The Word Preaches Itself

I have a phrase that I’ve used quite a bit over the last few years. I’m sure it’s not original to me, but still I have adopted it: “The Word preaches itself, and I just try to not get in the way of it.” Our pastor, Dr. Euler has made similar statements throughout the years, such as “The Bible is always truer than my (or anyone’s) preaching of it.” The point is that I should only be concerned with explaining what the Bible says and what the Bible means when I am teaching it to others.

A paragraph I read recently from Scripture works exactly this way. I could not say it any better than Scripture, so I will simply copy it here. It is what Samuel said to his congregation (he was a prophet in Israel) when they needed a word from him:

“Do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. And do not turn aside; for then you would go after empty things which cannot profit or deliver, for they are nothing. For the LORD will not forsake His people, for His great name’s sake, because it has pleased the LORD to make you His people. Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way. Only fear the LORD, and serve Him with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.” (1 Samuel 12:20-24)

See what I mean? What else could I possibly add to that? And I certainly wouldn’t dare remove anything from it. What Samuel says here is exactly what I want to say to the teens of Grace Baptist Church: I urge you to follow the LORD, serve Him only, don’t chase empty things, you are God’s hand-picked people and He cannot/will not disappoint, consider how great He is. And oh by the way, while you’re doing all of those things, I will not stop praying for you while I teach you the only way worth living.