Ten Reason to Preach the Word

by John MacArthur

Faithfully preaching and teaching the Word must be the very heart of our ministry philosophy. Any other approach replaces the voice of God with human wisdom. Philosophy, politics, humor, psychology, homespun advice, and personal opinion can never accomplish what the Word of God does. Those things may be interesting, informative, entertaining, and sometimes even helpful—but they are not the business of the church. The preacher's task is not to be a conduit for human wisdom; he is God's voice to speak to the congregation. No human message comes with the stamp of divine authority—only the Word of God. How dare any preacher substitute another message?

I frankly do not understand preachers who are willing to abdicate this solemn privilege. Why should we proclaim the wisdom of men when we have the privilege of preaching the Word of God?

With that in mind, here are ten reasons why I delight in preaching the Word of God, week after week and year after year. This is not an exhaustive list, but I trust it will encourage those ministers who read it to faithfully proclaim the Word of God to the people of God through the power of the Spirit of God. (I have expanded on each of these reasons in the book Preaching the Cross, which can be read here.)

1. Because Its Message Is Timeless and Truly Powerful

2. Because It Is the Good News of Salvation

3. Because It Sets Forth Divine Truth with Clarity and Certainty

4. Because It Stands as the Authoritative Self-Revelation of God

5. Because It Exalts Christ as the Head of His Church

6. Because It Is the Means God Uses to Sanctify His People

7. Because It Rightly Informs Our Worship and Our Walk

8. Because It Brings Depth and Balance to My Ministry

9. Because It Honors the Necessity of Personal Bible Study

10. Because It Makes My Ministry Dependent on God


Ten Reasons to Preach the Word by John MacArthur
Shepherd Fellowship Pulpit Magazine, January 29, 2009