Restoring the Dignity of Preaching
Text: Ezekiel 37:1-14
Thesis: The audience will observe some practical things that will help a preacher and his preaching.
Introduction:
A. Ezekiel, the priest who later was called to be a prophet.
1. Began his ministry at the end of history we call “Judah Alone.”
2. He was deported along with Judah into Babylonian Captivity in 597 BC.
3. About five years later he began to prophecy.
4. While prophesying, Nebuchadnezzar took Jerusalem by storm, destroying it in about 586 BC.
5. Shortly thereafter, Ezekiel penned the words found in Ezekiel 37:1-14.
a. Read the text.
b. To this point Ezekiel had been a prophet of doom and gloom, but now he talks of restoration and revival.
c. God sends Ezekiel a vision—the ancient battlefield with sun bleached bones.
d. A voice breaks the silence and God says, “Son of man, can these bones live?”
e. Now notice Ezekiel’s faith—“O Lord God, thou knowest.”
B. By way of our study together we want to discuss the subject of restoration or revival—especially as it relates to preachers and preaching.
C. The topic assigned is “Restoring the Dignity of Preaching.” Let’s begin by defining those terms.
1. “Restore”—to bring back to an original condition.
2. “Dignity”—the quality or state of deserving esteem or respect.
3. “Preaching”—to give religious or moral instruction by way of a sermon.
D. So, for the next few minutes let’s make some very practical observations that will help us to restore the dignity of preaching. If I may appropriate the words of the LORD, I would like to approach this lesson in the form of a question—“Can these bones live?” Then I would like to answer it with the words of Ezekiel, “O Lord God, thou knowest….”
Discussion:
Can these bones live? O Lord God, thou knowest that these bones can live if…
I. PREACHERS WILL REMEMBER WHY THEY PREACH.
A. I want to preach so that I can tell people the story of Jesus (Acts 8:5ff; cf. 1 Cor. 2:2; 2 Cor. 4:5).
B. I want to preach because I want to be part of the church’s mission—to save souls (1 Cor. 1:21).
C. I want to preach because I want to encourage people (Acts 20:32).
D. I want to preach because I want people to know of the greatness of God (Eph. 3:8-10; Eph. 3:21; Isa. 43:25).
E. I want to preach because I’m selfish (Rm. 10:15).
F. I want to preach because all of my heroes were/are preachers (1 Cor. 9:16).
II. PREACHERS WILL GIVE CHURCH MEMBERS SOMETHING TO HOLD
ON TO.
A. I want people to be challenged to think and change when they hear my preaching (Acts 17:11).
B. I want people to have solutions to their problems (Acts 2:38).
C. I want people to know that my presentation is one of compassion (Eph. 4:15).
D. I want people to see that my preaching is simple and direct (Mk. 1:22).
E. I want people to observe that my preaching is clear and understandable (Acts 7:51-60).
III. PREACHERS WILL SATURATE THEIR SERMONS WITH SCRIPTURE.
A. Biblical preaching has a distinct ring—it’s full of Bible. The Word of God is distinctive from the word of man (1 Pt. 4:11).
B. Growth in the local church requires more than “froth” in the pulpit. Apostolic preachers were sent forth “preaching the word” and the “things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ” (Acts 8:5,12).
C. Religious groups and some churches of Christ are hearing motivational speeches, but not distinctive sermons.
D. Bible preaching is not to be equated with negative preaching. It’s easier to be against something constantly. We have enough pessimistic, sour, and unloving men who preach. Let’s all preach the truth in love (Eph. 4:15).
E. A pioneer preacher was asked how to become a preacher, to which he responded, “Study the Bible intently and when you are filled with it, then go proclaim it with fervor.”
F. “My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation” (Jas. 3:1).
IV. PREACHERS AND ELDERS WILL LEARN TO WORK TOGETHER.
A. Here’s where I would like to get very practical.
B. There are some specific areas in which elders and preachers can help one another, in turn, this restores the dignity of preaching.
