In recent years Christian teachers have placed considerable emphasis on the priesthood of all believers. We’ve reminded people that the task of ministry is everyone’s responsibility – not just the paid clergy. We are all, “royal priests” (1 Peter 2:9) and every Christian should be actively involved in sharing the gospel.
However, in emphasizing the priesthood of all believers at times we have muted the truth that there is a special calling to a full time ministry. 1 Timothy 5:17-18 reads, “The elders (pastors) who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “The worker deserves his wages.”
Jesus began his ministry in Nazareth saying, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.” (Luke 4:18) The Apostle Paul wrote that, “God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.” (1 Cor. 1:21)
Something supernatural, something mysterious often happens when the Word of God is preached with clarity and passion. Nearly every minister has heard “When I came to church I was struggling with a problem and didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t believe it, you preached on that very subject and God used that sermon to really help me. Thanks!”
The preacher is perplexed because his sermon that Sunday had nothing to do with their problem. But the Holy Spirit used one verse of Scripture or one phrase of the message to speak to a troubled heart.
The world makes fun of preaching as being archaic and ineffective. But God uses what the world calls foolishness to shame the wise.
Perhaps that’s why the Apostle Paul considered preaching such a privilege. He wrote, “Although I am less than the least of all God’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,” (Eph. 3:8)
Click Here to listen to a sermon Bob Russell recently delivered on “International Harvesters” at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville.
