The Providence of Preaching  

So far in this reading plan, we’ve looked at hearing God speak through His Word and during times when we stay still before Him and pray. Well, we’re now going to look at hearing God speak in another way – through His providence of preaching.

Now, the idea of preaching – someone getting up and teaching what’s in the Bible – seems like a pretty old-fashioned concept. Pretty dull. And the other problem with it is, let’s be honest, there’s quite a lot of bad preaching going around.

It’s sad, but it’s true. And it’s nothing new. This is how Luke records the reaction of people listening to Jesus preaching:

“He went down to Capernaum, a city in Galilee, and was teaching them on the Sabbath. They were astounded at his teaching, because he spoke with authority.” (Luke 4:31-32)

In other words, Jesus’ teaching was not the sort that they’d been hearing down at their local synagogue from the religious establishment. 

Does that mean good preaching is all hype and motivation, about success and earning a lot of money? No! Good preaching speaks the things of God into our lives. Good preaching is centred on the cross of Christ, the coming of the kingdom of God. 

Good preaching glorifies God and brings us into glad submission to His will.

The people who listened to Jesus were amazed because He spoke with authority. They knew that this was the truth that they were hearing. As He Himself put it:

“I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me.” (John 10:14)

When someone preaches and the Spirit moves in your chest, you can hear a familiar voice – a voice you recognise. You just know that you’ve heard the voice of God.

Friend, God is speaking today. Inspired, anointed, Christ-centred, Spirit-filled preaching and teaching is one of the ways we hear from God. It’s powerful, and through it, God can target needs and issues in our lives with pinpoint accuracy. 

So let me encourage you to seek that sort of teaching and preaching in your life. Not the stuff that entertains you or tickles your ears and tells you what you want to hear, but the sort that tells God’s truth with power and authority. It is God’s providence for you and for me. It will change your life. Hallelujah!

LIFE APPLICATION QUESTIONS

• When was the last time you listened to someone preach and recognised the voice of your Good Shepherd in their words? 
• Here’s a test: Next time you listen to someone preach, ask yourself, "Did this message build my faith or erode it? Did it lead me to the cross and the kingdom of God, or was it simply what I wanted to hear?"
• Spend some time in prayer with God, and make a point of asking Him to direct you toward preachers and teachers that He has anointed… and then follow where He leads! 
• Next time you’re in church or listening to a preacher online, take a moment and ask God to reveal His truth to you as you listen. You might be surprised at what He shows you!