This Sunday, as we continue moving through the Sermon on the Mount, our plan is to discuss what Jesus teaches about being great in the kingdom of heaven in Matthew 5:19. According to Jesus, we are to both do and teach what He says. His teaching, as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, should direct how we live and what we teach others. Thinking about this reminded me of a quote I have heard from several different individuals: “Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words.” I believe that quote does a good job of highlighting an important balance in how followers of Jesus should live.
We must not forget the importance of setting a godly example. As John wrote in 1 John 2:6, “Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” Paul told Titus in Titus 2:7, “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works.” Peter wrote in 1 Peter 2:12, “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.” Jesus Himself said in Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” As you can see, the New Testament authors, as well as the Mediator of it, agree: the example we set for others cannot be overlooked or neglected. By the way we live, make decisions, speak, and interact with others, we should be preaching the good news of Jesus at all times. The Gospel should be seen not only in our teaching but also in our lives. If we preach the Gospel with our words but not with our lives, our message will quickly be dismissed, and we will rightly be discredited as hypocrites. People will not listen to what we have to say about Jesus if they cannot see us sincerely and authentically living it.
However, we must be careful not to swing to the opposite extreme. Some Christians may get the idea that they can help people come to know God by their example alone, believing their only responsibility is to preach the Gospel by how they live. While that is an important first step, it cannot be the final step. As the quote suggests, there are times when it is absolutely necessary for us to use words. While Jesus certainly teaches us to do what He says, He also instructs us to teach others what He says. Paul wrote in Romans 10:14, “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” In order for a person to call on and believe in Jesus Christ, there must be someone who is willing to teach and preach who Jesus is and what He desires for a person’s life. A few verses later, in Romans 10:17, Paul wrote, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Someone cannot develop faith in Christ by only seeing a Christlike example; a person can only develop faith in Christ when they are taught the word of Christ. The inspired Scriptures are God’s means of teaching, rebuking, correcting, and instructing in righteousness. A person of God can only become complete and equipped for every good work by hearing and knowing what the Bible teaches (2 Timothy 3:16–17). We must always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks us for a reason for the hope that is in us (1 Peter 3:15).
Let’s not be unbalanced. Let’s not be those who preach but don’t practice. Let’s not be those who practice but don’t preach. “Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words.” Preach the good news of Jesus Christ by the way you choose to live your life. When a door of opportunity is opened to teach others what Jesus has said, it is necessary to use words. We must know what the word of God teaches so that we can both live it and teach it.
-Tyler Alverson