This Sunday, we’re going to finish up the Book of 2 Timothy with chapter 4. Many feel that this chapter is the conclusion of what has been the Apostle Paul’s Last Will and Testament. While Paul has a number of personal requests of his protégé, his last command to Timothy comes in verse 2, “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.”

I don’t know what you expect to hear when you come on Sunday morning. But as one who has preached for many years, and who has taught preaching for about half that time, I’m very interested in your answer.

So, let’s play a little game. If you’re willing, please answer the following question and then print it out and bring it with you on Sunday. You don’t have to sign it (unless you want to). I’m happy for it to remain anonymous. And don’t give it too much thought, just write down the first answer that comes to mind (serious answers only, this is not the time for humorous answers). And I’ll have a shoebox in the lobby that you can drop your answer in. If you forget, I’ll have some blank question sheets for you. So here’s the question …

What Do I Expect of Preaching?

________________________

I’ll tally up the answers before the sermon and then I’ll share the results. And perhaps I’ll talk about them a little bit (of course, I’ll talk about them). It should be interesting. And part of the reason it will be interesting is because, as his last command, preaching is clearly important to the Apostle Paul. 

    What we are trying to discern (collectively) is why? 

    And how are our answers similar or different from his?

So come Sunday, bring your answer, and we’ll find out what we think about preaching. Could be fun, might be a little disconcerting, should be informative. See you there, Dr. Dave

PS –  Don’t forget to set your clocks from sunshine and happiness back to misery and despair this weekend!