What is the means by which God’s ministers draw lost souls to the hope of the Savior? It is not the mere wisdom of man that leads souls to salvation, but the faithful teaching of God’s own inspired revelation which “pierces to the division of soul and of spirit.” The preaching of God’s word contains both the divine power and conviction necessary for this task. Spurgeon understood that God’s word is “that which is the great and master weapon of the minister”, and that it is “the foolishness of preaching by which it pleases God to save them that believe.”
God’s word holds the power of eternal life as it conveys the way of salvation through God’s grace and the work of the Son. “Nay, to-day there is not only a torch, but in the preaching of the Word the Sun of Righteousness himself arises with healing beneath his wings.” Spurgeon reminds us that God’s word should not only be viewed as the instrumental weapon of ministers, but as a gift to hear, handle, and preach. “Value, then, the preaching of the Word, and count yourselves happy that you are allowed to listen to it.”
Moreover, “…there is yet a greater privilege connected with the Word of God than this […] As I look upon a multitude of unconverted men and women, I am reminded of Ezekiel’s vision […] The preached Word is like Ezekiel’s prophecy; life goes forth with the word of the faithful minister.” Those who proclaim God’s word have the privilege of bringing the words of eternal life to lost souls. And it is upon this inspired word that God’s ministers must rely.
Excerpt:
Once more let me remind you, there is yet a greater privilege connected with the Word of God than this—for all this were nothing without the last. As I look upon a multitude of unconverted men and women, I am reminded of Ezekiel’s vision. He saw lying in the valley of Hinnom multitudes of bones, the flesh of which had been consumed by fire, and the bones themselves were dried as in a furnace, scattered hither and thither. There with other bones in other charnel-houses, lying scattered at the mouths of other graves; but Ezekiel was not sent to them; to the valley of Hinnom was he sent, and there alone. And he stood by faith, and began to practice the foolishness of preaching, “Ye dry bones hear the word of the Lord; thus saith the Lord, ye dry bones live.” And as be spoke there was a rustling, each bone sought its fellow; and as he spake again, these bones united and stood erect, as he continued his discourse the flesh clothed the skeleton; when he concluded by crying, “Come from the winds, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live,” they stood upon their feet an exceeding great army. The preached Word is like Ezekiel’s prophecy; life goes forth with the word of the faithful minister, when we say, “Repent!” We know that sinners cannot repent of themselves, but God’s grace sweetly constrains them to repent.
Read the rest of the sermon here.