A Godly Preacher

“You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and imposters will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” (2 Timothy 3:10-13)

The Bible is filled with warnings about false teachers, including: “Evildoers and imposters will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” We don’t want to be deceived. What should we look for?

Pastor Paul describes nine traits of a godly preacher. Young Pastor Timothy was to recognize these traits and emulate them in his own ministry.

To start, Paul mentions “my teaching, my way of life, my purpose.” First comes “teaching.” A godly preacher teaches the true Word of God—nothing more and nothing less. That godly preacher focuses on the Bible’s core message of our sin and God’s forgiveness to us in Jesus.

Second, a godly preacher applies that teaching to his own life. A godly preacher’s “way of life” reflects the message he preaches from God’s Word. In addition, his purpose is clear to all: Not to build up his own church, but to build up the kingdom of God. Not to glorify himself, but to give glory to Jesus.

Next, Paul mentions his “faith, patience, and love.” A godly preacher believes the teaching he shares. He doesn’t just encourage others to believe in Jesus. He himself believes in Jesus! A godly preacher is patient with people, gently waiting for God’s Word to work on their hearts. A godly preacher loves people and is willing to endure hardship so that others can hear the Word of God.

Finally, Paul mentions “endurance, persecutions, and sufferings.” A godly preacher doesn’t boast about his success. Instead, he endures the difficulties of life and ministry with faith in God’s promises and love for people’s souls. A godly preacher doesn’t set his heart on wealth. Instead, he embraces the persecution that comes from being a follower of Jesus. A godly preacher doesn’t preach about prosperity here on earth. Instead, he willingly faces suffering for the sake of Christ.

Learn to identify a godly preacher by his teaching, his way of life, his purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, and sufferings.

Dear Lord Jesus, don’t let my heart be drawn to false preachers who promise success and prosperity here on earth. Instead, provide godly preachers who point me to you in the midst of life’s sufferings. Amen.

Pastor Nathan