Preaching

Preaching

Introduction (II Timothy 4:2–4):
Preaching the Word of God has always been central to His plan of redemption. Paul charged Timothy to “preach the word” because when truth is not taught, people turn aside to error. From the Old Testament to the New Testament church, preaching has been God’s way of calling people to salvation.

Preaching in the Old Testament
Two Hebrew words give us a rich understanding of what preaching means.

Basar (baw-sar’)
This word means to bring news or bear tidings, whether good or bad. In I Samuel 31:8–9, news of Saul’s death was announced. In Isaiah 61:1–2, the word refers to preaching, and Jesus Himself applied this passage to His own mission in Luke 4:16–22. Paul also quotes from Isaiah in Romans 10:14–15, stressing the beauty and necessity of preaching in God’s plan. Isaiah 52:7 proclaims, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.” Even the birth of Christ was announced as glad tidings in Luke 2. Preaching in this sense is news that changes lives.

Qara’ (kaw-raw’)
This word means to proclaim or call out. Psalm 105:1 commands God’s people to “make known His deeds among the peoples.” Jonah obeyed this call when he proclaimed God’s warning in Nineveh (Jonah 3:1–4). Nehemiah 8:1–8 shows Ezra reading and explaining the Law so the people could understand. This is an excellent picture of preaching—proclaiming God’s word clearly so that hearts can respond.

Preaching in the First-Century Church
When the church began, Peter proclaimed a distinctive message about Christ (Acts 2:14, 40–41). People had to hear the message to believe (Acts 11:19–21). Paul preached in Thessalonica, reasoning from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ (Acts 17:1–4). His message stood apart from all others of his day. Many considered preaching foolish (I Corinthians 1:18–21). Still, it is through preaching that God chose to save those who believe. Preaching is the proclamation of Christ crucified and risen. The gospel is the one faith that leads to righteousness. Paul warned Timothy that many would prefer to hear things that make them feel good, but he charged him to preach the word faithfully (II Timothy 4:2–4).

Call to Action
Preaching is God’s way of reaching souls, and it requires patience and persistence. We must proclaim the truth with longsuffering, regardless of how people respond. Each of us has the responsibility to carry the message of Christ to others, for only the gospel has the power to save.

Preaching Sermon Outline:

Introduction (II Timothy 4:2–4)

• Paul charged Timothy to “preach the word.”

• Preaching has always been central in God’s plan of redemption.

• Without preaching, people turn to error.

I. Preaching in the Old Testament

• Two Hebrew words describe preaching: Basar and Qara’.

A. Basar (baw-sar’)

• Meaning: to bring news or bear tidings (good or bad).

• Example of news: Saul’s death announced (I Samuel 31:8–9).

• Used to describe preaching in prophecy (Isaiah 61:1–2).

  • Fulfilled in Jesus’ ministry (Luke 4:16–22).

• Paul quotes Isaiah to show preaching’s necessity (Romans 10:14–15).

• Isaiah 52:7 – Beautiful feet of those who bring good news.

• Luke 2 – Angels announce glad tidings at Jesus’ birth.

B. Qara’ (kaw-raw’)

• Meaning: to proclaim or call out.

• Psalm 105:1 – “Make known His deeds among the peoples.”

• Jonah proclaimed God’s warning in Nineveh (Jonah 3:1–4).

• Ezra read and explained the Law clearly (Nehemiah 8:1–8).

• Preaching helps people understand God’s message.

II. Preaching in the First-Century Church

• Peter’s message at Pentecost launched the church (Acts 2:14, 40–41).

• People had to hear the message to believe (Acts 11:19–21).

• Paul explained and reasoned from the Scriptures in Thessalonica (Acts 17:1–4).

• His message was distinctive—centered on Christ crucified and risen.

• Some viewed preaching as foolish (I Corinthians 1:18–21).

• God chose preaching as His means to save those who believe.

• The gospel is the one faith that leads to righteousness.

• Paul warned Timothy that many would prefer other kinds of teaching (II Timothy 4:2–4).

• The charge remains: preach the word faithfully.

III. Application for Today

• Preaching is proclaiming Christ crucified and risen.

• It is news that changes lives.

• Preaching must be patient, clear, and bold.

• We must take this message to others.

Call to Action

• Preach with longsuffering.

• Carry the message of Christ faithfully.

• Remember: only the gospel has the power to save.

Key Takeaways

• Preaching has always been central to God’s plan (II Timothy 4:2–4).

• Basar means to bring glad tidings—fulfilled in Christ (Isaiah 61:1–2; Luke 4:16–22).

• Qara’ means to proclaim or call out, urging people to respond (Jonah 3:1–4; Nehemiah 8:1–8).

• Preaching in the first century centered on Christ crucified and risen (Acts 2:14; Acts 17:1–4).

• Preaching may seem foolish to some, but it is God’s chosen way to save (I Corinthians 1:18–21).

• We must preach with patience, holding fast to God’s Word, even when people turn aside (II Timothy 4:2–4).

Scripture Reference List

• II Timothy 4:2–4 – Paul’s charge to preach the word.

• I Samuel 31:8–9 – News of Saul’s death.

• Isaiah 61:1–2 – Preaching foretold.

• Luke 4:16–22 – Jesus applies Isaiah’s prophecy to Himself.

• Romans 10:14–15 – The necessity of preaching.

• Isaiah 52:7 – Beautiful feet of those who bring good news.

• Luke 2 – Glad tidings of Jesus’ birth.

• Psalm 105:1 – Proclaiming God’s deeds.

• Jonah 3:1–4 – Jonah preaches to Nineveh.

• Nehemiah 8:1–8 – Ezra reads and explains the Law.

• Acts 2:14, 40–41 – Peter’s sermon at Pentecost.

• Acts 11:19–21 – Preaching leads to conversions.

• Acts 17:1–4 – Paul explains the Christ.

• I Corinthians 1:18–21 – Preaching viewed as foolish, yet God’s power to save.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO