Accurately Handling the Word
By Pastor Chuck Swindoll
Cultivate character
“I want you to remember through your years at the school that just as important as your courses may be . . . that your cultivation of character is far more important than your skill as a teacher of the Scriptures, for it’s your trustworthiness that will cause other people to rely on you. And let me add, if and when they discover that they cannot, they become skeptics, skeptical of all others in ministry. And the fallout goes way beyond the one who is guilty of such.”
Help your listeners apply Scripture
“We’re to cut a straight line from what the Scripture says to what it means in the lives of our listeners. And we do that deliberately and consistently. And believe me, the more you do that, the greater will be the respect others have for you. You don’t do it for that reason, but that is the byproduct or the result of your faithfulness in it.”
A life well-lived
“You have chosen a fine school to get your training, but I repeat what I said earlier. You will not get courses on the character of your life. Oh, you may get occasional reminders of such as professors will refer to that. But the development of those character traits is up to you. Make certain that you have become a good student of yourself throughout your ministry, and as you are and as you do that, they will love you for it. And they will find that what you are saying is backed up with integrity, with a life well-lived.”
Teach the Bible
“By the way, people love it when you teach through books of the Bible. Not just topics regarding life or issues relating to our times but going through books of the Bible. They love to know what Scripture is teaching.”
An authentic vessel fit for the Master
“It’s important that those who hear you teach and preach the Word, that they are hearing an authentic vessel fit for the Master’s use.”
About the author
Pastor Chuck Swindoll
Pastor Charles R. Swindoll has devoted his life to the accurate, practical teaching and application of God’s Word. He is the founding pastor of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas, but Chuck’s listening audience extends far beyond a local church body. As a leading program in Christian broadcasting since 1979, Insight for Living airs around the world. Chuck’s leadership as president and now chancellor emeritus at Dallas Theological Seminary has helped prepare and equip a new generation of men and women for ministry.
