Preach the Word—Acceptable Service

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Timothy 4:2 

Unacceptable Work—Strange Fire

Acts of the Apostles, p. 252

Fanciful representations of truth may cause an ecstasy of feeling, but all too often truths presented in this way do not supply the food necessary to strengthen and fortify the believer for the battles of life.

What kinds of presentations do not strengthen and fortify the believer for the battles of life? 

Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, p. 309

You bring unimportant ideas into your discourses. These are not always a "savor of life unto life," and have no real connection with your text. By wandering from straight lines, and bringing in that which calls the minds off the subject, you weaken all that you have previously said. You have made of none effect many precious ideas, by mixing them with other thoughts which have come to your mind but which had no bearing upon the subject.

How can we make the truth of none effect?

Evangelism, pp. 206, 207

The minister of the gospel who is a laborer together with God, will learn daily in the school of Christ.... No light, trifling words will fall from his lips; for is he not an ambassador for Christ, bearing a divine message to perishing souls? All jesting and joking, all lightness and trifling, is painful to the cross-bearing disciple of Christ.

Evangelism, p. 207

Ministers are not to preach men's opinions, not to relate anecdotes, get up theatrical performances, not to exhibit self; but as though they were in the presence of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, they are to preach the word. Let them not bring levity into the work of the ministry, but let them preach the word in a manner that will leave a most solemn impression upon those who hear.

How is the word of God to be taught?

Evangelism, pp. 209–211

The minister is using strange fire when he mixes storytelling with his discourses .…Amusement is not to be interwoven with instruction in the Scriptures. When this is done, the hearers amused by some cheap nonsense, lose the burden of conviction. The opportunity passes away, and no one is drawn by the cords of love to the Saviour.

The messages of truth are to be kept entirely free from cheap, common words of human devising. Thus forcible impressions will be made upon hearts. Let not our ministers cherish the idea that they must bring forth something new and strange, or that cheap, common expressions will give them influence. Ministers are to be the mouthpiece of God, and they must eradicate from their speech every expression that is cheap or common. Let them be careful lest by attempting during their discourse to cause laughter, they dishonor God.

What is strange fire?

Gospel Workers, p. 166

Ministers should not make a practice of relating irrelevant anecdotes [stories] in connection with their sermons; for this detracts from the force of the truth presented. The relation of anecdotes [stories] or incidents that create a laugh or a light thought in the minds of the hearers is severely censurable. The truth should be clothed in chaste, dignified language; and the illustrations used should be of a like character.

What effect do stories in sermons have if they are irrelevant or amusing?

The Straight Truth

Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, p. 62

The object of preaching is not alone to convey information, not merely to convince the intellect. The preaching of the word should appeal to the intellect, and should impart knowledge, but should do more than this the words of the minister should reach the hearts of the hearers.

Prophets and Kings, pp. 140, 141

Those ministers who are men pleasers, who cry, Peace, peace, when God has not spoken peace, might well humble their hearts before God, asking pardon for their insincerity and their lack of moral courage. It is not from love for their neighbor that they smooth down the message entrusted to them, but because they are self-indulgent and ease-loving. True love seeks first the honor of God and the salvation of souls. Those who have this love will not evade the truth to save themselves from the unpleasant results of plain speaking. When souls are in peril, God's ministers will not consider self, but will speak the word given them to speak, refusing to excuse or palliate evil....

They are to "reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering." 2 Timothy 4:2. In Christ's stead they are to labor as stewards of the mysteries of heaven, encouraging the obedient and warning the disobedient. With them worldly policy is to have no weight. Never are they to swerve from the path in which Jesus has bidden them walk... They are not to speak their own words, but words which One greater than the potentates of earth has bidden them speak. Their message is to be, "THUS SAITH THE LORD."

Why do we smooth down the messages given us of God?

What is to be our message?

Spiritual Gifts, vol. 2, pp. 299, 300

Those who engage in the solemn work of bearing the third angel's message, must move out decidedly, and in the Spirit and power of God, fearlessly preach the truth, and let it cut. They should elevate the standard of truth, and urge the people to come up to it. It has been lowered down to meet the people in their condition of darkness and sin. It is the pointed testimony that will bring up the people to decide. A peaceful testimony will not do this.

What will bring people to making decisions?

What is the Message?

Ephesians 3:8, 9

[We] Should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ. And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery.

1 Corinthians 1:23

We preach Christ crucified.

Acts of the Apostles, p. 252

The immediate needs, the present trials, of struggling souls—these must be met with sound, practical instruction in the fundamental principles of Christianity.

What must struggling souls be fed with?

Christ's Object Lessons, p. 231

The success of the gospel message does not depend upon learned speeches, eloquent testimonies, or deep arguments. It depends upon the simplicity of the message and its adaptation to the souls that are hungering for the bread of life. "What must I do to be saved?"—this is the want of the soul.

