WE PREACH NOT OURSELVES
Many believers deeply value biblical teaching, emphasizing the need for “book, chapter, and verse”—a passion that reflects a sincere desire to honor God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Yet, sometimes in the pursuit of biblical precision, there can be a tendency to prioritize verse-counting or rigid interpretations over the deeper call of Scripture: to know and love Jesus Christ.
While quoting many verses may appear commendable, it’s important that we not lose sight of the central message. As Jesus Himself said to the religious leaders of His day, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you will have eternal life. But it is they that bear witness about me” (John 5:39). Scripture is not an end in itself—it points us to Jesus, the living Word (John 1:1, 14).
When our preaching shifts from Christ to human systems, churches, or traditions, we risk missing the heart of the Gospel. Paul warned against this when he wrote, “For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake” (2 Corinthians 4:5). He also reminded the Corinthians that he came not with lofty speech or human wisdom, but “to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2).
That kind of Christ-centered preaching builds faith (Romans 10:17), encourages hearts (Colossians 2:2), and unites believers around the person of Jesus, not a denomination, tradition, or church structure.
The body of Christ is one, not because we all agree on every doctrinal detail, but because we are all joined to the same Savior (Ephesians 4:4–6; Romans 12:4–5). Jesus prayed that His followers would be one just as He and the Father are one (John 17:20–21). That unity is found not in human institutions but in a shared faith in the risen Christ.
Scripture never instructs us to promote our group as “the one true church,” but to lift up Jesus as “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Anyone who truly believes in Him, follows Him, and walks by His Spirit is part of His body (Galatians 3:26–28; 1 Corinthians 12:13). Our mission is not to promote ourselves, but to point others to Jesus—the only Savior, the only hope, and the only foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11).
Bryan Dewayne Dunaway
