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Foolishness Of
Preaching
Welcome to Equipped To Preach! I am excited about what God will do through those who commit to learn how to preach His Word. God has chosen to use preaching as the primary method of spreading the Gospel message, eternal truth and sound doctrine.
As you begin this journey you should take some time to consider the words of the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 1:18-31. There Paul reveals that there is power in preaching, but there is also a foolishness in preaching.
For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. –1 Corinthians 1:21 (NKJV)
We know the reality is that the Word of God is not foolishness, but Paul is saying that the world considers it foolish. And you will often feel foolish in proclaiming the Word of God. This is a truth that you must accept. You must be prepared to get over yourself. You must be prepared to make a fool of yourself.
Foolish Thoughts
One of the reasons we have to deal with foolishness is the great danger of being too afraid to look foolish to people. We become consumed with what others will think about us. Fear of looking foolish will hold you back from preaching, learning and growing in it. This pride will limit the power of your preaching. Resolve now to humble yourself!
Foolish Mistakes
Another reason we have to deal with foolishness is the fear of making mistakes. Making mistakes is part of learning and growing. Every one of us will make mistakes, but the amazing thing is that God can use us even in our mistakes! Every disciple, apostle, pastor, teacher, evangelist and preacher makes mistakes. Resolve now to be willing to make mistakes!
Foolish Simplicity
The final reason we have to deal with foolishness is the mental battle regarding simplicity. You will think, “Everyone knows this and has heard this before.” And then you will try to come up with something clever and new. The pressure to come up with something new will hinder you. Preaching is simple truth presented simply. The objective is to bring clarity, not to impress people. Resolve now to proclaim the simple truth!
1 Corinthians 1:26-29, (NKJV)
26For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. 27But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; 28and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, 29that no flesh should glory in His presence.