Truth Matters From Pastor Dean Brdlik, June 28th 2023
What can make a man change the course of his life in a most unpredictable way? The Apostle Paul’s autobiographical insight is shared by all those tapped by God to preach and teach: “For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! (1 Corinthians 9:16). Of course Paul’s statement has wider implications than just to preacher/teachers. All believers have been “tapped by God” to proclaim the gospel...there should be a sense of “woe” when we realize we are negligent in our responsibility (e.g. Matthew 28:18-20; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21). But those tapped by God to preach and teach God’s word experience a different kind of spiritual compulsion...”desire” is not exactly it...it is more of a God given yearning couched in responsibility. Paul aptly described it this way: “We proclaim Him, warning and instructing everyone in all wisdom [that is, with comprehensive insight into the word and purposes of God], so that we may present every person complete in Christ [mature, fully trained, and perfect in Him—the Anointed]. 29 For this I labor [often to the point of exhaustion], striving with His power and energy, which so greatly works within me. (Colossians 1:28-29 amp)
Today’s My Utmost for His Highest brings this “tapped by God” reminder to every preacher/teacher:
“Never choose to be a worker for God, but once God has placed His call on you, woe be to you if you “turn aside to the right hand or to the left” (Deuteronomy 5:32). We are not here to work for God because we have chosen to do so, but because God has “laid hold of” us. And once He has done so, we never have this thought, “Well, I’m really not suited for this.” What you are to preach is also determined by God, not by your own natural leanings or desires. Keep your soul steadfastly related to God, and remember that you are called not simply to convey your testimony but also to preach the gospel. Every Christian must testify to the truth of God, but when it comes to the call to preach, there must be the agonizing grip of God’s hand on you— your life is in the grip of God for that very purpose. How many of us are held like that?
Never water down the Word of God, but preach it in its undiluted sternness. There must be unflinching faithfulness to the Word of God, but when you come to personal dealings with others, remember who you are— you are not some special being created in heaven, but a sinner saved by grace.”
This statement by Oswald Chambers should be the introduction in the syllabi of every Bible school or seminary training men called to be Pastor/teachers. My prayer for you and me this day is this: Lord, we need more men whose lives mirror the Spirit inspired statements of Paul and the Spirit led observations of Chambers. The church today is in such critical need of such men. Call, prepare, give courage, and encourage these men to “warn and instruct everyone in all wisdom.” May I be one of them. Amen.
Walk with the King today and be a blessing.
