Preach the Word - Part II - The Charge of Preaching

First of all, let us notice the CHARGE of preaching in verses 1-2. Paul says, "I charge you...preach the word."

Preaching is a charge. It is a command. The first person verb in verse 1 ("I charge you...") is the Greek word diamarturomai. It is a powerful word. It refers to a solemn charge that is attached to a binding duty. The verb indicates that preaching is a command of God.

Also, note that the verb in verse 2 ("preach") is in the imperative mood, which means that it is a command, a charge. This imperative verb is from the Greek word kerusso, which means to proclaim or to herald.

So then, here is Paul's meaning. He is solemnly charging Timothy to proclaim the Word of God. In other words, preaching is not an option for the Christian. It is a command. In fact, it is the command of God for the gospel minister.

Sometimes, "Christian" writers and speakers will say something clever like this, "Our message never changes, but our method changes." In some ways, this sounds extremely wise, and in some ways, this is true.

If, for example, "methods" include the style of music, then it would be true that the style of music may change, even though the message must remain the same. However, if "methods" include the act of preaching, then this would be a perversion of Scripture. For the Scriptures prescribe the method for the minister to communicate God's truth. The method for the message is preaching.

Furthermore, according to the Bible, preaching is the method that is best accommodated for the message of the gospel. Thus, the phrase "preach the word" is a charge. If we do not begin here, then nothing else will make sense to the reader. This is a foundational teaching of Scripture.