not to exalt himself, but as in
the presence of God he is to stand before a dying world and preach the
word. There is to be no levity, no trifling, no fanciful interpretation; the
minister must speak in sincerity and deep earnestness, as a voice from
God expounding the Sacred Scriptures. He is to bring to his hearers
those things which most concern their present and eternal good.
My ministering brethren, as you stand before the people, speak of
those things that are essential, those things that will instruct. Teach
the great practical truths that must be brought into the life. Teach
the saving power of Jesus, “in whom we have redemption, ...even the
forgiveness of sins.” [
Colossians 1:14
.] Strive to make your hearers
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comprehend the power of truth.
Ministers should present the sure word of prophecy as the founda-
tion of the faith of Seventh-day Adventists. The prophecies of Daniel
and the Revelation should be carefully studied, and in connection with
them the words, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin
of the world.” [
John 1:29
.]
The twenty-fourth chapter of Matthew is presented to me again
and again as something that is to be brought to the attention of all.
We are today living in the time when the predictions of this chapter
are fulfilling. Let our ministers and teachers explain these prophecies
to those whom they instruct. Let them leave out of their discourses
matters of minor consequence, and present the truths that will decide
the destiny of souls.
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