HOMILETICS 5 (PERIL OF THE PREACHER).
The preacher, his life and work is associated with perils.
It is well known fact that perils are attendant on privilege. The greater the privileges, the greater the perils.
Many think that a preacher is living in an atmosphere where little or no temptation can enter to mar or dim his light. Though his life may appear to be as secluded as a walled garden, yet it is not what it appears to be. The preacher is always at the peril of losing his spirituality, his power, his vision, his usefulness and his life for God.
The perils the preacher is exposed are as follows:
A. OF UNDUE FAMILIARITY WITH DIVINE THINGS.
When a preacher, who constantly handles divine things, loses the spirit of humble and reverential awe in the presence of the holy and glorious God whom he serves, he is in great peril of being set aside as not worthy any longer to serve the living and true God. (Lev. 10:1-3, 1 Thess. 1:9)
B. OF INCONSISTENT LIVING.
It is tragic to point the way to others and yet not walk in the way oneself. This was the sin Christ charged the Pharisees. The mere holding and teaching of correct doctrine is not equivalent of correct living. He who thinks he stands should take heed lest he falls. (1Timothy 4:12, Titus 2:7, Tom 2:24). Immorality and other sin are common to preachers.
C. OF NEGLECTING ONE’S OWN SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT.
It is possible to guide others to the king’s garden and yet remain outside the gate yourself. A preacher may wax eloquent on the fabulous riches of the Lord’s treasury, and yet is poverty stricken in his spiritual life. The preacher must read, mediate and study of God’s word for his personal spiritual growth and not for sermon development. Many preachers neglect their personal spiritual growth.
D. OF UNCONCERNED TO THE NEED OF OTHERS.
Just like a doctor can become hardened to the suffering of his patients the preacher can loose his capacity for compassion and become callous to the pitiable spiritual and physical needs of others. It is dangerous when a preacher cannot appreciate and sympathize with suffering humanity.
E. OF COMPROMISE.
The danger of compromise arise when the preachers refuses to frankly and honestly face the unpleasant situations, truths and duties. The tact of diplomacy adopted destroys the truth at the altar of comprise. The happens either in relation to the preacher’s life or the life of others and the ministry of the word. The preacher must be courageous to stand and uphold to the truth.
F. OF POPULARITY.
The problem of fame is also a peril to preachers. The lure of the limelight and the courting of praises of men have ruined a lot preacher. The desire for popularity provides a fertile breading ground for the train evils of envy and jealousy. God cannot share his glory with any man. many preachers have sacrificed their spiritual power on the altar of secular popularity and lived to regret his abysmal folly. The preacher must take heed and beware lest, over exposure to the approval of men blind him to the supreme importance of the approval of God.
G. OF PROFESSIONALISM.
There is the danger that a preacher may become austere and intolerant of friendly critics, and resent needed correction, and even good advice from those in the position to give it. Such a one imagines that because he has been wholly engaged in God’s work over a period of years, he is now beyond the possibility of criticism from colleagues or ordinary Christians.
Preaching can easily become a perfunctory affair while God is left behind.
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FF
Sadly...I think we can see this across America in a lot of churches!