Preaching that transforms not just informs

"Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you” (2 Thess. 3:1-2).

In this passage we find yet again another example of Paul's dependence on intercessory prayer in order that he might accomplish the work of advancing God's kingdom. In this passage Paul specifically asked the Thessalonian believers to pray for the word of God, which he preached to have "free course" and be glorified (honored).

As I'm writing this devotional thought I'm sitting in a police vehicle at Ohare Airport guarding a gate in an area that is surrounded by run ways. Its amazing to me how many planes are landing and taking off without any problems. In order for these planes to successfully take off and land the run ways must be clear. In order for a preacher to bring his message home he must not just circle the run way, he must land the plane. He must not just preach to impart information he must preach for transformation. Too many preacher are circling the run way with information but never landing the plane and bringing the message home. Someone said that all preaching is teaching but not all teaching is preaching. A good teacher seeks to help others to comprehend a subject matter. A good preacher is preaching for a verdict.

Once again a good preacher is not just teaching to impart information but to bring about transformation. In order for this transformational preaching to take place the word preached must have "free course" or in others words the word of God must have a open runway. This open run way that makes it possible for the word of God to hit home and transform lives, is wrought by the Spirit that not only empowers the preacher but opens the heart of the hearers to receive God's word.

Paul asked others to pray for the word to have free course because he was persuaded that transformational preaching was not found in his eloquence or wisdom but in the power of God. Paul wrote, "Him (Jesus) we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me" (Col. 1:28-29).

"Considered by his peers then and now as "The Prince of Preachers," Charles Spurgeon built London's Metropolitan Tabernacle into the world's largest independent congregation during the nineteenth century. While many factors have been highlighted that help explain the effectiveness of Spurgeon's preaching, the foremost secret that empowered Charles Spurgeon was his devotion to prayer. When people would walk through the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Spurgeon would take them to the basement prayer room where people were always on their knees interceding for the church. Then Spurgeon would declare, "Here is the powerhouse of this church."

The absence of prayer from the pews can lead to a lack of power behind pulpit. This Sunday is "Friendship Sunday" at our church. Pray that God's word will be preached in the power of the Spirit and find open runways to bring many to faith in Jesus.