What is the want of the soul that our message must reach?

Christ's Object Lessons, p. 40

Christ's favorite theme was the paternal tenderness and abundant grace of God; He dwelt much upon the holiness of His character and His law; He presented Himself to the people as the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Let these be the themes of Christ's ministers. Present the truth as it is in Jesus. Make plain the requirements of the law and the gospel. Tell the people of Christ's life of self-denial and sacrifice; of His humiliation and death; of His resurrection and accession; of His intercession for them in the courts of God; of His promise, "I will come again, and receive you unto Myself." John 14:3.

What are the themes that Christ's workers are to teach?

Early Writings, p. 63

There are many precious truths contained in the word of God, but it is "present truth" that the flock needs now.... Subjects as the sanctuary, in connection with the 2300 days, the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus... These, I have frequently seen, were the principle subjects on which the messengers should dwell.

On what themes should the messengers of God dwell?

Gospel Workers, pp. 147, 148

Teach the great practical truths that must be brought into the life. Teach the saving power of Jesus, "in whom we have redemption...even the forgiveness of sins." Strive to make your hearers comprehend the power of truth.

This Day with God, p. 370

The Lord would have His servants preach today the old gospel doctrine, sorrow for sin, repentance, and confession. We want old-fashioned sermons....

Christ to be Glorified, not Self

Desire of Ages, p. 180

Those who are true to their calling as messengers for God will not seek honor for themselves . Love for self will be swallowed up in love for Christ. No rivalry will mar the precious cause of the gospel. They will recognize that it is their work to proclaim, as did John the Baptist, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." John 1:29. They will lift up Jesus, and with Him humanity will be lifted up.

How only can humanity be lifted up?

Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, p. 154

The reason why the gospel was committed to weak and erring men is that man might not receive the honor due to God only, but that God might receive all the glory. The ambassador is not to congratulate himself and take to himself the honor of success, or even to divide the honor with God, as if by his own power he had accomplished the work.

How much honor should go to man? How much honor should go to God?

Manuscript 109, 1897

The object of all ministry is to keep self out of sight, and to let Christ appear. The exaltation of Christ is the great truth that all who labor in word and doctrine are to reveal.

What is the object of all ministry?

What is the great truth that those who labor are to reveal?

The Holy Spirits Work in Preaching the Word

Prophets and Kings, p. 169

It is not always the most learned presentation of God's truth that convicts and converts the soul. Not by eloquence or logic are men's hearts reached, but by the sweet influence of the Holy Spirit, which operates quietly yet surely in transforming and developing the character.

How only are men's hearts reached?

Gospel Workers, p. 155

It is the efficiency of the Holy Spirit that makes the ministry of the word effective. When Christ speaks through the minister, the Holy Spirit prepares the hearts of the listeners to receive the word. The Holy Spirit is not a servant, but a controlling power. He causes the truth to shine into minds, and speaks through every discourse where the minister surrenders himself to the divine working. It is the Spirit that surrounds the soul with a holy atmosphere, and speaks to the impenitent through words of warning, pointing them to Him who takes away the sin of the world.

List the four ways in which the Holy Spirit is said to work:

1.

2.

3.

4.

The preaching of the word is of no avail without the presence and aid of the Holy Spirit; for this Spirit is the only effectual teacher of divine truth. Only when the truth is accompanied to the heart by the Spirit, will it quicken the conscience or transform the life. A minister may be able to present the letter of the word of God; he may be familiar with all its commands and promises; but his sowing of the gospel seed will not be successful unless this seed is quickened into life by the dew of heaven. Without the cooperation of the Spirit of God, no amount of education, no advantages, however great, can make one a channel of light.

Who is the only effective teacher of truth?

Education and other advantages, no matter how great cannot make one a channel of light. How then can we be channels of light?

Experiencing Christ and the Word—the Power Behind the Message

Desire of Ages p, 142

The teaching of Christ was the expression of an inwrought conviction and experience, and those who learn of Him become teachers after the divine order. The word of God, spoken by one who is himself sanctified through it, has a life-giving power that makes it attractive to the hearers, and convicts them that it is a living reality. When one has received the truth in the love of it, he will make this manifest in the persuasion of his manner and the tones of his voice.

What does it mean to be a teacher after the divine order or pattern?

What witness does the Lord call for?

Desire of Ages, p. 307

If we wish to direct others in the paths of righteousness, the principles of righteousness must be enshrined in our own hearts. Our profession of faith may proclaim the theory of religion, but it is our practical piety that holds forth the word of truth. The consistent life, the holy conversation, the unswerving integrity, the active, benevolent spirit, the godly example,—these are the mediums through which light is conveyed to the world.

