… he has brought to light through the preaching …
Summary: The word “preach” means to proclaim. To bring something into the light is to make it visible to others. Preaching God’s Word is to bring the truth of God to light for others to see.
One of the dangers of dissecting a text the way we do here at ThreeMinuteBible.com is that it is possible to lose sight of the larger context. In this passage, something has been brought to light through preaching. What? What has been brought to light?
Paul is a servant of God (v1 a&b) and an apostle of Jesus (v1 c). His mission is to further the faith of God’s elect (v1 d). He intends to expand their knowledge of the truth (v1 e). Not just any truth, but the truth that leads to godliness (v1 f). It is this truth that Paul brings to light.
I love the expression, “brings to light.” It is amazing, isn’t it, how many of our everyday expressions come from the Bible. This one means to bring something out where it can be seen. It means to bring attention to it. It means to examine it closely.
In the days before electricity and Edison’s light bulb, darkness was ubiquitous. At nighttime, the only light was from the stars and moon, the fire you cooked with, or a candle or small oil lamp. During the daytime, there was light from the sun. But, if you went inside a tent or a house, the light was limited.
To bring something to the light was to make it visible. Paul uses this basic fact of life to illustrate the art of preaching.
These days, the word, “preach” has a bad reputation. Modern usage commonly associates the word with sermons or giving moral advice, especially in an annoying “preachy” way. In Paul’s day, the Greek word he chose means simply to proclaim. In concept, it is like a person who brings something precious or important out of the darkness, close to the lamp, and says, “Look!”
“Look at this truth about God!”
“Look at the hope God has for you!”
“Look at God’s Son, Jesus!”
As we looked at in, “Titus 1:1 (e) — Taking Sides,” each of us makes a choice when it comes to truth. We are either on the side of truth, or we are not. Truth is bigger than we are. Putting our self first is denying truth’s importance.
To proclaim (preach) the Good News about Jesus Christ is to bring God’s truth into the light. It is to proclaim to those around us, “Look!” It is to help others see what you are showing them by explaining what it is.
Those who are on the side of truth will listen. Those who are not on the side of truth will object. They will characterize proclaiming God’s Word as moralizing or being self-righteous. But those on the side of truth will be hungry for more.
Application: Think of yourself as a flashlight in a dark world, shining light on the truth about God.
Food for Thought: How do we know who we should be preaching (proclaiming Jesus) to?
We can pray and ask the Lord to direct our paths and spend our time and resources in witness and mission as He sees fit, and in keeping with our various natural talents, abilities, spiritual gifts, and the guidance and providential opportunities He gives us.
In addition we can plan growth in knowledge and prepare ourselves for the most common questions people ask when they want to know more about the Bible, Jesus, God or a multitude of life questions people have on the many issues which have spiritual implications and dimensions.
It is a good sign when an individual expresses an interest or openness to spiritual things. If common ground for building a relationship can be found then good deeds, friendliness, kindness, or being helpful can sometimes open additional doors or present opportunities to share further or extend an offer to read a resource, watch a film, attend a Bible study, come to a worship service or just do something socially together. It seems difficult during Covid-19 to accomplish some of these things.
Bathing relationships and contacts in prayer seems like an excellent way to break through to seeing the Lord give us wisdom and understanding as to the correct manner in which to proceed in each individual circumstance.
It also is a measure of the level of grow in both grace and knowledge, as well as maturity as to the manner in which this is approached.
This is not at all to say that brand new believers can not be effective witnesses, The gospels are replete with stories of brand new believers immediately introducing, or almost immediately telling all their social and familial relationships about or bringing the to Jesus or someone else who was more intimately aquainted with Him.
Question- Are we being good conduits for the proclamation of the gospel? Does our life, deeds, attitude give off a sweet smell which is attractive to drawing others to the gospel message? Are we salt and light for Christ which honors His name?
It seems in many cases you can attract more flies with honey than with vinegar. How’s your general disposition- sour or sweet?
I just don’t smile or condone, encourage evil or wickedness when confronted with it, but this does not mean I need to be personally judgmental or condemning in my demeanor.
If doing this or being this kind of a person seems to you as impossible to you as it does to me, maybe it is just because it is so unachievable that I need the person of the Holy Spirit filling and controlling me to a greater degree in my life. I guess all of us long for more consistency in this area.
Rejoice, be thankful, pray, praise, worship, encourage, trust and obey ect, rinse and repeat.
I am interested in others thoughts, on how we know to whom, and how we should most effectively proclaim Jesus from your perspective. Thanks
Jeffrey,
You have covered the topic well. Prayer is a great place to start and finish. We cannot know hearts like God does, so treating everyone with respect and love as you suggest is wise. Thank you!
Mark 16: 15; Matthew 28: 19; 2 Timothy 4: 1 – 5.
Rich,
Thank you for the verses! 2 Tim is especially appropriate in these times:
For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
Since we are “the light”, our actions and words should proclaim the glory of our Savior to all around us. Referring to Matthew 5:13-16
Rob,
A “salt of the earth” answer! Thank you for highlighting that important point!
How do we know who we should be preaching (proclaiming Jesus) to?
Mark 16:15, And He said to them, “Go into ALL THE WORLD.
Matthew 28:19-20, 19 Therefore go and make disciples OF ALL NATIONS.
Jesus tells us there are no boundaries as we respond in faith to our calling from God. The Holy Spirit provides each with the unique gift(s), and power to respond, according to His leading and purpose with growing commitment.
The sinful Samaritan woman in John 4:28-30, 39-42,
Then the woman left her water jar, and went into the city and began telling the people, “Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done! Can this be the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed)?” So the people left the city and were coming to Him.
Many Samaritans from that city believed in Him and trusted Him because of what the woman said when she testified, “He told me all the things that I have done.” So when the Samaritans came to Jesus, they asked Him to remain with them; and He stayed there two days. Many more believed in Him because of His word and they told the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; for we have heard Him for ourselves and know that this One is truly the Savior of the world.”
The demon possessed man in Mark 5:18-20.
As He was stepping into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed was begging with Him that he might go with Him. Jesus did not let him, but He said to him, “Go home to your family and tell them all the great things that the Lord has done for you, and how He has had mercy on you.” So he went away and began to publicly proclaim in Decapolis all the great things that Jesus had done for him; and all the people were astonished.
Lydia from Thyatira in Acts 16:14-15
A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a dealer in purple fabrics who was a worshiper of God, listened to us; and the Lord opened her heart to pay attention and to respond to the things said by Paul. And when she was baptized, along with her household, she pleaded with us, saying, “If you have judged me and decided that I am faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she persuaded us.
Listen to and obey God in whatever ministry He calls us to.
Ron,
Great summation of our mission in preaching to the world!
Something that probably bears mentioning is that God tells us what to do and he also tells us what to expect. Rich mentioned Mark 16:15, “…preach the gospel to all creation.” In John 18:37 Jesus says, “Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” This suggests that some will listen and some will not. Other passages affirm this.
Thank you for your encouragement.
Great point Brother Jeff,
It is so sad to see the many choosing to turn from God and gather in these worldly camps of decay, believing in the created rather than submit to the Creator. Let the Light of Christ in us be seen by all, and praise God for each that chooses to respond to His gift of Life.
Keep up the Great Work Jeff,
Ron
👍🏻👍🏻