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The Kingdom of God projects a word to be preached and taught. This word is the message of the Kingdom which points to Christ Jesus. It is mainly centered on the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
As the word of the Kingdom is preached or taught, it is expected that people hear it, understand it and apply it or act on it. Preachers and hearers of the word bear fruit only when they understand and act on it.
This article explores some principles that can help believers understand the word of the Kingdom. There are principles for preachers and teachers of the word, on one hand, and other principles for hearers, on the other hand. This article focuses on the principles for preachers.
Diligent Study
The first principle for preaches to consider is the need to study. Yes, preachers must diligently study every topic of the word they feel led to propagate with its supporting scriptural verses.
Besides, preachers must also meditate on the Word to receive illumination which adds life to the interpretation of the word of God.
Paul, the apostle, observes that studying is necessary for rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). Rightly dividing the word of truth is rightly explaining or interpreting the Scriptures in their right contexts.
This means that a gospel minister should not rush to preach unless he has adequately prepared for it. He must have researched the topic with Scriptures, understood it himself and structured the message, paying attention to introduction, body and conclusion.
Pray For Listeners
The Lord Jesus started studying the word at age twelve (12) at the feet of the teachers of the Law (Luke 2:46). He continued to study for years until the word of the Father dwelled in Him richly.
The next thing Jesus did was to fast and pray (Matthew 4:2). Obviously, Jesus prayed for Himself and the hearers of His word. This He did before He began to preach. We know that prayer precedes most things we do in the name of God. Prayer releases the anointing of God and humbles people to hear, understand and obey God’s word.
Speak Clearly
Efficacious preaching is not necessarily shouting at the top of the voice. It is not speaking quickly or eloquently either.
Rather, it is making sure that your words are clearly heard and convincingly understood to bear fruit in the lives of people. It is making sure that your words are heard plainly and undoubtedly.
A minister who wants to be understood when preaching must pay attention to clarity of his speech. He must pronounce words correctly, pay attention to tone, control his breath and ensure precise expression of thoughts.
Explain or Avoid Big Words
A knowledgeable pastor knows that people he preaches to have different educational backgrounds. It is, therefore, important that he chooses words they all can understand.
It is, here, advised that pastors avoid big words or try to explain any big word that is used. This is to ensure that the message that is being preached is well understood and appreciated.
Engage or Hook Listeners
Preaching is often one-way communication. It is, therefore, important that pastors learn to adopt strategies that hook their hearers into the message.
First of all, pastors must encourage believers to sit down and actively listen to the message. They must also inspire members to take down notes as they hear the word being delivered.
Creating tension by way of asking questions while preaching is a valid strategy. This engages listeners as they attempt to think up answers.
Moreover, gospel ministers should learn to maintain good eye contact with their hearers when preaching. Sometimes, you may walk up to some of them or invite one or two of them into the isle for a brief demonstration or speak to them directly. This stimulates understanding of the message.
Speak by the Holy Spirit
“…those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven..,” (1 Peter 1:12).
If all Scripture came by the inspiration of God, then, all preaching or teaching of God’s word must be done by the inspiration of God. In other words, ministers must be carried along by the Holy Spirit as they open their mouths to communicate God’s word.
Man has natural abilities to speak, but the Spirit of God inspires Christ’s servants to speak at His will. And when a pastor speaks by the Holy Spirit, people receive grace to understand the message that is preached, lives transform, sin’s power breaks and changes occur.
Those who desire to be God’s spokespersons or be involved in God’s projects, therefore, must first learn to be God’s people. God’s people are those who the Spirit of God directs, inspires, controls, guides, leads and empowers.
They yield to the leading of the Spirit of God in both preparation and delivery of the message. It is not surprising that the prophets of old “preached the good news…by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven” (1 Peter 1:12).
In the Part Two, we will discuss principles that people who hear the word of the Kingdom of God must pay attention to in order to understand it.
By James Quansah
