Romans 1:15 - “So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.”
This morning, there are many who preach what they think, what they dreamed, what they feel, or whatever is politically or diplomatically convenient at the time. The true gospel should certainly involve what we are thinking about and feeling in our hearts, and it should be delivered with acceptable words - but that does not give anyone an excuse to preach from the book of “I Think So” or “My Opinion.”
A pastor may offer an opinion to the flock from time to time, but his entire sermon should not be lined with opinions or conjecture. It must be grounded on the solid Rock that does not shift or change.
Some have asked, “Is it acceptable for a preacher to use notes?” This verse gives as good an answer as any. While some have used one or two notes to correctly gauge a figure or number - I knew a preacher who kept a single note for difficult calculations regarding hours of study in the Bible and how long it would take to finish - this is tolerable. Not everyone has a mathematical mind to recall figures or numbers.
However, this toleration does not extend to brethren who advocate preaching entirely from notes or outlines. Paul says he was going to preach what was in him.
What is in us? David says in Psalm 119:11 that he hid the word of the Lord in his heart. Apparently, the word of God should be in us.
Do we carry Bibles? Certainly! As with most controversial discussions, there are extremes on both sides. Some congregations will not allow preachers to carry Bibles into the pulpit (even though Ezra, Christ, and others read from the book of the law to the assembly). Along with this discussion arises the question from some: “Do ministers need to study, or should they rely solely on God?” Again, both options - taken by themselves - are extremes.
Some advocate non
study. Others insist on complete study, along with notes, outlines, and so forth. In reality, the answer lies between the two extremes.
The Lord's ministers are required to pray for help, lean on Him, and hope that He will manifest His presence and Spirit in the preaching. However, they are not excused from studying to show themselves approved unto God.
Therefore, Paul was ready to study and look to the Lord for help and guidance. He was also ready to preach what was in him. Our ministers should be ready and willing to preach today, tomorrow, or whenever called upon. We have the word of God; we trust that we have hidden it in our hearts, and we need to be ready to preach that to God's hungry people.
The Lord's people are not interested in what you dreamed, why you believe you are called to preach, how inadequate you feel, how unworthy you are, or how dry you might be. If any of those things are true, they will soon know it.
My father once said, “You don't have to tell the Lord's people how badly you feel. If that is indeed true, they'll soon find out when your preaching is dry and coarse.” May we ever be ready to preach the gospel that is within us.