Strategic and Sincere

The Preacher’s Role in Truth and Transparency

Strategic and Sincere

The Preacher’s Role in Truth and Transparency

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Introduction

Jesus did not send His disciples into safe territory. He sent them into conflict. He said, "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves" (Matthew 10:16).

When both strategy and submission are embraced, there is stability in the pulpit and strength in the pews.

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The Weight of the Preacher’s Role

The words of Jesus in Matthew 10:16 are direct. They are given for preparation and guidance. This instruction sets the tone for how Christians must operate in a world opposed to truth. At the same time, preachers carry greater accountability. James wrote, "Be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation" (James 3:1). The standard is not stricter, but the consequence is heavier. The same judgment applies to all, yet preachers speak and act under a role of delegated authority.

The weight of responsibility a preacher carries invites greater scrutiny and narrows the margin for grace when the man fails to uphold it.

Jesus warned in Matthew 7:1–2 that the measure we use to judge others will be applied to us. Elders and gospel preachers do not have the luxury of silence. Their responsibility demands clarity, courage, and discernment. Because they function under the authority of Christ and in the service of His people, their words and judgments carry weight. On the day of judgment, that weight will be measured back. They must declare the whole counsel of God. Preachers must not soften the message. Preachers must not omit what is hard. And they must live under the same message they preach.

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Jesus Commands Strategy and Innocence in Tandem

Jesus authorizes no action without wisdom. He blesses no conduct without purity.

"Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves" (Matthew 10:16). The context of the command in Matthew 10:16 is evangelistic. Jesus had just prepared His apostles for persecution (Matthew 10:17–22). Their success would depend on character and judgment.

"A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished" (Proverbs 22:3). Avoiding danger reflects wisdom and faithfulness to God’s instruction. It is wisdom. Joseph used the same wisdom described in Proverbs 22:3 when he prepared Egypt for famine (Genesis 41:33–36). Moses used it when he fled to Midian (Exodus 2:15). Jesus used it when He no longer walked openly among the Jews (John 11:54).

"That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke" (Philippians 2:15). There is no blessing in cunning without moral clarity. Gentleness protects the soul. It adorns the gospel.

The wise serpent does not step into traps. The harmless dove does not strike out in pride. Wisdom and gentleness are not competing traits. Together, wisdom and gentleness shape the Christian’s behavior, guiding how he speaks, acts, and endures in a hostile world.

During the early days of the COVID outbreak, many churches faced uncertainty. For two weeks, where I was in the southern United States, we acted under the assumption we were dealing with an existential threat. Pausing in-person assembly was an act of prudence grounded in biblical wisdom. The same would be true if there were a tangible threat of violence at a church building such as an armed assailant. If someone announced their intent to harm worshipers, moving to a safer location and letting civil authorities handle the danger is a wise expression of stewardship and faithful discernment. Jesus calls for strategic thinking paired with moral clarity. A wise man foresees the danger and hides himself. Not out of fear, but out of commitment to live faithfully and protect others.

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The Preacher Must Speak with Authority and Live with Accountability

A preacher must declare the truth of God while submitting to that same truth.