Preaching: Dispensing Truth to Be Received (1)

Faith is the issue and fruit of preaching. Christ is first 'preached to the Gentiles' and then 'believed on in the world' (1 Tim. 3:16). All preaching is for 'the obedience of faith' (Rom. 1:5). So, there must be a dispensing and receiving of Christ. We see the sense of this, even in the things among men. It is not sufficient that medicine be provided; but there must be an application of it. It is not sufficient that there is a treasure; but there must be a digging up of it. It was not sufficient that there was a 'brazen serpent,' but the brazen serpent had to be 'lifted up,' that the people might see it (Num. 21:6-9). It is not sufficient that there be a garment, but there must be a putting on of it. It is not sufficient that there be a box of ointment, but the box must be opened, to fill the house with its smell. Therefore, there must be a dispensing and receiving of the mysteries of Christ; for, though Christ is medicine, he must be applied. Though, in truth, he is a treasure, yet he must be dug up through the ministry. Though he is light, he must be held forth. Of necessity there must be a dispensing and receiving of the gospel, the redemption purchased by Christ.
To preach is to open the mystery of Christ; to break open the box that the savour may be perceived by all. But it is not sufficient to preach Christ, to lay open all this in the view of others; but there must also be an applying of them to the use of God's people, that they may see their interest in them. There must be an alluring of them, for to preach is to woo. Preachers are the friends of the bridegroom, they are to procure the marriage between Christ and his church; they are not only to lay open the riches of the husband, Christ, but likewise to entreat for a marriage, and to use all the gifts and abilities that God has given them, to bring Christ and his church together.

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Richard Sibbes 'Refreshment for the Soul.'
The Fountain Opened, Works, vol. 5, pp. 504-06
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