Of all people, preachers should have real and great expectations from preaching and teaching, not because of anything on their part, but because of what they have to work with …
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires, (Hebrews 4:12).
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work, (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
The Word of God is THE tool of the preacher, and look what God says WILL happen when His Word is put to work:
It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it, (Isaiah 55:11).
If you believe God ABOUT His Word, then you should have great expectancy every time you preach and teach from the Bible. One of the fastest ways to suck the power out of your preaching and teaching is to expect nothing of God from it!
When you’re preaching and teaching, what do you expect will follow?
This article on preaching and teaching originally appeared here and is used by permission.
