Preach the Word!

We sometimes think that immorality couldn't be worse than it is in our day, but if you study history you'll see that there was a time when it was much worse than it is today. Homosexuality and sexual perversions were rife in the Roman Empire during the days of the Apostle Paul. In cities like Corinth and Ephesus immorality was not only rampant but was considered normal behavior by society in general. But that was just one form of wickedness that was being practiced - there were many others.

Paul described it this way in his 2nd letter to to Timothy:

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. - 2 Timothy 3:1-4

That's a pretty good list and I think most would agree that it pretty well describes our current society. A few verses later he adds one more ominous note - it won't get better.

But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. - 2 Timothy 3:13

Paul was in prison and this would be his last letter to Timothy - his beloved son in the faith. What advice would he give him? What piece of wisdom would he impart to him to enable him to battle the forces of the enemy?

• Work with the Roman Senate to pass laws to legislate moral behavior?



• Open counseling centers to work with troubled people?



• Open faith-based ministries with the Roman government's money?



• Protest the bathhouses and other dens of iniquity?

No, he didn't say any of that. This is what he said:

I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. - 2 Timothy 4:1-2

The Bible clearly teaches that the Word - the Truth - changes people. It alone is able to convince, rebuke and exhort. But for some reason we've lost our focus. Preaching doesn't seem to be good enough anymore. Even though you won't hear people admit it, it seems that there is a reliance on programs and buildings and ministries and stories and technology more than on the the simple preaching of the Word of God. Why? I'm not sure. For many, preaching seems "old fashioned". They feel like that in order to minister to today's culture, you have to be "culturally relevant" - not preach a message that sounds foolish to the world. But the Apostle Paul makes an amazing statement in his letter to the church at Corinth.

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. - 1 Corinthians 1:18

For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. - 1Corinthians 1:21

Preaching is God's plan. It may sound like foolishness to the flesh - but it is God's way. No matter what we try, we cannot improve upon it. John the Baptist preached, Jesus preached, the Apostles preached. There is no other way. In season and out of season - in good times and bad times - in a Christian society and in a pagan society - all the time and anytime - Preach the Word!

For whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? - Rom 10:13-14