Instructions For A Young Preacher #5

Let us go back to 1 Timothy 1:18 and retrieve a command which Paul gives to young Timothy which is very important to every young preacher. He says to Timothy that he should . . . war a good warfare.

For Timothy, this instruction was based upon the good report of Timothy by the elders of the churches and upon his being taught the word of God from his youth up. These prophecies that went before upon Timothy were good words given in regard to this diligent and sincere young preacher.

With this good reputation, Timothy is to war a good warfare. Timothy was not to please or compromise or bend as do the liberal preachers; he was to war (Greek STRATIA). This word is used for a band of soldiers, strategically gathered together to attack a certain enemy, having been trained to do so, knowing the enemy well and ready to go head-to-head with the enemy.

Too many young preachers desire to have the office of pastor or to be called a preacher or use the word Reverend with their names. These egoistic preachers are not worth their salt when they are confronted with an enemy who has readied himself for the battle and who is eager to assault and to destroy the stalwarts of Christianity.

It is fine if people admire you for your calling of God to preach the word, but it is not all right to take that with a stretched ego. An ego may be plundered as quickly as a brick falls from the third story of a building. We must all, young and old alike, as preachers be able and willing to face the oppressor, and having done all, to stand (Eph. 6:13).

Young preachers, be diligent, be ready, prepare yourselves daily for the wars of the enemy. He will come as a friend, as an opportunity, as a peer, and in many other forms to trick you. Satan is ready to plunder the work of the Lord when possible, and we are not ignorant of his devices (2 Cor. 2:11).

In order to be ready for this battle, a young preacher must remember that his calling is for life, not for a number of years. He must remember that his commitment needs continual spiritual growth and much practice. He must remember that there is no quitting this job; it is for good.

Training may be received by your pastor and other good teachers of the word of God along with the examples of good pastors and dedicated Christians. A structured education is important, so attending a good Baptist college is a great way to get that structure.

A good warfare is one that is worth fighting. We must select our battles well and have a strategy to win them. We are fighting against the world, the flesh, and the devil; and they are not easy opponents to beat. But with God's help and our preparation, we can win, and we will win in the end.