The Potent Reality of Preaching - TITUS START

Titus 1:1–3 (ESV) Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, 2 in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began 3 and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior;

Did you see it?  You may have to read it again.  This is an amazing scripture regarding the power and importance of preaching God's Word.

Paul says what he often says, this whole thing was planned from before the Earth was formed.  God promised the salvation of the elect and their knowledge of the truth before the ages began.  

YET... how did it finally come about?  "Through the preaching" he was entrusted by Christ to do!

Preacher... PREACH!

You are the voice through which God fulfills His purposes in the lives of those He has called.  You are not simply a man of holy character and good advice.  You are not the man who opens community events in prayer.  You are not the person others should regard simply as a pillar of society or a helpful friend in crisis.  You are the instrument through which God trumpets His faithfulness to all creation.

I am reminded of Billy Graham's words to his friend Charles Templeton who was deserting the ministry and questioning the Bible.  He told Charles how his faith was in what he saw happen whenever he stood up and preached from the Bible as "thus says the Lord."  The change and response that took place firmly rooted Billy Graham in the ministry to billions over the large part of the 20th Century!  

I want that confidence.  I want to know that it is not "in me" but the treasure in Earthen jars of clay - the powerful living breathing Word of Almighty God that accomplishes the purposes He intends and cuts men and women straight to the heart.  

Titus probably needed to hear this.  He was struggling to pastor a church filled with legalists and antinomians.  He needed a shot in the proverbial arm.  And so do the preachers of today.

I love the strict confidence Paul infuses in Titus toward the Word of God... "God who NEVER LIES." What you have heard is true, Titus.  Go back to Genesis and see how God was already at work from the garden of eden.  Go through the stories of Abraham, Moses, Noah, David, etc... see the foreshadows of Christ and the narrative of God's Gospel come forth in types and prefigures so clear to see only in Christ.

Moreover you should remember preacher that while God NEVER lies, people will continually.  The "Cretans" were known for their lies.  Science will tell us one thing and next year another.  People will promise friendship and turn on us only a season later.  This is another reason to accept fully the testimony of God over any other argument.

This Word is ALIVE... and it makes men and women live too.

PREACHER... PREACH!

PRAYER:

Father, I needed this reminder.  I'm a preacher that often times thinks I have to make it "funny" or "entertaining" to make it effective.  Forgive me.  I surrender.  I want to be the instrument through which your already ALIVE word is clearly convicting to every heart who hears it.  Empower me with confidence from the Holy Spirit to preach... in total assurance.  In JESUS' MIGHTY Name!