C. Some things for elders to consider:
1. Elders must not major in preacher control, but preacher training.
2. Elders should be counselors and not criticizers.
3. Elders should pray for their preacher(s).
4. Elders should communicate frequently with their preacher(s).
5. Elders should be honest with their preacher(s).
6. Elders should be strong enough not to allow critical members to make the life of the preacher(s) miserable.
7. Elders should include the preacher(s) in planning and decision making.
8. Elders should be open and responsive to the preacher(s) suggestions.
9. Elders should not resent the preacher(s) preaching on the eldership.
10. Elders family members should not become crosswise with the preacher’s family.
11. Elders should back the preaching of the preacher(s).
12. Elders should bear some of the load of the preacher(s).
13. Elders should show the preacher(s) appreciation.
14. Elders should trust the preacher(s).
15. Elders should be flexible with the preacher(s).
16. Elders should insist that their preacher(s) be normal.
17. Elders should see that the preacher(s) is adequately supported.
a. Good salary
b. An annuity or retirement plan
c. Pay ½ of social security
d. Pay for medical insurance
e. Provide a housing allowance
f. Pay tuition for enrichment
g. Give a bonus
h. Send on mission trips
i. Send to lectureships and seminars
j. Pay for his extra services
18. Elders should shield the preacher(s) from criticism.
D. Some things for preachers to consider:
1. Preachers should be fair and honest with the elders.
2. Preachers should be understanding of the elders.
3. Preachers should cooperate with the elders.
4. Preachers should pray for the elders
5. Preachers should assist in the planning and execution of those plans.
6. Preachers should faithfully declare the gospel.
7. Preachers should commend the elders (publicly).
8. Preachers should be a source of information for the elders.
9. Preachers should defend the elders.
10. Preachers owe an unreserved commitment to the local church.
11. Preachers should back the elders decisions.
12. Preachers should work as teachers and not enforcers.
13. Preachers should so live and labor that the elders will hate to see you go.
V. PREACHERS AND CHURCH MEMBERS WILL LEARN TO WORK TOGETHER.
A. Again, I want to deal with the practical.
B. Here are some suggestions for members:
1. Consider the preacher(s) as a part of the family and not a hireling.
2. Involve the preacher(s) and his family in your lives.
3. Remember that preacher(s) are human and sometimes are not always at their best.
4. Don’t be so quick to reject the preacher(s) personality, family, preaching, and suggestions.
C. Here are some suggestions for preachers:
1. Be involved in the lives of the members.
2. Don’t spend all your time in the office.
3. Encourage your family to get involved in the works of the church.
4. When you’re rejected, remember that even God, Jesus, God’s prophets, John the Baptist, and the apostles were all rejected—you’re in good company.
D. Preachers and members should remember all that they have in common (Psa. 133:1-3):
1. There’s a common Savior.
2. There’s a common mission.
3. There’s a common purpose.
4. There’s a common love.
5. There’s a common home.
Conclusion:
A. Can these bones live? O Lord God, thou knowest that these bones can live.
B. Preaching is hard work. But tell me a worthwhile job that isn’t. Preaching is the toughest job on earth, but it’s also the greatest.
C. Consider this poem:
Why I Preach
The world is lost in sin,
That’s why I preach
The Gospel must be preached,
That’s why I preach
The Lord commanded preaching,
That’s why I preach
There is power for change in preaching,
That’ why I preach.
The Son of God was a preacher,
That’s why I preach.
The church needs preachers,
That’s why I preach.
The preacher has beautiful feet,
That’s why I preach.
The Lord has given me a talent,
That’s why I preach.
The laborer is worthy of his hire,
That’s why I preach.
The results of preaching last eternally,
That’s why I preach.
The Lord rewards faithful preaching,
That’s why I preach.
There’s nothing else that satisfies my soul,
That’s why I preach.
There is no greater challenge,
That’s why I preach.
