Note.—Every one, therefore, who preaches the word aright, will preach Christ. Paul, who faithfully preached God's word, said he was determined not to know (i.e., to make known) anything “save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” 1 Cor. 2:2. Jonathan Edwards was once asked by a young minister what he thought of a sermon he had just preached. “It was a very poor sermon, indeed,” said Mr. Edwards. “Why?” asked the young minister. “Because,” said Mr. Edwards, “there was no Christ in it.” All the great truths of the Scriptures center in Christ. Rightly understood, all lead to Him. Christ, therefore, should be presented in every discourse as the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end, of the great plan of salvation.
10. How does God expect His ministers to preach the word?
“He that hath My word, let him speak My word faithfully.” Jer. 23:28.
11. How did Christ present the truth to the people?
“And with many such parables spake He the word unto them, as they were able to hear it.” Mark 4:33.
Note.—Ministers should learn to adapt their labors to those for whom they labor—to meet the people where they are.
12. What rule for teaching doctrine is laid down in the Bible?
“For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little.” Isa. 28:10.
13. How should the servant of God labor?
“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth.” 2 Tim. 2:24, 25.