The Perseverance of Biblical Preaching: A Spiritual Gift
Though perhaps not spoken of as often as other topics, our responsibility to utilize our spiritual gifts should weigh heavily on us. That the Spirit would graciously enable us to contribute to the body of Christ for the glory of God should motivate us toward humble, persevering service. This is true of each Christian. In the below excerpt from Famine in the Land, Dr. Lawson discusses how this idea should enable pastors and preachers to persevere in their ministries.
A Spiritual Gift
Paul encouraged Timothy to persevere in his ministry because he had been given a spiritual gift by God. This spiritual gift was “his teaching ministry, together with the authority and power to exercise it.” MacArthur writes, “Each believer’s gift is a God-designed blend of spiritual capacities, which acts as a channel through which the Spirit of God ministers to others. Timothy’s gift included evangelism, preaching, teaching, and leadership. If one is to persevere in biblical preaching, he must know he has been sovereignly gifted by God to do so. Only then can he preach with a sense of confidence and destiny in his life.
Excerpt taken from Famine in the Land, by Steven Lawson.
Posted by Matt Monge on March 25, 2009
A reformation is as much needed now as in Luther's day, and by God's grace we shall have it, if we trust in Him and publish His truth...We want such a one as Martin Luther to rise from his tomb. If Martin were now to visit our so-called reformed churches, he would say with all his holy boldness "I was not half a reformer when I was alive before, now I will make a thorough work of it."
Former Pastor, Metropolitan Tabernacle
London, England
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