PROFITABLE PREACHING.

2 Tim. 3:16 - 4:8.

INTRO:

1. Just what is considered by the term, "Profitable Preaching".

A. To men this has been a question of considerable controversy for quite some time.

B. We might say that what might be considered as profitable preaching to some; wouldn't necessarily fit in that category with others.

2. My preaching might be too harsh for some members and too soft for others.

3. Just because I might be able to build the congregation up in numbers and to cause big buildings to be built, does not mean that my preaching is necessarily profitable. Eph. 4:1 - 5:2.

4. Some people in the congregation want eloquence like Apollos. They want to be intoxicated with the exuberance of the preacher's verbosity.

A. Such as the preacher telling about going to the Holy Land and bringing back a piece of the salt from the body of Lot's wife; and later the salt disappeared, and on his next visit he found it back in place where he had gotten it.

1. This story sounds absurd, but the really absurd thing about it is that people believe such and accept it if it is eloquently presented.

I. UNPROFITABLE PREACHING.

A. Deluding the hearers, keeping them guessing, leading them astray.

B. Scratching their ears, to keep them coming.

C. Playing on their emotions with death bed stories and tear jerking tales.

1. It is not how high you jump in the pulpit or how loud you might shout , but it is how you live when you come back down, and the words that you say, that really count.

D. Speculative and assumptive preaching, making great plays on things that are not revealed, talking about where Cain got his wife, and what Jesus wrote on the ground.

E. Apologetic preaching -- preaching the word of God and then apologizing for what it said.

F. Preaching the truth in a general way, not pinpointing any sin or good.

G. Abusing the truth by throwing off on people with the use of it, as to say, "I have you where I want you now and I am going to let you have it with both barrels."

1. Sure it is alright and proper to preach the truth with zeal but do it with love in your heart for all. Seasoned with salt.

H. Some one might say "should I call names in my preaching?" It is all according to the circumstances at hand and the need to do so.

II. PROFITABLE PREACHING: 2 Tim. 3:16,17.

A. The word of God is profitable for Teach. For Reproof. For Correction. For Instruction in Righteousness.

B. Do you know of any thing else that the Word of God is profitable for that is not included in 2 Tim. 3:16,17?

C. Note Psa. 40:8-10; Acts 5:42; 8:4.

D. Profitable preaching must be coupled with profitable hearing. Heb. 4:2.

CONCLUSION:

1. All of our preaching and teaching should be done that the most profit can be had from it.

2. To do this effectively we must study God word, for within it are all profitable things. 2 Tim. 2:15; Col. 2:6-23.

3. We must also remember that if the Word of God is preached; it will produce fruit. Isa. 55:6-11.

4. Paul told Timothy to preach the word. 2 Tim. 4:1-5.

By Jim Sasser

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