What Would You Preach?

It is often easy to critique the efforts of others, especially preachers, about what they choose to speak from the pulpit. Some might say, “I wish he wouldn’t preach on that because it doesn’t do any good.” However, preaching is not about appeasing opinions or avoiding offense—it is about declaring the truth of God’s Word. Paul reminds us, “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and exhort, with great patience and instruction” (2 Timothy 4:2, NASB). The goal is not popularity but faithfulness to the message of Christ.

What would you preach if you were tasked with standing before others to proclaim God’s truth? Let’s consider some key topics that every preacher should address and why they matter.

Would You Preach God’s Plan to Save?

The gospel of salvation is the central message of the New Testament. Paul declared, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16, NASB). Yet, some avoid preaching God’s plan for salvation because they fear it won’t “do any good” or worry about offending listeners who reject the idea of repentance, baptism, or obedience.

God’s plan involves both faith and works. James writes, “You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone” (James 2:24, NASB). This plan includes repentance: “Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away” (Acts 3:19, NASB), and baptism: “Baptism now saves you…not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience” (1 Peter 3:21, NASB). Preaching the gospel is vital, even if some resist it, because it is the means by which souls are saved.

Would You Preach That Christ Built One Church?

Another vital topic is the singular nature of the church that Jesus established. Jesus Himself declared, “I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it” (Matthew 16:18, NASB). Notice that Jesus said, “My church,” not “My churches.” The church is one body united under Christ, as Paul wrote: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you also were called in one hope of your calling” (Ephesians 4:4, NASB).

Some may be offended by this message, claiming, “One church is as good as another.” However, preaching the truth about the unity and distinctiveness of Christ’s church is essential. To ignore it is to deny Christ’s authority as the head of His body (Colossians 1:18). It is not about preference but obedience to God’s Word.

Would You Preach on Godly Living?

Many shy away from preaching on godly living because it is often met with resistance or anger. Messages addressing issues like drinking, gambling, lying, or immoral behavior can be uncomfortable, but they are necessary. Paul exhorts believers to live differently: “Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship” (Romans 12:1, NASB).

Preaching on godly living is not about judgment but transformation. It calls believers to reflect Christ in their actions and to pursue holiness: “Be holy yourselves also in all your behavior” (1 Peter 1:15, NASB). While it may not always be popular, it fulfills the preacher’s responsibility to guide others in their walk with God.

The Benefits of Preaching the Truth

Some may argue that preaching the truth on difficult subjects “does no good,” but the Bible reveals the contrary. Faithful preaching achieves several important outcomes:

It Exalts the Truth: Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32, NASB). Truth has the power to liberate and transform lives.
It Opposes Error: James instructs, “My brothers and sisters, if anyone among you strays from the truth and someone turns him back, let him know that the one who has turned a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death” (James 5:19-20, NASB). Preaching combats false teachings and redirects people to God.
It Warns Those in Need: Ezekiel was told to warn the people, or he would bear responsibility for their sin (Ezekiel 3:18). Similarly, preaching warns listeners of the consequences of rejecting God’s truth.
It Strengthens the Body of Christ: Paul reminded the Ephesians, “And He gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-12, NASB). Preaching edifies and equips believers.
It Fulfills Our Responsibility: Jude exhorts, “Contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all time handed down to the saints” (Jude 3, NASB). Preaching truth fulfills our obligation to uphold and defend the gospel.

Conclusion: Preach the Word

Preaching is not about pleasing people or avoiding offense. It is about declaring God’s truth and guiding others toward salvation. Paul’s charge to Timothy applies to every preacher today: “I solemnly exhort you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and exhort, with great patience and instruction” (2 Timothy 4:1-2, NASB).

No matter the topic—whether God’s plan for salvation, the unity of the church, or godly living—faithful preaching will always do good. It exalts truth, opposes error, and strengthens the body of Christ. Let us never be ashamed of the gospel, for it is “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16, NASB). May we proclaim it boldly, trusting God to accomplish His purposes through His Word.