Surely the ways of the Lord are
marvelous, and who is sufficient to be His counselor or to know
His purpose and workings in the earth? O the depth of the riches
both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are
His judgments and His ways past finding out! This is nowhere
demonstrated any more clearly than in his determined purpose
to bring the truth of his word to men through the instrumentality
of preaching by fallible men. He had the whole pantheon of
elect angels at his disposal, which he could have sent into
the world, declaring his word without any mixture of error
or weakness. Yet it pleased him to raise up
fallen creatures and endue them with power to declare the unsearchable
riches of Christ. No man is, of himself, fit for
this task, nor do any possess the natural ability to perform
it according to his grand design. Yet he is pleased to use those
whom he calls to deliver his truth in no uncertain terms and
to unapologetically declare the name of Christ in the earth.
Often the terms preaching and teaching are used interchangeably
in the minds of men, yet there is indeed a difference between
the functions of both as we see set forth in the scriptures.
The Lord Jesus is, of course, the great preacher and teacher,
who is the model of all those who would follow in his steps.
The word, which is translated as teaching, means literally
to learn, which, of course, is related to instruction in righteousness. One must be familiar with the
scriptures in order to be a faithful teacher, since such involves
setting forth the doctrines that are taught there. even as we
see Paul's exhortation to Timothy. But continue thou in the things
which thou hast learned and hast been assured of. All scripture
is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all
good works. Paul speaks of this same function
to Timothy as he encourages him to instruct the saints. And the
things that thou hast heard of me among witnesses, the same
commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others
also. For the Lord shall equip and
raise up men to perform this task of the instruction of the
saints in every age. Many have made the mistake of
thinking that it is possible to instruct men to enter the
kingdom of God, or that by human reason and carnal repetitions
of doctrine that they can enhance the understanding of those whom
they would instruct. This was the error of the Jews
who relied upon their traditions and learning. Unless the Lord
is pleased to apply this instruction to the heart, giving a man a
love for it, such teaching is in vain, regardless of its depth
and breadth. This teaching of the word of
God is only profitable for those who have been given eyes to see
and ears to hear. While any man can be instructed,
only those who have been born again can see the kingdom of
God. It is foolish for a man to rely
upon mere doctrine, regardless of the lips which may speak that
instruction. Preaching, on the other hand,
is quite a different endeavor, even though there is some overlap
between the function of teaching and that of preaching. Whereas
teaching is primarily concerned with instruction, preaching is
a proclamation or declaration of the Kingdom of God, primarily
in the exaltation of our Redeemer King. Preaching is not primarily
concerned with the breadth of Bible doctrine, but rather the
heralding of the work of Christ and recounting his triumphs primarily
in that redemptive work which he accomplished by his death,
burial, resurrection, and ascension. Whereas teaching is concerned
with a myriad of doctrines and practices related to the life
of the saints, preaching is solely concerned with declaring Jesus
Christ and Him crucified. It is impossible to preach the
gospel of the kingdom apart from that message. Preaching is a
mysterious exercise and has nothing at all to do with eloquence or
the intellectual prowess and study of the man whom the Lord
is pleased to send. He is able to raise up the stones
of the earth to bring praise to His name. and He often does. And how shall they preach, except
they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful
are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring
glad tidings of good things. May Christ alone be exalted.