Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

ABSTRACT

This article explores the sacred responsibility of ministers to present God’s word with sincerity, focusing on eternal truths while avoiding human traditions, sensationalism, and nonessential debates. It emphasizes the importance of preaching the unadulterated gospel to foster spiritual growth and salvation, supported by scripture and Sr. White’s writings.

SACRED DUTY TO PREACH TRUTH

Ministers of the gospel have a sacred duty to present the word of God with sincerity and earnestness. They must refrain from promoting their own opinions, traditions of men, or sensational stories that appeal to emotions rather than truth. Gospel Workers highlights that we are to preach with a focus on eternal truths that impact both the present and future well-being of our congregations (Gospel Workers, p. 147, 1915). This duty ensures the message remains pure, guiding us toward salvation. Supporting this, 1 Timothy 4:16, KJV, states, “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” Likewise, Titus 1:9, KJV, urges, “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.” Sr. White further emphasizes, “The minister who is called of God to preach the gospel is to present the truth in its simplicity” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 229, 1911). Additionally, she writes, “The work of the ministry is to present the truth, not to follow the traditions of men” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 528, 1889). By adhering strictly to God’s word, we fulfill our role as conduits of divine truth, ensuring the message remains untainted by human biases or trivial interpretations. How can we avoid the traditions of men that weaken the gospel’s power?

DANGERS OF HUMAN TRADITIONS

The Bible warns against teaching the traditions of men, which often lead to superficial faith that lacks a firm foundation in scripture. Paul’s exhortation in 2 Timothy 4:3-5 emphasizes the danger of turning aside to myths and fables, which only serve to tickle the ears rather than edify the soul. Similarly, Colossians 2:8 cautions against being led astray by human philosophy and empty deceit that are rooted in the traditions of men rather than Christ. Scripture affirms this in Galatians 1:6-7, KJV, which warns, “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.” Additionally, Matthew 15:9, KJV, declares, “But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Sr. White reinforces this principle by stating, “The minister must not mingle his own ideas with the truth, for this leads to confusion” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 441, 1905). She also writes, “We are to stand firmly for the truth, unmoved by human traditions” (Selected Messages, Book 1, p. 202, 1958). These warnings guide us to focus on Christ-centered truth, avoiding distractions that weaken faith. What role does scripture play in keeping our teachings pure?

AVOIDING SENSATIONALISM IN PREACHING

The allure of sensational stories and fanciful interpretations is a significant challenge for modern ministers. These elements may capture the imagination and stir emotions, but they fail to provide the solid spiritual nourishment that we need. Gospel Workers stresses that we must avoid delivering flowery discourses filled with words that lack meaning, presenting the gospel in a way that is both accessible and transformative (Gospel Workers, p. 169, 1915). This approach ensures the message resonates with everyday experiences. Reinforcing this, 1 Corinthians 2:4-5, KJV, states, “And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” Similarly, 2 Corinthians 4:5, KJV, affirms, “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.” Sr. White advises, “The gospel is to be presented in its purity, free from sensationalism” (Evangelism, p. 130, 1946). She further notes, “Ministers must preach Christ and Him crucified, not fanciful theories” (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, p. 118, 1923). By focusing on the gospel’s transformative power, we avoid spiritual shallowness and provide lasting nourishment. How can we ensure our preaching remains grounded in scripture’s truth?

FOCUS ON ETERNAL TRUTHS

Ministers must resist the temptation to dwell on nonessential matters that do not contribute to the spiritual edification of their audience. Gospel Workers provides examples of trivial issues, such as debates over praying with eyes open or removing shoes in worship, which distract from the gospel’s central message (Gospel Workers, p. 313, 1915). Instead, we are encouraged to concentrate on the great truths of God’s word that have eternal significance. Supporting this, Hebrews 12:2, KJV, urges, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Likewise, John 17:17, KJV, declares, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” Sr. White writes, “The great truths of the Bible are to be the focus of our teaching” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 40, 1900). She also states, “We are to lift up Jesus, presenting the truth that saves” (The Desire of Ages, p. 820, 1898). By adhering to Christ’s teachings, we guide the community toward a deeper relationship with God. What are the essential truths that should shape our preaching?

FULFILLING THE DIVINE CALLING

The role of a gospel minister is not to entertain or provoke emotional responses through sensationalism or speculative doctrines but to present the truth of God’s word with clarity, sincerity, and a deep sense of responsibility. We must avoid the pitfalls of preaching personal opinions, traditions of men, or engaging in debates over nonessential matters that do not contribute to spiritual growth. This calling is supported by 1 Peter 4:11, KJV, which states, “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” Additionally, Acts 20:27, KJV, affirms, “For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.” Sr. White emphasizes, “The minister’s duty is to preach the word, not to follow human fancies” (Gospel Workers, p. 315, 1915). She further writes, “The truth must be presented with divine power to transform lives” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 60, 1901). By staying true to the gospel’s core message, we fulfill our divine calling to be voices of truth in a world clouded by confusion and error. How can we ensure our message remains impactful and pure?

2 Timothy 2:15, KJV: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into the truths of God’s word, allowing them to shape my character and priorities?

How can we adapt these eternal truths to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from seasoned church members to new seekers, without compromising theological accuracy?

What are the most common misconceptions about preaching God’s word in my community, and how can I gently but effectively correct them using scripture and the writings of Sr. White?

In what practical ways can our local congregations become more vibrant beacons of truth, living out the reality of God’s word as a testimony to His transformative power?