The Preaching Ministry of the Church

GOLDEN TEXT: “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” —Romans 10:17

ROMANS 10:14-17

THE title of last week’s lesson and the one for this week make a distinction between teaching and preaching. And, indeed, there is a difference, although the Scripture passages assigned for the two lessons do not point out this distinction. However, Paul calls our attention to the difference in Ephesians 4:11 where, in listing the “gifts” provided the church by the resurrected and glorified Jesus, he writes, “He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers.” Prophets, or public speakers, and evangelists, would more particularly be preachers, in contrast to those who serve as teachers.

However, even this distinction is not entirely clear cut. Preachers, by their messages, also teach; and a teacher’s ministry might well be of such a public character that it could well be considered preaching. In any case, the distinction is not too important. The main consideration is that every true Christian is commissioned to serve as a witness for Jesus and for the Word of God—the manner in which he serves being determined by the providences of God as manifested in ability and opportunity.

In our lesson Paul asks a question, the answer to which is obvious: “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed?” This follows the assertion that “whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Paul enlarges upon his question, “How shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?”—vs. 14

Paul continues, “How shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful (upon the mountains) are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (vs. 15; Isa. 52:7) It was God who sent Jesus into the world to carry out his part in the divine plan of salvation, and Jesus said to his Heavenly Father concerning his apostles, “As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.” (John 17:18) Later he said to his disciples, “Ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”—Acts 1:8

All true followers of Jesus are commissioned to proclaim the Gospel to the extent of their ability and opportunity. So, in reality, it is the Lord who “sends” his people into the world to witness for him. Some who cannot go far afield themselves, can, through self-sacrifice, help others to be more active. The Lord, through his providences, stirs up the hearts of his people to accomplish his will in this respect.

But, as Paul explains, not all who hear the Gospel accept and obey it. He quotes from Isaiah 53:1 to show that this was foreknown of God, and foretold. While hearing the Gospel is essential in order to accept it, it must be heard with a “hearing ear,” else it means little or nothing to those to whom it is proclaimed. Only the Lord can give the “hearing ear.” No one can come to Jesus unless drawn by the Heavenly Father. (John 6:44) When God does “draw,”, then those who are brought into contact with his Word are enlightened, and thus given a basis for the exercise of faith. One might have faith in the existence of a Supreme Creator, but only through the understanding” that comes through the written Word of God can one exercise a faith which leads to salvation.

EPHESIANS 3:7-19

PAUL was constituted a special minister to the Gentiles, although it was Peter whom the Lord used to take the Gospel to Cornelius, the first Gentile convert. In. this lesson Paul reveals that he had been given a special commission to “make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.”

Primarily this “mystery” is, “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Col. 1:27) Another way of expressing it is that the Messiah of promise was to consist not only of Jesus, the Head, but also the church which is his body. In the context of our lesson, Paul presents a further thought concerning this mystery, which is that Gentiles should be fellow-heirs with the Jews in this glorious arrangement.—Eph. 3:4-6

It required tact, patience, and understanding in the days of the Early Church to make “all men” understand this point. The “all men” mentioned by Paul is, of course, a reference to all who believe, the word “all” being used to embrace both Jewish and non-Jewish believers. As Paul explains, both were included in the “fellowship of the mystery.” But great faith and understanding were required on the part of both the Jews and Gentiles in order to enjoy this fellowship and maintain the “unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”—ch. 4:3

QUESTIONS

Is there any difference between ministers and teachers?

Who, primarily, sends ministers into the world to preach the Gospel?

Is it possible for all who hear the Gospel to believe it?

What is the “mystery” which Paul was commissioned to preach to the Gentiles?

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