THE SPIRITUAL BATTLE – 37 You Can Help Your Preacher

“14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 and how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:14-15). KJV

Loved ones, Satan is putting up a good fight against preachers in this Spiritual Battle. Therefore, preachers, like everyone else, need help. Paul had his helpers. When he wrote to the saints in Rome he said, "Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 16:3).

If you had been Priscilla and Aquila, would Paul have referred to you as "my helpers"? Are you a helper to preachers today? Have you ever thought of how you can be a helper to your preacher?

You Can Pray. Paul recognized the help of praying brethren. He penned these words to the Corinthian Christians: "Ye also helping together by prayer for us…" (2 Cor. 1:11). Paul solicited the prayers of brethren. To the Thessalonians he said, "Brethren, pray for us" (1 Thess. 5:25).

Again, "Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith" (2 Thess. 3:1-2). There is great power in prayer! James taught, "….The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (Jas. 5:16). Your prayers can help make the work of preachers a success!

You Can Supply. Paul was "…glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunates and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied" (1 Cor. 16:17). That which was lacking on the part of the church at Corinth was supplied by these New Testament Christians. Has it occurred to you that there may be something your preacher needs that you can supply? Your coming can make the preacher glad, like the coming of these brethren gladdened Paul!

You Can Refresh His Spirit. Many things can drain and weary the spirit of a preacher. You can give new strength to him! Paul said of Stephanas, Fortunates, and Achaicus: "For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such" (1 Cor. 16:18). You can be a wonderful encouragement to preachers. Such deserve recognition!

You Can Risk Your Life For Him. Paul was so dear to Aquila and Priscilla that he said of them: "Who have for my life laid down their own necks…" (Rom. 16:4). That is an expression of selfless love. Jesus said, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). Would you lay down your own neck for the life of your preacher?

You Can Have Him In Your Home. Lydia received several gospel preachers in her home. Luke recorded: "…she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us" (Acts 16:15). Paul "…abode with…" Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:3). There are some we are not to receive into our house (2 John 10-11). When was the last time you had a preacher in your house? Ever?

You Can Go With Him. Acts 18:18 finds Paul sailing into Syria "…and with him Priscilla and Aquila…." Have you ever gone with a preacher? Have you told him you would like to go with him?

You Can Take Him Unto You. When Apollos spake and taught "…knowing only the baptism of John…Aquila and Priscilla…took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly" (Acts 18:25-26). This was a great help to Apollos and others too as he travelled to Achaia and "…when he was come, helped them much which had believed…" (Acts 18:27).

If there was less talking about preachers and more talking to preachers in this way, the cause of Christ would be much helped! An attitude of obedient faith is everything (Romans 1:5; 16:26).

Shared with you by Samuel A. Matthews, preaching with the Liberty NW church of Christ, meeting in Portland, Oregon, USA. The God of Heaven and Earth is so good, and His love reaches all. He is in control, so trust Him. We love you with the love of the Lord (John 13:34-35).