In every generation, the church has faced a subtle temptation: to lean on human wisdom, cultural trends, or popular ideas instead of grounding our preaching and teaching in the Word of God. While stories, examples, and even history can sometimes provide helpful illustrations, they must never replace the authority and sufficiency of Scripture itself.
The Centrality of God’s Word
The Bible is not just another source of inspiration; it is the living Word of God (Hebrews 4:12). Paul reminded Timothy that “All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Notice Paul did not say “some Scripture,” nor did he suggest that Scripture needs to be supplemented with human opinion. Instead, the Word of God is presented as fully sufficient to guide and mature the believer.
The Danger of Substitutes
When preaching drifts away from the Bible, even with good intentions, the results can be spiritually harmful. Drawing primarily from psychology, philosophy, politics, or personal stories may capture attention, but it cannot transform hearts. Human wisdom has limits, but God’s Word carries eternal power. Paul warned against this in 1 Corinthians 2:4–5, saying his message was “not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not rest in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”
The Power of Scripture-Centered Teaching
When a pastor or teacher faithfully preaches the Bible, something supernatural takes place. The Spirit of God takes the Word of God and applies it to the hearts of those who hear. This is why Peter could confidently write, “For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God” (1 Peter 1:23). Preaching from Scripture plants seeds that bear eternal fruit.
A Call to Return to the Word
Today’s church needs men and women who will boldly proclaim, “Thus says the Lord.” It is not creativity, eloquence, or entertainment that feeds the flock, but the pure Word of God. Illustrations may help, and testimonies may inspire, but they should always serve the text—not replace it. Our authority in teaching does not come from ourselves, but from the Word that God has given.
Conclusion
In an age overflowing with voices and opinions, the people of God desperately need clear, faithful teaching from the Scriptures. To preach anything less is to deprive them of the only food that truly nourishes the soul. As Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).
Let us, then, preach and teach with confidence—not in our ideas, but in God’s perfect Word.
Cross Mission Media 