There is something very special and deeply spiritual about the moment when we are called to stand before a group of people – any people! anywhere! – and preach the eternal truth of God’s Word. How easy it is for us to lose the awe and humility that characterized early sermons. In the beginning, truly God-called men approached the task of preaching with a sense of wonder and the fear of God.

If we are not careful, with the passage of time and increased experience, we can begin to forget what a joyful and sobering stewardship we have been given. As we come to the preaching time our identity must be wrapped up in Christ alone.

The Lord is the great “I AM.” He alone is all-sufficient, eternally existent, and perfect. Me? Here’s what I am…

1. I am a sinner. Every good thing comes from God alone. The most powerful New Testament preacher had to confess, “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing…” (Romans 7:18). Even our gifts and abilities are a hindrance until they are under the Lord’s control. We must always remember that every good thing we have has come from God (James 1:17), and that anything accomplished in us is mere mercy to an underserving sinner (1 Corinthians 4:7).
2. I am a servant. My only goal must be to obey and please the Master. It does not matter how many people are looking at us or listening to our words, we have no one to impress and only one person to please. Keep the heart of a child and the humility of a servant. “Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth” (1 Samuel 3:9).
3. I am a spokesman. It is not my duty to create a message, but simply to deliver the one already given by the One I represent. We may be a voice, but He is the Word (John 1:1, 23). When we approach the preaching time we must remind ourselves that we are ambassadors of the King (2 Corinthians 5:20). This simple truth will keep us from crafting our own message and following our own agenda. He is the real Preacher and we just work for Him.

As we stand before people this week to deliver God’s message may we consciously stand in His presence. It is always good to remember the things that you have studied and planned to say. But it is even more important to remember who He is and who you are.