The Efficacy and Power of God’s Word

2 Timothy 4:1 begins with these words.  “I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word.”

The words drip with gravitas.  The Apostle Paul writes, “I solemnly charge you.”  Then he appeals to the omniscient God and His son—the ultimate judge of the universe.  To you, Timothy and all pastors, we are instructed to “Preach the Word.”

Why Preach this Word?

Why preach this Word?  Why the Bible?  God’s Word is efficacious and powerful for all believers.  Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone but every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”  (Matthew 4:4)  Dr. J.I. Packer said that, “In the Bible it is God preaching.”  As pastors, we have nothing else to give the people of God.  As Christians we have nothing else to feed our souls but the Word of God.

Oh, what Power

Luther was asked the reason for the spiritual reformation in Germany.  Luther responded, “I simply taught, preached and wrote God’s Word; otherwise I did nothing.”

One of the great preachers in early Christianity was John Chrysostom who preached for 12 years in Antioch during the 4^th century.  In a sermon on Ephesians 6:13 Chrysostom said, “One only means and one way of cure has been given us and that is the teaching of the word.  This is the best instrument, this is the best diet and climate; this serves instead of medicine, this serves instead of cautery & cutting; whether it be needful to burn or to amputate, this one method must be used & without it nothing else will avail. [1]

Final Thought

Cotton Mather was a great American puritan who served God as one of His premier preachers.  Mather said it best.  “The great design and intention of the office of a Christian preacher is to restore the throne and dominion of God in the souls of men; to display in the most lively colors and proclaim in the clearest language, the wonderful perfections, offices and grace of the Son of God; and to attract the souls of men into a state of everlasting friendship with him. [2]

Brothers and sisters, only the Word of God can sustain our souls.

Warren

[1] Fant and Pinson, Vol.1, pp.108-9[2] Mather, pp iii-v