In the second chapter of Paul’s first letter to Thessalonica, there is a startling contrast between two kinds of preachers. There are those whose motives, methods and message bring havoc to the church. Then there are those who bring joy to heaven as lives are changed by the proclamation of the story of the cross. Because preaching plays such a vital role in God’s design of the church, it is imperative that we know the kind of preaching God wants.
Godly preachers see that God has entrusted them with gospel. The apostle Paul said, “We have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel…” (v. 4). The greatest story ever told has been placed in the hands of mortals, and these men of God never preach without a constant realization that the Creator has confidence in them that they will deliver His message.
Godly preachers are gentle in dealing with others. The word of God is a mighty sword which can be used to destroy those who hear. However, God’s plan is not to slay the enemy of the cross but to use that sword to do a heart transplant! Two illustrations are used to describe this relationship between the teacher and those who are taught. First, there is the one of a nursing mother and the affection she shows as she deals with her child. Paul said, “We were gentle among you…” (v. 7). The second is of a father as he directs his children to change their lives (v. 11). There are cruel mothers and harsh fathers, but these are not the kind Paul has in mind. Think about the kindness of Jesus in dealing with those He taught. He is the master teacher.
Godly preachers are not afraid of work. Preachers can be lazy and the church has far too many of them, but Paul talks of laboring night and day to accomplish his goal (v. 8). The motivation behind this is summed up in his words “because you were dear to us.” The work is far too serious for any preacher not to give his all to accomplish it.
Godly preachers are concerned about their lives reflecting their devotion to righteousness as they live among those taught. Think about Paul’s words, “You are witnesses . . . How devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you” (v. 10). Preachers should strive to live so that they can say, as did Paul, “Imitate me just as I imitate Christ.” The harshest words Jesus ever spoke were against Jewish “preachers” who failed to honor righteousness in their lives. Nothing destroys one’s preaching more than the ungodly life of the preacher. Nothing empowers it more than the preacher’s godly life!
Thank God for godly preachers!