Now
a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in
the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. (Acts
18:24)
If an arrow is aimed in the right direction, it is
more likely to hit its target. A good
beginning as a young man in ministry does not insure a great ending, but it
surely helps. Apollos was one who was aimed
the right way, and what a difference it made in him and those he served. There are a few brief helps drawn from his
story in Acts 18 which can guide the young preacher.
Develop
your communication skills.
Apollos was “an eloquent man.” While it might be a few exceptional
preachers that are worthy of the description, “eloquent,” we must aim at least at being effective! Pronouncing words clearly, the cadence of the
voice, eye contact, and such may not come naturally to us, but we can work at
it and improve. The best sermon poorly
delivered will be a waste of your time in preparation and the congregation’s in
attendance.
Immerse
yourself in Scripture and expound it. Apollos was “mighty in the Scripture…instructed in the way of the Lord… he spoke
and taught accurately….” Believe it
and apply it every day. Feed your soul
or you will not be able to feed your sheep.
This is more than preparing a sermon; it is preparing the servant—being strong
in Scripture in our own personal life, so we can speak with authority in the
pulpit. The mandate is to, “Preach the Word!” (2 Tim.4:2) We are
not to impose our opinions on the text.
That is pastoral malpractice! Impressive
communication can never substitute for inspired content.
Preach
passionately.
Apollos was, “fervent in spirit.” Why should our audience be excited about
the sermon if we are not? This isn’t
just about volume, but we are not giving a classroom lecture on Bible history
or theology. We are enthusiastically
proclaiming the truth that will transport one from darkness into light, and
transform sinners into saints! That is
something to get stirred up about!
Preach
courageously. Apollos
spoke, “boldly,” because he spoke
Biblically. The temptation these days is to skirt the tough issues and make the
message palatable to the culture. Open
the Book and open your mouth, speaking with clarity and conviction.
Listen
and learn all your life.
A godly old couple, Aquila and Priscilla “took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.” Apollos knew a lot, but he did not know it
all. He was not an arrogant man, but a
teachable preacher. He knew how to talk,
but he also knew how to listen. You
cannot teach someone who knows it all!
One thing a young preacher assuredly does not have is experience. There are lessons learned in the laboratory
of life that older, wiser lay people and elderly pastors can teach us. Our peers are important, but our elders are
indispensable. The white-headed men in
suits need to help the spikey-haired men in jeans! The church needs both.
Exhort
the saints and exalt the Savior. Apollos “greatly
helped those who had believed.” Exhortation
is giving people a pat on the back or a kick in the rear, depending on which is
needed to move them along, with the discernment to know which is
applicable. Above all keep the focus on
Jesus, “showing from the Scriptures that
Jesus is the Christ.” Apollos set
that standard for us to emulate. The
ministry is about Jesus and not about us!
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