Practice BEFORE You Preach

Praise the Lord, Claire got SAVED July 13,2017. Answer to Prayer \0/

Rise and Shine for Jesus!

By Pam Iannello (my late mother)

"Practice BEFORE You Preach"

Matthew 5:19 (KJV)

Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus puts practice before preaching. Do you? Scripture is clear that the teacher must apply the Word of God to himself before he is qualified to teach others. Scribes and Pharisees were men who “say and do not”, who love to preach but do not perform. This however, is Christ’s test of greatness! Have you passed this holy test, you who are so eager to disciple others?

Matthew 23:3 (KJV)

All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.

Ladies, can others follow your words AND your works? Or would you be one of those examples that God would have to advise folks NOT to follow because your practice doesn’t match your preach? God forbid we should use the Word for public advantage but not for personal purification! Hypocrites press upon others things they do not themselves and Christ warned folks not to imitate their self-righteousness conduct. They pull down with one hand what they point out with the other! Hypocrites dissolve their discourse with their fraudulent dealings. As teachers, in their breaking of the least commandment they turn out to be the least in the kingdom of heaven. We are raised to the same position to which the Word of God holds in our lives. God says those who speak from experience with God’s Word and obedience to it, who live up to the truth, shall be called great. Are you a teacher worthy of your office?

Matthew 23:4-7 (KJV)

For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. [5] But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, [6] And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, [7] And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.

Pointing out the narrow road while walking the broad path is typical of those who strongly desire to sport an official title.  Such pompous persons deal severely with others yet softly with their own sin. They pay special attention to their public appearance, making sure they dress the part of holy position, but inwardly they are destitute of the power of godliness. Even so, clothes don’t make the man! There is no personal fruit to their religious tutoring and pious persons don’t do anything unless it boosts their reputation. Individuals anxiously seeking a name for themselves crave public ovation and they are ever aware of the reception they receive from others. Addiction to admiration governs their every move in ministry, yet they are starving for portions of respect for which they are not willing to work! I can’t imagine sitting under the sermon of someone so shallow and being stimulated in my spirit to surrender to God! Could it be you are permitting someone to disciple you apart from soberly considering their credentials? It is very grieving to think that there are numerous teachers operating within the body of Christ today in powerless shape. They are basically faking the Christian life just to be famous! Are you a teacher whose only motive is human applause?

Philip. 3:17-18 (KJV)

Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. [18] (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

How stirring to find that a matter such as this moved the apostle Paul to tears!  I wonder if he would be heartbroken over your example as a believer?  Are YOU one of those more interested in external credentials or internal character? Are you a good talker, a good sharer of the Word, but a poor doer of the scripture you consistently and confidently dish out? In what areas have you been failing to “practice what you preach”?  Would other believers mark you out as a pattern to follow, or an enemy to the cross of Christ?  Ladies, sharing the Holy Word of God should not be done without strict regard to one’s personal testimony! Don’t be all show and no substance… It is my hope that we would all be equally gripped with practicing truth as much as we are with “preaching” the truth!

1 Cor. 4:1-2 (KJV)

Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. [2] Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

                          All in vain is splendid preaching

                            and the noble things we say,

                            all our talk is wasted teaching

                         If we do not lead the way.

God Bless,

Pam

Isaiah 60:1&2

Copyright 2004 Pamela A. Iannello 

Revised 2006