Thesis: The audience will observe some practical things that will help a preacher and his preaching.
Introduction:
A. Ezekiel, the priest who later was called to be a prophet.
1. Began his ministry at the end of history we call “Judah Alone.”
2. He was deported along with Judah into Babylonian Captivity in 597 BC.
3. About five years later he began to prophecy.
4. While prophesying, Nebuchadnezzar took Jerusalem by storm, destroying it in about 586 BC.
5. Shortly thereafter, Ezekiel penned the words found in Ezekiel 37:1-14.
a. Read the text.
b. To this point Ezekiel had been a prophet of doom and gloom, but now he talks of restoration and revival.
c. God sends Ezekiel a vision—the ancient battlefield with sun bleached bones.
d. A voice breaks the silence and God says, “Son of man, can these bones live?”
e. Now notice Ezekiel’s faith—“O Lord God, thou knowest.”
B. By way of our study together we want to discuss the subject of restoration or revival—especially as it relates to preachers and preaching.
C. The topic assigned is “Restoring the Dignity of Preaching.” Let’s begin by defining those terms.
1. “Restore”—to bring back to an original condition.
2. “Dignity”—the quality or state of deserving esteem or respect.
3. “Preaching”—to give religious or moral instruction by way of a sermon.
D. So, for the next few minutes let’s make some very practical observations that will help us to restore the dignity of preaching. If I may appropriate the words of the LORD, I would like to approach this lesson in the form of a question—“Can these bones live?” Then I would like to answer it with the words of Ezekiel, “O Lord God, thou knowest….”
Discussion:
Can these bones live? O Lord God, thou knowest that these bones can live if…
I. PREACHERS WILL REMEMBER WHY THEY PREACH.
A. I want to preach so that I can tell people the story of Jesus (Acts 8:5ff; cf. 1 Cor. 2:2; 2 Cor. 4:5).
B. I want to preach because I want to be part of the church’s mission—to save souls (1 Cor. 1:21).
C. I want to preach because I want to encourage people (Acts 20:32).
D. I want to preach because I want people to know of the greatness of God (Eph. 3:8-10; Eph. 3:21; Isa. 43:25).
E. I want to preach because I’m selfish (Rm. 10:15).
F. I want to preach because all of my heroes were/are preachers (1 Cor. 9:16).
II. PREACHERS WILL GIVE CHURCH MEMBERS SOMETHING TO HOLD
ON TO.
A. I want people to be challenged to think and change when they hear my preaching (Acts 17:11).
B. I want people to have solutions to their problems (Acts 2:38).
C. I want people to know that my presentation is one of compassion (Eph. 4:15).
D. I want people to see that my preaching is simple and direct (Mk. 1:22).
E. I want people to observe that my preaching is clear and understandable (Acts 7:51-60).
III. PREACHERS WILL SATURATE THEIR SERMONS WITH SCRIPTURE.
A. Biblical preaching has a distinct ring—it’s full of Bible. The Word of God is distinctive from the word of man (1 Pt. 4:11).
B. Growth in the local church requires more than “froth” in the pulpit. Apostolic preachers were sent forth “preaching the word” and the “things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ” (Acts 8:5,12).
C. Religious groups and some churches of Christ are hearing motivational speeches, but not distinctive sermons.
D. Bible preaching is not to be equated with negative preaching. It’s easier to be against something constantly. We have enough pessimistic, sour, and unloving men who preach. Let’s all preach the truth in love (Eph. 4:15).
E. A pioneer preacher was asked how to become a preacher, to which he responded, “Study the Bible intently and when you are filled with it, then go proclaim it with fervor.”
F. “My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation” (Jas. 3:1).
IV. PREACHERS AND ELDERS WILL LEARN TO WORK TOGETHER.
A. Here’s where I would like to get very practical.
B. There are some specific areas in which elders and preachers can help one another, in turn, this restores the dignity of preaching.
