God's View on Preaching Despite Pastoral Discouragement
God's View on Preaching Despite Pastoral Discouragement
Preaching the gospel is a divine mandate that persists despite pastoral discouragement. The apostle Paul emphasizes this in 1 Thessalonians 2:4, stating that he and his fellow preachers speak "not as pleasing men, but God, who trieth our hearts" [1]. This underscores God's approval and expectation of preaching, regardless of human reception.
The biblical basis for preaching is rooted in the commission given to ministers by God. According to Adam Clarke, a Methodist/Wesleyan commentator, ministers receive their commission directly from God, making their authority to preach derived from Him alone [7]. This divine mandate is not contingent upon human approval or success. In 1 Corinthians 9:16, Paul expresses the obligation to preach, stating, "For though I preach the Gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the Gospel" [7].
The challenges faced by preachers, including discouragement and persecution, are acknowledged in the scriptures. Torrey's Topical Textbook notes that saints may expect persecution for the sake of God, citing Jeremiah 15:15 [3]. However, the presence of discouragement or opposition does not negate God's view on preaching. Instead, it is in the face of such challenges that the importance of preaching is underscored.
John Chrysostom, an Eastern Orthodox commentator, highlights the resolve of preachers in the face of adversity, referencing 1 Thessalonians 2:2, where Paul and his companions "waxed bold in our God to speak unto you the Gospel of God in much conflict" [6]. This boldness is not derived from human confidence but from the conviction that they are serving God.
The purpose of preaching is multifaceted, including the edification of believers and the salvation of sinners. Adam Clarke notes on Ezekiel 3:17 that preachers are made watchmen by God, tasked with the care and welfare of their people, emphasizing the divine origin and purpose of preaching [4]. The effectiveness of preaching is not solely dependent on human factors but on God's blessing.
Calvin, a Reformed commentator, observes that despite potential negative outcomes, God's assurance makes the ministrations of preachers acceptable to Him [5]. This assurance is crucial for preachers facing discouragement, as it shifts their focus from human response to divine approval.
The biblical encouragement to persevere in preaching is clear. In 2 Timothy 2:25, ministers are exhorted to instruct those who oppose themselves "in meekness," with the hope that God will grant them repentance [2]. This meekness and the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty in salvation underscore the preacher's role as a servant of God.
Sources
- I Thessalonians “I Thessalonians 2:4 (Webster) — But as we were allowed by God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, who trieth our hearts.”
- II Timothy “II Timothy 2:25 (KJV) — In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Persecution — Christ suffered -- Ps 69:26; Joh 5:16. Christ voluntarily submitted to -- Isa 50:6. Christ was patient under -- Isa 53:7. Saints may expect -- Mr 10:30; Lu 21:12; Joh 15:20. Saints suffer, for the sake of God -- Jer 15:15. Of saints, is a persecution of Christ -- Zec 2:8; Ac 9:4,5. All that live godly in Christ, shall suffer -- 2Ti 3:12. Originates Ignorance of God and Christ. -- Joh 16:3. Hated to God and Christ. -- Joh 15:20,24. Hatred to the gospel. -- Mt 13:21. Pride. -- Ps 10:2. Mistaken zeal. -- Ac 13:50; 26:9-11. Is inconsistent with the spirit o”
- Ezekiel (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Ezekiel 3:17: I have made thee a watchman - The care and welfare of all this people I have laid on thee. Thou must watch for their safety, preach for their edification, and pray for their eternal welfare. And that thou mayest be successful, receive the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. God is particularly jealous lest any words but his own be taught for Divine doctrines. He will not have human creeds, no more than Traditions, taught instead of his own word. No word can be successful in the salvation of sinners but that which comes from God. Every minister of the Gospel sh”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Isaiah, Vol. 1, section 12.20: does it give great offense, but Satan powerfully excites his followers to raise a dislike of instruction on the pretense of its being not merely useless, but even injurious; that it renders men more obstinate, and leads to their destruction. At the present day, those who have no other reproach to bring against the doctrine of the gospel maintain that the only effect produced by the preaching of it has been, that the world has become worse. But whatever may be the result, still God assures us that our ministrations are acceptable to him, beca”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Galatians–Colossians–Thessalonians: 1, 2 . “For yourselves, brethren, know our entering in unto you, that it hath not been found vain: but having suffered before, and been shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we waxed bold in our God to speak 329 unto you the Gospel of God in much conflict.” Great indeed were your actions also, but yet neither did we have recourse to human speech. But what he says above, that also he repeats here, that from both sides is shown what was the nature of the Preaching, from the miracles, and from the resolution of the preacher”
- 1 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 9:16: For though I preach the Gospel - I have cause of glorying that I preach the Gospel free of all charges to you; but I cannot glory in being a preacher of the Gospel, because I am not such either by my own skill or power. I have received both the office, and the grace by which I execute the office, from God. I have not only his authority to preach, but that authority obliges me to preach; and if I did not, I should endanger my salvation: yea, wo is unto me, if I preach not the Gospel. As every genuine preacher receives his commission from God alone, it is God a”