Acts 20:27, For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.
2 Timothy 3:16-17, All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Preaching tends to be selective. Instead of encompassing all of God’s word, only certain parts are emphasized, typically catering to people’s preferences rather than what they actually need. This form of preaching, is deceptive and originates from darkness. It deceives by choosing what’s popular over what’s essential. When we fail to preach the entirety of God’s word, individuals aren’t fully equipped. Consequently, they can’t fully walk and manifest their calling and destiny, which also applies to the church as a whole. Selective preaching is all too common, and below I share five reasons for its occurrence and how we can prevent it.
1) Fear of people.
Unfortunately, this occurs far too frequently. Leaders and ministers avoid teaching certain aspects or topics because they anticipate that people might take offense or even leave the church. This fear indicates a lack of trust in God’s ability to grow the ministry or church. It also signals an absence of God’s love within them, as perfect love casts out fear. Leaders and ministers must recognize that fearing God, not people, is paramount. If you are dealing with ‘fear of people’, God wants to set you free and give you an internal upgrade.
A little while ago I had a dream.
I sat on the side of a square (picture of the public domain). On that square were all big strong men who dominated the square. They intimidated the environment. In that dream I saw myself approaching those men and starting to fight a few of them. I wasn’t impressed because even though they were bigger, I knew I could handle them. In that dream I was also aware that I may have been intimidated in the past, but not anymore. Then I woke up.
What we need to understand is that sometimes dreams can be about yourself, but sometimes “you” in the dream can also be symbolic of what God is doing in His church. This is often the case when prophets have a dream.
There’s much to take away from this dream, one being that God is at work, establishing new levels of confidence. What once might have been intimidating no longer holds that power. You’re no longer led by people’s opinions or judgments. There is new level of boldness to express your heart and thoughts when necessary, and this will also be reflected when it comes to the preaching of God’s Word. The Lord says don’t hold back. My children need the whole counsel to grow up and to walk in destiny and purpose. Fear God not people!
Jeremiah 1:17-19, Therefore prepare yourself and arise, And speak to them all that I command you. Do not be dismayed before their faces, Lest I dismay you before them. For behold, I have made you this day A fortified city and an iron pillar, And bronze walls against the whole land—Against the kings of Judah, Against its princes, Against its priests, And against the people of the land. They will fight against you, But they shall not prevail against you. For I am with you,” says the Lord, “to deliver you.”
2) The religious spirit.
The religious spirit has several characteristics, including a lack of belief in the supernatural power of God. In regard to the gifts of the Spirit, healing, and deliverance, they hold the belief that these were solely meant for the early church. Additionally, the religious spirit does not believe in financial prosperity due to a poverty mindset and Calvinism. Consequently, those influenced by this spirit refrain from teaching these concepts. Ultimately, the religious spirit restricts and confines the growth of people and the church. Leaders and ministers who are bound by this spirit need deliverance and need to be renewed in their thinking.
John 11:44, The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”
3) Lack of knowledge.
If you have no knowledge or revelation regarding subjects, you cannot teach them, or teaching is given but there is no depth in it. A lot of milk is given in God’s House, but to grow up we also need solid food. This is why I also believe that every leader and minister needs to be trained when it comes to God’s word, systematic theology and all the fundamentals. Some have little knowledge simply because they are lazy to study. The result is often that minsters don’t progress beyond offering a bit of encouragement or sharing the same word over and over again.
The absence of knowledge isn’t solely about lacking a foundation in God’s word; it also involves a lack of understanding regarding the responsibilities leaders and ministers have towards God’s children. If someone believes that God solely tasks leaders and ministers with offering encouragement but not with correcting people (when needed), they won’t address the latter. Similarly, if someone holds the belief that leaders and ministers are only meant to talk about God’s love and not about the fear of Lord, they’ll avoid discussing that aspect as well. Therefore, it’s essential to teach leaders and minsters not only in scripture, but also to clarify what leadership and ministry is all about.
Jeremiah 3:15, And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.
4) Populism.
There are the populists in God’s Kingdom. They refrain from teaching certain topics they know won’t be popular, understanding that addressing these subjects might lead to losing followers—an outcome they struggle to accept. Populists rely heavily on people’s attention and endorsement. Often, the root cause lies in rejection or narcissism. Populists are very dangerous because they lead people toward ‘the wider path’ rather than directing them to ‘the narrow path’ of God’s word. Their aim is to please people rather than pleasing God.
2 Timothy 4:3-4, They will seek out teachers with soothing words that line up with their desires, saying just what they want to hear.
5) The absence of team ministry.
No single person possesses all wisdom, and the Bible refers to the fivefold ministry that God has established. Each ministry holds importance as they represent different facets of God and serve as specialists. If only one of these five ministries functions within a church, certain aspects of God and His Word may be taught less extensively, or not at all. Thankfully, the church is progressively realizing that being a church is not a one man show, it is being a team. If a specific ministry is lacking in a church, it’s advisable to invite ministries from outside.
Ephesians 4:11-12, So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.
The whole counsel of God must and will come back. Its outcome won’t just involve separating the tares from the wheat but also a well-equipped people.
With wisdom and love, we teach what people need, not what they want to hear.
Ministry and leadership is about maturing the saints, and Gods kingdom is not about doing your best, but doing God’s Word.
Preach!