Kent Bailey
Clarity in the presentation of the word of God is a needed aspect regarding the aspect of knowledge of God’s truth. Consideration to our text makes certain that Paul, the Apostle of Christ, was very plain in both delivering his plenary verbally inspired message whether it be either spoken or written.
He purposely made the words that the Holy Spirit inspired him to communicate clear and understandable as a Christian, an apostle of Christ, and a preacher of the gospel. Paul was not so arrogant to think of himself to be self-sufficient. His ultimate trust was through Christ towards God, by divine inspiration; not assuming a lofty position of importance as he looked for sufficiency that came from God.
During the first century of New Testament Christianity there was confusion in the religious world found in the unbelieving Jews in addition to Jewish brethren in that of misunderstanding that the New Testament of Christ was nothing more than an inspired adjunct to the Old Testament. In our time individuals have formulated various types of false doctrines and religious systems resulting in denominations, cults, actions, and works that are contrary to the word of God; thus leading individuals into sin.
In consideration of religious misunderstanding as well as confusion there exists a need for plain instruction from the word of God. In using the term plain reference is being made to that which is unambiguous and clear. Such refers to instruction that individuals can thus understand. The preaching and teaching of the word of God needs to be addressed in such manner that no confusion will exist in the mind of the hearer resulting from the one doing the preaching and/or teaching.
There is a Need For Plain Preaching So Individuals Can Understand
Paul requested prayers from fellow Christians on his behalf that as he preached the gospel, he might make it very clear in the way he needed to speak (Col. 4:4). The gospel is designed to be understood. If the word of God is presented clearly with authority, it will be understood by those with honest hearts. Paul indicated that if people will read what he wrote them with the correct attitude, they would have the same understanding that he had (Eph. 3:1-4). Remember that God is not the author of confusion. God would have never inspired his written communication to be understood in different ways. Confusion comes from improper understanding—such does not come from truth. Therefore, the concept of unity in diversity resulting in religious division does not come from God and must be rejected (1 Cor. 14:33).
There is a Need For Plain Preaching Because the Gospel is Not Complex
Paul wrote the New Testament church at Rome that the gospel is God’s power unto salvation to all those that believe to both Jews and Greeks (Rom. 1:16-17). Without the gospel of Christ salvation would not be possible. While we must believe the gospel, repent of sins, confess Christ, and be baptized unto the remission lf sins; one could not obey the Lord and be saved by the blood of Christ if we did not learn such by the gospel. Principles of faithfulness could never be learned were it not for the gospel (Rom. 1:15,18; 2 Tim. 2:15; Rev. 2:10).
There Is A Need For Plain Preaching As A Means For Proper Motivation
A careful study of the New Testament of Christ demonstrates that God never forces alien sinners to become Christians; neither does he force Christians to remain faithful. The word of God, however, is the proper means of motivation to convict the non-Christian to obey the gospel and be saved from their alien sins, convict the fallen Christian to repent, return to the Lord and be restored to the fellowship of Christ and faithful brethren, and encourage the faithful Christian to continue in the Faith. When Christ returns in Judgment he is coming for those faithful and to execute punishment on the unconverted and those unfaithful (2 Thess. 1:8).
There is a Need For Plain Preaching to Avoid Misuse of The Scriptures
One’s knowledge of the word of God should not conclude upon learning what to do to become a Christian, thus becoming a member of the Lord’s one true church. Such knowledge is only a beginning point of proper growth and development of a life of faithfulness to God. The Christian has the responsibility of knowing and respecting the authority of Christ. There are additional concepts that must be properly learned. There are also concepts that are not authorized that we must learn and avoid in order that a proper application of truth can be followed (Col. 3:17; 2 John 9-11; Gal. 1:6-9).
There is a Need For Plain Preaching So People Will Be
Drawn to Christ And New Testament Truth, Not to Men
Those faithful men who preach and teach the truth of God must be both loved and respected for the sake of their lives and work. However, a tremendous personality as well as an amazing speaking ability does not establish truth. Only the word of God is the source of divine knowledge and authority (1 Cor. 2:1-5; 11:12-15). Certainly, it is not wrong for preachers to do their best in preaching. Neither is it sinful to be physically neat in their appearance and to develop friendliness and a pleasing personality. The crucial aspect of preaching is to direct the attention of individuals to the word of God and assist them to properly understand such—not to promote themselves.
Plain preaching will point individuals to Christ and salvation!
