In today’s post I simply want to remind you or the priority & power of God’s word. The time you spend, the work you do to understand and share God’s word with people is one of the more important parts of your calling.
2Tim. 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. Cf. 2Tim 4:1-3
How much time do you spend in sermon prep? I have heard this question from other pastors trying to figure out how to juggle their competing demands of ministry. Some state that unless you spend 30+ hours a week you are being unfaithful while others assert if you spend more than 10 hours a week you are being unfaithful to your true calling.
What if the better question is not how much time but how faithful are you to the ministry of the Word in light of Jesus’ call and the Spirit’s gifts in your life.
Acts 6: So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables.
We all face nagging tension over how and where to spend our ministry time. The challenge of competing ministry demands is nothing new. The apostles faced a crisis of expectations in Acts 6 and wisely took a stand. They would not neglect the ministry of the Word and prayer by taking on too many other ministry responsibilities. We are wise to follow their example still.
Consider this: Does your use of available ministry time show that you cherish the Word of God? Do you prioritize faithfully serving the Word of God to His people? So, how long should you spend? As long as it takes within the resources and responsibilities God has given you.
God gives pastors different gifts, ability levels, callings & opportunities. Certain aspects of sermon prep come faster for some than others. Full time pastors have more time than bivocational ones. But every one of us has the same Word of God with the same Holy Spirit. They are our most powerful spiritual tools for truly spiritual work. He gives each what we need to accomplish the purpose He desires.
1Tim 4:13 Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching.
Here are some questions that may help:
- Do I study the passage enough to know what it really says?
- Do I prayed enough to know what the Holy Spirit wants us to know & do in response?
- Do I fleshed it out enough to teach the passage faithfully while trusting the Holy Spirit’s lead in the moment of teaching?
- Am I abiding in Christ enough to be alert and usable to the Spirit in the moment.
Trust how Jesus chooses to work through you! God’s Word is powerful. It is a light, a fire, a sword, a hammer, and a healing balm. God’s word is able to lead us to salvation and transform our lives. When people receive and respond to the Word they follow Jesus more deeply well beyond us!
When we faithfully teach God’s word, we give people their best opportunity to experience Jesus’ life changing work in a personal way.
The purpose of teaching the Word is to shepherd people toward deepening relationship with Jesus. Remember the purpose! Trust the time God gives you and make the most of it! I’m praying for you as you share His message this coming weekend!
2Tim 4:1-3 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.
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