What is the medium by which light is conveyed to the world?

Acts of the Apostles, p. 511

The fact that his [Paul] own life exemplified the truth he proclaimed, gave convincing power to his preaching. Here lies the power of truth. The unstudied, unconscious influence of a holy life is the most convincing sermon that can be given in favor of Christianity.

What will give convincing power to our teaching?

Acts of the Apostles, p. 362

The soldier of the cross stands unshrinkingly in the forefront of the battle…. The victories that he gains do not lead to self exaltation, but cause him to lean more and more heavily on the Mighty One. Relying upon that Power, he is enabled to present the message of salvation so forcibly that it vibrates in other minds.

In what way will the truth be enabled to vibrate in the minds of others?

Mount of Blessing, p. 128

When a crisis comes in the life of any soul, and you attempt to give counsel or admonition, your words will have only the weight of influence for good that your own example and spirit have gained for you.

Christ's Object Lessons, p. 43

The teacher of sacred truth can impart only that which he himself knows by experience... Christ taught the truth because He was the truth. His own thought, His character, His life-experience were embodied in His teaching. So with His servants those who teach the word are to make it their own by a personal experience. They must know what it is to have Christ made unto them wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption. In presenting the word of God to others, they are not to make it a suppose-so or a maybe....

Every minister of Christ and every teacher should be able to say with the beloved John, "The life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life which was with the father, and was manifested unto us." 1 John 1:2.

Those who teach the word are to make it their own by ______________________________

Sound Speech

Nehemiah 8:8

They read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.

Christ's Object Lessons, p. 336

With some souls the manner of the one delivering the message will determine its reception or rejection. Then let the word be so spoken that it will appeal to the understanding and impress the heart. Slowly, distinctly, and solemnly should it be spoken, yet with all the earnestness which its importance demands.

How should the truth be presented? 

Gospel Workers, 1893 edition, p. 147

Ministers should stand erect, and speak (slowly, firmly, and distinctly,) taking a full inspiration of air at every sentence, and throwing out the words by exercising the abdominal muscles.

There are four rules of speaking; list them here.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, pp. 615–617

From the light I have had, the ministry is a sacred and exalted office, and those who accept this position should have Christ in their hearts and manifest an earnest desire to represent Him worthily before the people in all their acts, in their dress, in their speaking, and even in their manner of speaking. They should speak with reverence. Some destroy the solemn impression they may have made upon the people, by raising their voices to a very high pitch and hallooing and screaming out the truth. When presented in this manner, truth loses much of its sweetness, its force and solemnity.

But if the voice is toned right, if it has solemnity, and is so modulated as to be even pathetic, it will produce a much better impression. This was the tone in which Christ taught His disciples. He impressed them with solemnity; He spoke in a pathetic manner. But this loud hallooing—what does it do? It does not give the people any more exalted views of the truth and does not impress them any more deeply. It only causes a disagreeable sensation to the hearers and wears out the vocal organs of the speaker. The tones of the voice have much to do in affecting the hearts of those that hear.

How can the solemn impression of the truth be destroyed?

When truth is presented in this manner, what does it lose?

Many who might be useful men are using up their vital force and destroying their lungs and vocal organs by their manner of speaking. Some ministers have acquired a habit of hurriedly rattling off what they have to say as though they had a lesson to repeat and were hastening through it as fast as possible. This is not the best manner of speaking. By using proper care, every minister can educate himself to speak distinctly and impressively, not to hurriedly crowd the words together without taking time to breathe. He should speak in a moderate manner, that the people may get the ideas fixed in their minds as he passes along. But when the matter is rushed through so rapidly, the people cannot get the points in their minds, and they do not have the time to receive the impression that it is important for them to have; nor is there time for the truth to affect them as it otherwise would.

What will happen if a study or sermon is given to rapidly?

Speaking from the throat, letting the words come out from the upper extremity of the vocal organs, all the time fretting and irritating them, is not the best way to preserve health or to increase the efficiency of those organs. You should take a full inspiration and let the action come from the abdominal muscles. Let the lungs be only the channel, but do not depend upon them to do the work. If you let your words come from deep down, exercising the abdominal muscles, you can speak to thousands with just as much ease as you can speak to ten.

Gospel Workers, p. 88

When you speak, let every word be full and well rounded, every sentence clear and distinct, to the very last word. Many as they approach the end of a sentence lower the tone of the voice, speaking so indistinctly that the force of the thought is destroyed. Words that are worth speaking at all are worth speaking in a clear, distinct voice, with emphasis and expression. But never search for words that will give the impression that you are learned. The greater your simplicity, the better will your words be understood.

If our words are worth speaking, how should we speak them?