Cowper on Paul on Preaching (2)
And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. 1 Corinthians 2.4, 5
Let’s recall William Cowper’s view of preaching and the role it must play among the flocks of God:
I say the pulpit, in the sober use
Of its legitimate peculiar powers,
Must stand acknowledged, while the world shall stand,
The most important and effectual guard,
Support, and ornament of virtue’s cause. (The Task)
In his preaching and teaching, Paul did not rely on wordsmithery, but on the demonstration of the Spirit and power of God. I take this to mean that the Word of God was the primary content of his preaching and teaching. Perhaps this meant reading long passages with much cross referencing and proof texting, which, Paul knew, is how the Spirit teaches (1 Cor. 2.12, 13). The Word, being from the Spirit, engages His power, for the Word is itself the power of God. That Paul depended primarily on the Scriptures is clear from other places in Acts (Acts 20.21; 28.23) as well as from his epistles. He did not ignore matters of grammar and style, but he did not rely on these to persuade his hearers. He let the Word and Spirit do their convicting, converting, transforming, and edifying work.
But he was also aware of each particular flock to whom he ministered the Word. He wanted the flocks he fed to feel the awesome sense of privilege, responsibility, and duty that comes with the ministry of the Word, whether in the delivering or the hearing of it. Paul understood his task as a preacher to be connecting the flocks of God with their Good Shepherd, so that He could feed and direct each one according to his station or need.
The context of preaching is always before the Lord, unto His flocks, and for His glory. We shall look more closely at these and other aspects of the context of preaching over the next several installments in this series.
Resources for being and making disciples
Dr. Mike McQueen explains the keys to making disciples who propagate the Gospel in our Pastor to Pastor podcast. This week we’re discussing the importance of abiding in Christ. Listen in by clicking the link at the top of this page.
Other columns of interest: This week: In our ReVision column we consider Paul’s view of the hope for the church, especially churches that are struggling. Our Read Moore podcast is working through the book, The Kingdom Turn. In our Crosfigell teaching letter, we are looking into the state of pastors and churches during the period of the Celtic Revival, using contemporary witnesses. And in our daily Scriptorium column we are working through the gospel of Matthew. Click here to see all the other columns and writers available to you.
The Ailbe Bookstore: For a fuller development of William Cowper’s view of Paul on preaching, order a free copy of our book, An Essay on Preaching, by clicking here. And, while you’re at The Ailbe Bookstore, download a free copy of our book, Pray for Your Church.
Resources for Shepherds: How do the life and work of your church compare with what we see in the New Testament and the early Church? Watch this brief video, then download the ReThinking Church Appraisal Tool.
From the Celtic Revival
State of the Churches in the Time of the Celtic Revival: Gaul
Watch, for the sea is stormy and whipped up by fatal blasts, for it is not a solitary threatening wave such as, even across a silent ocean, is raised to overweening heights into the ever-foaming eddies of a hollow rock, though it swells from afar, and drives sails before it while Death walks the waves, but it is a tempest of the entire element, surging indeed and swollen upon every side, that threatens shipwreck of the mystic vessel: thus do I a fearful sailor, dare to cry. Watch, for water has now entered the vessel of the Church, and the vessel is in perilous straits.
– Columbanus, Letter to Pope Boniface
“So you, son of man: I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore you shall hear a word from My mouth and warn them for Me.”
– Ezekiel 33.7
It seemed to Columbanus that the priests and bishops of Gaul, who were pressuring him to conform to their authority, were failing in their calling. God had appointed them to watch over His flock for their wellbeing. Instead, by their worldly lifestyles, they were encouraging a lackadaisical faith among the people in their care. The waters of worldliness were washing over the decks of the Church, and “the mystic vessel” was in danger of sinking.
The apostle Paul calls all believers to “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.” That’s a tall order, but we must not fail in fulfilling it. God watches over us in all our watching over ourselves and others. By His grace and strength, we can do whatever He commands.
Read the entire article by clicking here.
Resources from the Celtic Revival (ca. 430-800 AD)
It’s March, and soon it will be St. Patrick’s Day. Get ready for it now by going to The Ailbe Bookstore to check out these free resources on the great 5th-century missionary to Ireland:
Patrick: A Devotional History
Let the saint speak to you in his own words for 30 days and discover what made him tick.
The Legacy of Patrick
See how the impact of Patrick’s ministry can inspire and direct us today.
T. M. Moore
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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
