The work of a preacher is an often misunderstood subject. Below are some Biblical insights as to what inspiration says is the work of a preacher.

Preach the Word
The word preacher, or herald, as found in our Greek New Testament is KERUX. Notice what the Linguistic Key to the Greek New Testament by Fritz Rienecker and Cleon Rogers (page 619) has to say about this word:

He was someone who had important news to bring. He often announced an athletic event or religious festival, or functioned as a political messenger, the bringer of some news or command from the king's court. He was to have a strong voice and proclaim his message with vigor without lingering to discuss it. The herald's most important qualification was that he faithfully represent or report the work of the one by whom he had been sent. He was not to be "original" but his message was to be that of another.

With this in mind there is no misunderstanding what Paul expected from Timothy when he told him to "Preach the word" (2 Tim. 4:2). The word preached by him was to be pure, free of defect and damage. It was not to be a substitution, nor was it to be full of rhetoric but have the substance and density of God's holy word. Upon hearing this message, it was to satisfy man's hungry soul-not just upon hearing it, but long afterward as well. Yes, the gospel Timothy preached was to be the "whole counsel of God" (Acts 20:27).

So the preacher today proclaims that same message, a first century sermon in 2006.

Bring the Brethren to Remembrance
Who does not like to hear sermons that set us on fire? That stimulate us in active service for the Lord? That arouse and excite our intellect toward godly things? That lift and edify our very soul? That energize in such a way we can take on any problem that Satan may hurl at us? In view of this point, not all sermons are designed for this specific purpose, though that is the desire of every preacher.

Of the many things Paul told Timothy to do, one of them was to remind the brethren. Paul told him, "Of these things put them in remembrance." Young Timothy was to repeat in the ears of his listeners things they had already heard, "that they strive not about words to no profit" (2 Tim. 2:14). Paul even charged Titus to do the same-"Put them in mind [remembrance]" (Tit. 3:1). Did not the apostle Paul know, like some brethren think today, that a repeated subject means the end of a preacher's career?

The mature Christian, when hearing a repeated subject, listens attentively. To him it seems that hearing it again from God's holy word is much sweeter each time. The full grown Christian is also aware that there are visitors who have never heard this wonderful message before. The Christian knows that his excitement toward this message can lead them to Christ, though the mature Christian has heard it before.

So the preacher, for one reason or another, causes the brethren to remember things they already know and have heard many times before.

Reprove, Rebuke, and Exhort
We live in a fantastic age. In the United States, technology is at its height. If Paul were here and speaking to Timothy on his cell phone, he would have probably said, "When you come, bring with you my CD's but especially my lap top." Making use of these things to communicate the gospel with others would have been first nature to Paul. Though neither Paul nor Timothy is with us today, these mediums of communication are. Sending and receiving information that may or may not be true is accessible to all. Religiously speaking, many of the people we reach out to in our community have already been greatly influenced through this technology. Consider the world wide web. It has become that easy and that wide spread by many religious groups who communicate their "gospel." And the preacher wonders why he has such a hard time convincing others.

In this present age, now more than ever, the preacher must "reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine" (2 Tim. 4:2). The time has come; people are not putting up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their "itching ears" want to hear (2 Tim. 4:3-4).

So the preacher brings to light the error in doctrine. He sharply reprimands false teachers with their false teachings. He instructs and leads the misguided into paths of righteousness. He lifts up the weak, disheartened, and those who are ready to give up with a kind, forbearing, and patient heart (2 Tim. 2:24-25).

By no means is this an exhaustive list of the preacher's duty and responsibility, but it is sufficient in giving us a better understanding of his work. God bless those who preach and teach God's word!