The Need for Doctrinal Preaching

Introduction:

Romans 1:16 – it is by the preaching of Christ & His gospel that God has chosen to save those who will believe the message. This message has been regarded as foolishness by the world (1 Cor. 1:21-24). The message we preach is Christ! God’s power & wisdom is made known through Christ. Salvation is for all! 1 Cor. 2:2 – Paul concentrated on the message of Jesus – salvation from sin. What is involved in preaching Christ? What is doctrinal preaching? What is the doctrine of Christ & how much should we be preaching on it?

I.      The Need for Preaching.

A.    Preaching has always played a major role in God’s methods of reaching mankind.

1.     Noah – might be the first preacher mentioned by name.

a)    2 Peter 2:5 – Peter calls him a preacher of righteousness.

2.     The great prophets of the OT were preachers.

B.    In the NT – we first read of John the Baptist – Mt. 3:1

1.     Then Jesus – Mt. 4:17

2.     All Jesus’ apostles were preachers. Mk. 16:15 – their commission.

C.     Rom. 10:13-14 – their importance cannot be overemphasized.

II.     The Need for Doctrine.

A.    Doctrine is a noun. It is defined as “teaching.”

B.    Jesus taught doctrine.  See Mt. 7:28-29; 22:33; Lk. 4:31-32.

1.     Why the astonishment? See John 7:16.

2.     No one can be converted to Christ without being instructed in the true doctrine of Christ. Mt. 28:19-20 – emphasis on 28:20.

C.     Acts 2:38-42 – the church came into existence because of the doctrine preached by Peter and apostles.  2:42 – they continued in the apostles doctrine.

D.    Christians have been freed from sin by the blood of Christ.

1.     Rom. 6:17 – in order to be freed, we had to obey the doctrine of Christ.

2.     Eph. 4:14-15. Can’t remain on the fence.

E.     Elders and preachers have been charged with upholding doctrine.

1.     2 Tim. 4:2-3; 1 Tim. 1:3; Titus 1:9.

2.     2 Jhn. 9 – why all of this is so important.

III.   There is a Need for Doctrinal Preaching.

A.    Sometimes we divide preaching content into 2 main categories:

1.     Doctrinal & practical.

2.     In reality: all preaching is doctrinal.  All preaching should be practical.

B.    But, we also need preaching that stresses the fundamentals of faith…preaching that teaches on the distinctive truths of New Testament Christianity.

C.     The need in all of this is balance. See Acts 20:27

1.     Preaching…like all other parts of worship…is serious.

Conclusion:

A.    Lk. 6:47-48 – dug deep – laid foundation on the bedrock.

B.    Lk. 6:49 – if we do not – tragedy waits.

C.     Rom. 1:16 – the message of Christ is salvation. Are you saved? Will you be saved?