The Priority of Preaching

Aim: To appreciate preaching; and to be built up in our faith through it.

Exegesis: The message we believe must be divinely ordained. Our faith requires (vv. 14-15a) and loves (v. 15b) the preached word. The message we believe must be wholeheartedly embraced. This calls for a miracle of grace in us (vv. 16-17), and this puts the burden of responsibility on us (v. 18). The message we believe must be sovereignly administered. God has His purposes in (v. 19) and gains His people through (vv. 20-21) the gospel proclamation.

Key verse: v. 17 ''So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.''