A Comment Worth Remembering

by David Gibson

Something Jeff Hogan said years ago has stuck with me. The sermon that day was on some specific sin. Jeff commented that if we don’t preach on things like that, the members will think it’s OK to do them. He was right!

From time to time, we need to be reminded of what we already know (Philippians 3:1; 2 Peter 1:12). Perhaps since the last time we heard a sermon on the sin of greed, we have become enmeshed in material pursuits (Matthew 13:22; I John 2:15-17). A pointed sermon can serve as a wake-up call.
Or if we don’t know a certain activity is sinful, we need to be informed and deeply convicted so we can repent and do better.

If we’ve never been taught it’s wrong to use pornography or have sex before marriage or have an abortion or use illicit drugs or cheat on tests or use profanity, etc., then a timely lesson on the subject can educate us in a hurry! That is, if we want the truth.

“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (II Timothy 3:16-17 NASB).

Just two verses later, Paul says, “…preach the word…reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction . . .” (II Timothy 4:2).

Jeff’s comment was right on target. If we are to learn how God wants us to live, then preaching must always be a vital part of our lives.

And that’s how God designed it.