ESOCS Devotional 8 July 2023
MEMORY VERSE: ““And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people. But Herod the Tetrach, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip’s wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done.” Luke 3:18-19 KJV
TEXT: LUKE 3:15-22 (KJV)
And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not;
16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:
17 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.
18 And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people.
19 But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip’s wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done,
20 Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.
21 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,
22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
Read Yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
While the clarion call for evangelism is a necessity for all, it is however very important that those who eventually obey the call no matter how minute the stage may be, must clearly understand the objectives of the sermon for a result oriented delivery. Until the preacher understands the core essence of the sermon, he may end up wasting his time and that of the congregation without fulfilling purpose.
According to our text, John the Baptist had a clear understanding of his assignment and the message of his sermon; hence the impact was undeniable as the whole city gathered to hear him. Interestingly, Apostle Paul also detailed these objectives in his letter to Timothy. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” 2nd Tim. 3:16 (KJV). “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” 2nd Tim. 4:2. Therefore, one major objective of the sermon is to communicate doctrines. The preacher has a responsibility to relate the doctrines of Salvation through Jesus Christ, Baptism and the resurrection of the dead into eternity. Until the doctrine is clear, congregants and hearers will continue to doctor the message and exist in falsehood reflected in their character.
Another objective of the sermon is for reproof: John the Baptist in his sermon reproved Herod of his evil deeds without minding his position. The sermon is not meant to pamper wrong doings irrespective of who is concerned. The sermon is an embodiment of TRUTH, hence should reproof, rebuke and correct those who live in lies, pervert justice, practice wickedness, promote discord and destroy one another.
Additionally, the destiny of the sermon is to exhort and instruct. The preacher is meant to provide advice, counsel and encouragement to the hearers, strengthen the weak, comfort the oppressed and depressed, uplift the downtrodden and motivate the strong. The preacher is one of the best instructors. Hence, the sermon’s objective of instructing the hearers on correct and righteous living should not be neglected. No preacher should ever finish preaching without giving out instructions and direction to the listeners.
- As a preacher, clearly understand the objective of the sermon before you preach.
- Never climb the pulpit carelessly, place your eyes on the objectives.
- Do not be offended or take it personal with preachers when they by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit carryout the objective of the sermon.
- Father, thank you for your word. Grace our preachers with the right understanding to carry out the mandate of the sermon in Jesus Name, Amen.
FURTHER READING: Deuteronomy 34:1-12; Daniel 3:1-8; Acts 14:8-28
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ESOCS Devotional 8 July 2023
