The art of giving a good speech
or
Teaching the Word

As a pastor/teacher (Eph. 4:1,12) I am sent by our Lord to teach His word to His people, and to others as well. Paul instructions to Timothy and Titus contain the words: teacher, teach and teaching(s). While I believe those of us called to teach ought to strive by God's grace and gifts to do the best job that we are able to do, we are not called to give good speeches. I would distinguish between a speech and a teaching along these lines. A teacher is first interested in teaching something. While a speaker might be interested in teaching, the impact or impress of his speaking, his style, his use of illustrations and many other factors move to the fore front of his task. Paul tells the Corinthians that he did not come to them with persuasive words of wisdom, (1 Co. 1:17,24,30; 2:1,4ff,13) in other words, Paul thought there was something of higher importance than being known as a top notch speaker.

A teacher of God's Word would lay the foundation of Christ and build upon this, while trusting in His gracious God to build His house. In this light a teacher of God's Word is not much different from a teacher of math or language. This teaching would be done by patiently going over the material, re-enforcing it and building upon the basics. This very process of teaching has a higher priority than anything else, other than being true to the Word.

Maybe if I were a conference speaker or someone showing up to 'preach' once at a church I might think about making a 'speech'. Hum, but if I did what would be my goal? However, I'm building a church, which is to grow in the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, if God would so blesses.