Motivation for Preaching the Gospel

Steven’s Scribbles
“Motivation for Preaching the Gospel”
Acts 8:4
    
    Shortly after Stephen was stoned to death in Acts 7, we read that there was “a great persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and they [Christians] were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria” (Acts 8:2). They just heard of their brother Stephen, who was one of the seven servants appointed in Acts 6 to care for the Hellenistic Jews, had been murdered and people like Saul of Tarsus were going through and pillaging the church. One would think that the natural reaction would be to shrink from preaching to good news. However, in verse 4 Luke reveals “Therefore, those who had been scattered went about preaching the word.” Their motivation was obviously intrinsic because every extrinsic factor was working against them. Maybe they were around to hear how Peter and the apostles stood up to the Sanhedrin and declared, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). The largest motivating factor in our life and ministry has to be the love of the Lord, the love of neighbor (Matt. 22:37-39), and the need to obey the great commission (Matt. 28:18-20). While it is not a direct parallel, the 1st century church’s attitude toward preaching and teaching remind me greatly of Amos the “minor” prophet.  During the days of the divided kingdom, Amos was sent north to preach to Israel. Amaziah, the prophet for Israel, challenged Amos. He told him, “Go you seer, flee away to the land of Judah and there eat bread and there do your prophesying! But no longer prophesy at Bethel, for it is a sanctuary of the king and a royal residence.” (Amos 7:12-13). I love Amos’ response. I think we can learn from it and have a similar attitude. “I am not a prophet, nor am I the son of a prophet; for I am a herdsman and a grower of sycamore figs. But the Lord took me from following the flock and the Lord said to me, ‘Go prophesy to My people Israel.’” (Amos 7:14-15). You might have the same mindset that Amos had, basically saying “I work with my hands, I’m not preacher.” But, if you are a Christian and you want to be obedient to God, then you must Go fulfill that great commission given to us. I love you all!


In His service,
Steven Hugley