Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. (1 Timothy 4:16 NKJV)
The preacher who departs from sound doctrine—in his preaching or his lifestyle—should fear for his soul. That course leads to the abyss. What is more dreadful is that due to his responsibility in leading the flock, he directs other precious souls to hell with him. No matter the profession such a preacher has made in the past, the Scriptural sermons, or apparent fruit from his ministry, his failure to persevere indicates that he was never regenerate. We need look no further than Judas Iscariot to find such a preacher. Brothers, let us preach as though our souls were hanging in the balance—along with those who sit there listening! There is such weight in our words!
John Piper has these sobering words for us in “The Supremacy of God in Preaching”:
[T]he first act of saving faith is like an acorn that has within it the spreading oak of all the subsequent perseverance in faith that the Bible says is necessary for final salvation. We are justified by faith once for all at our conversion, but we must (and most certainly will) also persevere in faith and its fruit in holy affections given to us in seed form at our conversion….
Preaching is a means of grace to assist saints to persevere. Perseverance is necessary for final salvation. Therefore, every sermon is a “salvation sermon”—not just because of its aim to convert sinners, but also in its aim to preserve the holy affections of the saints and so enable them to confirm their calling and election and be saved. (p.83)
So, preach the Gospel—clearly and consistently—to yourself and to your people. For this we will give account on the Day of Judgment.
