Proclaimer Blog
Learning about preaching from Paul
Preachers need to always remind themselves of Paul's own view of preaching. Here are five important principles taken from his first letter to Timothy:
1. Preaching flows out of a passion for Christ and the gospel
At various points we see Paul gripped by the message of grace and the wonder of knowing God (1 Timothy 1:15-17; 6:14-16). His praise of God is not strictly speaking required in his argument but the words about God tumble out indicating his passion. Genuine preaching that warms the congregation and causes hearts to burn (Luke 24:32) must come from hearts already on fire for Christ and the gospel. The preacher, like Paul, may need to remind himself of the glory of the gospel of grace as Paul does at 1 Timothy 1:12-15 in order to burn with passion for Christ in the pulpit.
Editor's note: this week's posts are taken from our forthcoming book Teaching 1 Timothy written by Angus MacLeay – it will be available in the summer. We wanted to encourage preachers with a biblical view of preaching as it is found in this important letter.