Day 46: Scripture and Preaching, God Speaks Through Means

Scripture
“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus… preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” 2 Timothy 4:1–2 (ESV)

“And Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform… and he read from it… from early morning until midday… and the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law.” Nehemiah 8:1–3 (ESV)

Confessional Summary
God speaks through faithful preaching. When Scripture is preached faithfully by those lawfully called, Christ addresses His church through His Word, and His people are bound to hear with faith and reverence.

The Second Helvetic Confession states it plainly: “When this Word of God is now preached in the church by preachers lawfully called, we believe that the very Word of God is proclaimed, and received by the faithful.”

The Westminster Confession of Faith places preaching at the heart of ordinary worship: “The reading of the Scriptures with godly fear; the sound preaching; and conscionable hearing of the Word, in obedience unto God with understanding, faith, and reverence… are all parts of the ordinary religious worship of God.”

The Heidelberg Catechism frames the Christian’s weekly duty in these terms, “I diligently attend the church of God to hear God’s Word.” And the Belgic Confession names “the pure preaching of the gospel” as a mark of the true church.

The Reformed confessions treat preaching as God’s appointed means for proclaiming His Word to His people, not as mere religious talk.

Reflection
Preaching is not religious commentary. It is certainly not inspirational speaking with Bible seasoning. It is God’s Word opened up so that the people of God can grasp its meaning and feel its weight. That is why Paul’s command is so blunt: “Preach the word.” The Word itself, and nothing less.

Nehemiah 8 shows what faithful ministry looks like when God revives a people. The Word is read aloud for hours to attentive ears. Later in the chapter, the leaders “give the sense” so the people understand. Passive listening and vague spiritual talk will not change them. They are changed by God's actual Word, made clear and believed.

Why? Because God has chosen to work through means. He could have written the gospel in the sky every morning. Instead, He appointed preaching. That means the sermon is not filler before the service ends. It is the central moment God confronts His people, then comforts and calls them by His Word. Faithful preaching explains the text and exposes Christ. Then it presses the demand.

Application
Prepare for the preaching of the Word by reading the text before you arrive, then listen with a pen in hand. Ask what God is saying and aim to capture the main point. Name one specific act of obedience you will practice this week.  

Evaluate the preaching by Scripture, not by style. If the Word was rightly handled, you've heard well. After worship, ask someone, 'What did God show you?' Pray for your preacher regularly. Intercession for the preacher is one of the most practical ways you can pursue the good of the church.

Prayer
Lord, give me an attentive heart. Save me from lazy hearing and selective obedience. As Your Word is preached, make it clear, let it press heavy, strengthen me to rest in its truth. Let me obey what I hear, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.