For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. (2 Cor. 4:5)
About the Outreach of Proclaiming
Before thinking this post only pertains to those who preach from a pulpit, consider these truths:
1) The Apostle Paul wrote this post. He did not serve in the manner of a typical preacher in a church as we know today.
2) The word “preach” in this verse means “to proclaim after the manner of a herald” (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon). A herald brings important news — a messenger.
We have the same Good News (the Gospel) to proclaim as the Apostle Paul. — “that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared …” (1 Cor. 15:3-5)
We Proclaim a Person of Great Significance
The message we proclaim is a Person, not a creed or dogma. And, be sure to note that Person isn’t us. We’re merely the messengers. — “For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord” (2 Cor. 4:5) — We proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord, not merely as a good person or prophet.
The names attributed to this Person not only describe who He is but also point to what He did for us.
Jesus: The angel told Joseph, “you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21). This name means “Jehovah is salvation” and thus points to Him as God come in the flesh to be our Savior. This is of great significance because the death of a mere human would not satisfy the just demands of a holy God.
Christ: This name points to Jesus as the anointed One, prophesied as the Messiah who would come to carry out God’s plan of salvation (Lk. 2:11; 24:46; Jn. 11:27; 20:31; Acts 26:23). How significant that Jesus fulfilled all the prophecies pointing to the Messiah, thus substantiating His claims.
Lord: “He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.” (Col. 1:18) Certainly to be able to save and do what He said He would do, Jesus has to have full authority and power.
Is this the message we proclaim? Do we point people to Jesus Christ as Lord?
Read More in This Series:
Outreach Resources by Ministry Tools Resource Center
Amen