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By Roger A. Scully, Jr.
(1 Cor 9:14); those who fall into heavier judgment (Jms 3:1), and those who have been commissioned to preach the
word, reproving, rebuking and exhorting (2 Tim 4:2). This involves teachings things that are profitable (Ac 20:20; 2
Tim 3:16, 17), or what Paul calls, “all the counsel of God” (Ac 20:27). Thus preachers are to say what needs to be
said (1 Cor 2:1, 2), in the manner in which it should be said (cf. Ac 4:13). Those who hear the preaching are to
“examine” themselves (2 Cor 13:5; Hag 1:5, 7), making changes when necessary (Jms 1:21-25). For this cause the
preacher is to provide book, chapter and verse reasoning, which is to be presented in an understandable manner
with clarity and logic, in order to convict and convince. Sadly, however, when the preacher does this, the audience
doesn’t seem to apply themselves according, hence the message doesn’t seem to take.
How often does the preacher present evidence for Christians to be purified, holy people as God is pure and holy
(Lev 11:44; 1 Pet 1:13-17; 1 Jn 3:3)? What of the Bible saying, “as he is, so are we in this world” (1 Jn 4:17)? Well, it
just doesn’t seem to take, because people continually fill their minds with crud claiming, “we are adults, we can
handle it.” How often is the importance of Bible study emphasized and explained (Psa 119:97)? What do we think of
the example of the noble Bereans who “searched the Scriptures daily” (Ac 17:11)? Was this written to simply take up
space in Scripture? Again, it simply doesn’t seem to take, because people are continually expressing their ignorance
when it comes to the word of God. How often do preachers warn against backbiting, gossiping and God’s command
for us to face our brethren alone when there is a problem? Yet, it just doesn’t seem to take.
Well, what is to be done about this? As for the preacher, he must continue to preach, for this is his job and
commission; hence his first priority. As for the hearers, they need to reflect, think and study, which will produce
changes when necessary, else they will perish parted on the left hand of the Lord as goats (Matt 25:31-46).
