The Support and Encouragement of Preachers
Categories: Sermon Outlines, Topical Sermon Outlines Tags: Sermons on EncouragementIntroduction:
1. A few weeks ago I preached a sermon to Those Who Would Be Preachers. I encouraged them to:
1) Count the Cost of taking on the challenge of Gospel preaching.
a. 2 Timothy 4:5
b. 2 Corinthians 11:23-26. see also: Rev. 1:9; Hebrews 11:32-40.
c. You will pay for the privilege of being a preacher. The currency will be:
a) Sleep, wages, family.
b) Friends, wives, persecution.
c) Labor, watching family pay, pride.
d) Illusions of ‘saintly’ brethren.
2) Consider Your Qualifications for Gospel preaching (other than character, aptitude, voice.)
a. Must be an honorable man who pays his debts. Romans 1:14-16
b. Must be like Jeremiah who could not contain. Jeremiah 20:9.
c. Must realize the responsibilities of a watchman. Ezekiel 3:17ff.
d. Must be willing to go like Isaiah. Isaiah 6:8
e. Must speak only what that Lord says like Micaiah. 1 Kings 22:14.
f. Must have a forehead harder than flint like Ezekiel. 3:4-9
3) Avoid the Pitfalls in Training for Gospel preaching.
a. ‘It can only be done one way.’
b. Not accepting help.
c. Don’t re-invent the wheel.
d. “I know more than the teacher.”
e. Don’t allow distractions. (Brotherhood problems, etc.)
f. Be willing to lose sleep.
g. Take time for recreation and catch up on sleep when appropriate.
h. Don’t quit!! Remember the frog.
4) Obtain Good Tools.
a. Buy a Bible with a genuine leather cover. Recommend wide margin (Cambridge or World) or Dickson.
b. Learn to use MSWord or WordPerfect proficiently. Learn to keyboard.
c. Get a laptop if you can afford it. A printer is a necessity. Get one that you can buy cartridges for at a local store in the middle of the night.
d. Obtain and learn to use a Bible search program.
e. Don’t waste time between classes.
f. Watch your diet. Get some exercise.
g. Start early on a filing system.
h. Start early on a library system.
5) Rewards. 2 Timothy 4:6-8; Matthew 25:14-30
2. Absolutely necessary to the work of Gospel preaching is the support and encouragement given by those of like precious faith.
1) Three men in this congregation have expressed an interest in shouldering the burden of preaching the Gospel. This is an amazing fact and opportunity.
2) There are many large churches that don’t make one in ten years. We have an opportunity to do a great deal of good through these men. How are we going to acquit ourselves?
3) Here’s what we can do.
Discussion:
I. Tell Them How You Feel About Their Decision. Hebrews 10:24
1. “Behind you all the way.”
2. “I believe in your success.”
3. “Remember the rewards.”
4. “I’ll help all I can.”
5. Paul encouraged Timothy. 2 Timothy 4:1-5
6. My heroes have always been preachers.
II. Give Them Opportunities To Serve.
1. To preach periodically. To deal with stage fright.
2. Wednesday nights might be utilized for their training.
3. They need to practice the 3 laws of learning. Repetition, repetition, repetition.
III. Prepare For Their Support.
1. 1 Corinthians 9:7-10. Worthy of support.
2. Acts 11:29. Principle: According to ability.
3. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2. Prepared beforehand.
4. We may not be able to supply all their needs but we can certainly encourage them with our generosity. 2 Corinthians 8:1-5.
5. Perhaps a loaner car, paying an unexpected expense, monthly support. Let’s prepare for it.
Conclusion:
1. We have men among us who would like to take on a very big job and they can’t do it alone.
2. They will do their part. (Do the work, seek outside support.)
3. Let us not think that just because we can’t provide all their support that we can’t do anything.
4. They are preparing to go. Let’s prepare to send them.