The Perseverance of Biblical Preaching: A Strong Commitment
Preaching and pastoring can easily be one of the more demanding pursuits a man can undertake. Biblical preaching requires a certain level of commitment that only God, through His gracious Spirit, can enable us to embrace. In the below excerpt from Famine in the Land, Dr. Lawson briefly discusses this commitment.
A Strong Commitment
Paul commanded Timothy, “Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you,” referring to the God-given ability to preach and teach. Used only here by the apostle, the verb “neglect” (ameleo) means “to be careless about something.” In Matthew 22:5, it is rendered “paid no attention.” In essence, Paul challenged this young preacher, “No matter what difficulty is being thrown at you, keep on preaching!” Perhaps Timothy felt he could no longer handle the pressures confronting him in this difficult situation. Or perhaps he was caving in to public pressure and was toning down his preaching. Perhaps he was on the verge of bailing out. Regardless of what might prompt a moment of weakness, Timothy was exhorted to endure faithfully in his preaching.
Every preacher today must exhibit such unwavering resolve to preach the Word, no matter what may oppose him. The commitment must be constant and intentional.
Excerpt taken from Famine in the Land, by Steven Lawson.
Posted by Matt Monge on March 24, 2009
If we desire to end our days in joy and comfort, let us lay the foundation of a comfortable death now in good time. To die well is not a thing of that light moment as some imagine: it is no easy matter. But to die well is a matter of every day. Let us daily do some good that may help us at the time of our death. Everyday by repentance pull out the sting of some sin, that so when death comes, we may have nothing to do but to die. To die well is the action of the whole life."
Former English Theologian
London, England
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