To Those Who Preach & Teach and Those Who Listen to Them

(The following is an “almost” weekly email that I send to a mentoring group that I am privileged to lead.)

• John 7:18 (NJB) When someone speaks on his own account, he is seeking honor for himself; but when he is seeking the honor of the person who sent him, then he is true and altogether without dishonesty.

Hello to all my fellow mentoring group ministers and teachers!  (And those that have to listen to us!)

 There is a time and place to speak on our own account.  When people ask me a question I will often tell them that I’d be happy to give them a response and smilingly tell them I have an opinion on almost everything.   

However, there is a world of difference between speaking “on our own account” and being sent to speak on the account of someone else.   

You know this, but let me remind you today as you are wrapping up your studies for your message/lesson tomorrow, that you are speaking on the account of Him that sent you.  You are speaking for the Lord Jesus Christ to his dearly loved Bride.  This is a great privilege and honor, but also a frightening and weighty responsibility.   

Here are a few questions to ask yourself before finalizing your presentation: 

1)     Am I clear on what exactly Jesus wants his people to know and do as a result of my message/lesson?   

• If you are not clear, trust me, your people will not be clear.
• RE: “Know and Do” – remember you are not called to just give information, you are commissioned to call people to action.

 2)     Am I faithful to the Holy Scripture and specifically, am I preaching/teaching the Holy Scripture (vs. the wisdom of men)? 

• You may be teaching from a great book, and that is not necessarily bad, however, you are not prepared until what you are teaching is grounded solidly and clearly in the Bible, not a great book or other resource.

 3)     Am I preaching/teaching in such a way that it will be interesting and applicable to the listener’s lives? 

4)     Will my listeners leave with a greater love and respect for God?  

5)     Will my listeners leave with hope?

Answering these five questions will go a long way toward being prepared to speak for Jesus Christ tomorrow.   

Blessings to you all with kindest regards, dlk