When Peter spoke to the
Jews on Pentecost, he talked to them about their actions and needs
(Acts
2). He did not
center his lesson upon the Gentiles, who were not there to hear his
words. When he spoke the gospel to Cornelius and the Gentiles with him,
he gave them information which they needed in order to please God
(Acts
10). When Peter
wrote his letter to those of the Dispersion, he taught them things
relative to their needs as those set apart to God (I Peter). Note how
many times the word "you"
is used in these three passages. He was talking to his hearers about
those things relevant to their obeying God and remaining faithful. He
didn't talk in vague generalities so as to avoid hurting someone's
feelings or "offending" some who then would go away and be lost.
When Paul preached to the
Gentiles at Athens, his approach was suited to the needs of his audience
(Acts
17). He did not
spend his efforts talking to them about the sins and needs of the Jews.
When he talked to pagans, he pointed out to them the errors and vanity
of paganism
(Acts
14:11-18). When he
wrote to the saints at Corinth, he addressed their errors and told them
what to do to correct what was amiss (1 Corinthians). Each letter he
wrote was relevant to those to whom it was written: Romans to the saints
at Rome, Galatians to the churches of Galatia, Colossians to those at
Colossae, etc.
Our teaching today needs
to be relevant to the audience before us. We need to say those things
which will inform, encourage, and correct those who hear. The Scriptures
are our text, handled aright
(2
Timothy 3:16,17; 4:1-5).
In warning about dangers and dangerous men, Paul named names and was
specific (1
Timothy 1:19,20; 2 Timothy 4:10,14,15; 2:14-18; 1 Corinthians 15:12; 2
Thessalonians 2:1-12).
We, too, need to deal with specific truth specifically, so that people
will know what we are talking about, what the Scriptures say, and what
the responsibility of each one is. Preachers, do you preach so as not to
make anyone uncomfortable, or do you, in love, tell your hearers what
they need to hear in language that they will not misunderstand? How
often do you use the word "you" in teaching others what they should do?
Note
Acts
2:37;38.
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