C. Some things for elders to consider:
1. Elders must not major in preacher control, but preacher training.
2. Elders should be counselors and not criticizers.
3. Elders should pray for their preacher(s).
4. Elders should communicate frequently with their preacher(s).
5. Elders should be honest with their preacher(s).
6. Elders should be strong enough not to allow critical members to make the life of the preacher(s) miserable.
7. Elders should include the preacher(s) in planning and decision making.
8. Elders should be open and responsive to the preacher(s) suggestions.
9. Elders should not resent the preacher(s) preaching on the eldership.
10. Elders family members should not become crosswise with the preacher’s family.
11. Elders should back the preaching of the preacher(s).
12. Elders should bear some of the load of the preacher(s).
13. Elders should show the preacher(s) appreciation.
14. Elders should trust the preacher(s).
15. Elders should be flexible with the preacher(s).
16. Elders should insist that their preacher(s) be normal.
17. Elders should see that the preacher(s) is adequately supported.
a. Good salary
b. An annuity or retirement plan
c. Pay ½ of social security
d. Pay for medical insurance
e. Provide a housing allowance
f. Pay tuition for enrichment
g. Give a bonus
h. Send on mission trips
i. Send to lectureships and seminars
j. Pay for his extra services
18. Elders should shield the preacher(s) from criticism.
D. Some things for preachers to consider:
1. Preachers should be fair and honest with the elders.
2. Preachers should be understanding of the elders.
3. Preachers should cooperate with the elders.
4. Preachers should pray for the elders
5. Preachers should assist in the planning and execution of those plans.
6. Preachers should faithfully declare the gospel.
7. Preachers should commend the elders (publicly).
8. Preachers should be a source of information for the elders.
9. Preachers should defend the elders.
10. Preachers owe an unreserved commitment to the local church.
11. Preachers should back the elders decisions.
12. Preachers should work as teachers and not enforcers.
13. Preachers should so live and labor that the elders will hate to see you go.
V. PREACHERS AND CHURCH MEMBERS WILL LEARN TO WORK TOGETHER.
A. Again, I want to deal with the practical.
B. Here are some suggestions for members:
1. Consider the preacher(s) as a part of the family and not a hireling.
2. Involve the preacher(s) and his family in your lives.
3. Remember that preacher(s) are human and sometimes are not always at their best.
4. Don’t be so quick to reject the preacher(s) personality, family, preaching, and suggestions.
C. Here are some suggestions for preachers:
1. Be involved in the lives of the members.
2. Don’t spend all your time in the office.
3. Encourage your family to get involved in the works of the church.
4. When you’re rejected, remember that even God, Jesus, God’s prophets, John the Baptist, and the apostles were all rejected—you’re in good company.
D. Preachers and members should remember all that they have in common (Psa. 133:1-3):
1. There’s a common Savior.
2. There’s a common mission.
3. There’s a common purpose.
4. There’s a common love.
5. There’s a common home.
Conclusion:
A. Can these bones live? O Lord God, thou knowest that these bones can live.
B. Preaching is hard work. But tell me a worthwhile job that isn’t. Preaching is the toughest job on earth, but it’s also the greatest.
C. Consider this poem:
Why I Preach
The world is lost in sin,
That’s why I preach
The Gospel must be preached,
That’s why I preach
The Lord commanded preaching,
That’s why I preach
There is power for change in preaching,
That’ why I preach.
The Son of God was a preacher,
That’s why I preach.
The church needs preachers,
That’s why I preach.
The preacher has beautiful feet,
That’s why I preach.
The Lord has given me a talent,
That’s why I preach.
The laborer is worthy of his hire,
That’s why I preach.
The results of preaching last eternally,
That’s why I preach.
The Lord rewards faithful preaching,
That’s why I preach.
There’s nothing else that satisfies my soul,
That’s why I preach.
There is no greater challenge,
That’s why I preach.
posted by Neil Richey | 1:46 PM
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