The concept of God's sovereignty in preaching is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, emphasizing God's ultimate authority and control over the proclamation of His Word. This sovereignty is evident in the calling, equipping, and sending of preachers, as well as in the reception and impact of the preached message.

Divine Calling and Commissioning

Throughout Scripture, God demonstrates His sovereignty by calling and commissioning individuals to preach His Word. The prophet Jeremiah's experience is a prime example: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations" (Jeremiah 1:5). This divine appointment underscores that the initiative and authority in preaching originate with God.

In the New Testament, the apostle Paul acknowledges his own calling as an act of divine sovereignty: "Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God" (Romans 1:1). This calling is not based on human merit but on God's sovereign choice and purpose.

Equipping and Empowerment

God's sovereignty is also evident in the equipping and empowerment of those He calls to preach. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in this process, as seen in the early church. Jesus instructed His disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit's empowerment before beginning their ministry: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). This empowerment ensures that the message is delivered not by human strength but by divine enablement.

The Message and Its Reception

The content of the preaching is also under God's sovereign control. The message is not a human invention but a divine revelation. Paul emphasizes this in his letter to the Galatians: "I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ" (Galatians 1:12). The sovereignty of God ensures that the message remains pure and unaltered by human influence.

Furthermore, God's sovereignty extends to the reception of the preached Word. The parable of the sower illustrates that the effectiveness of preaching depends on the condition of the hearer's heart, which God alone can prepare. Jesus explains, "The seed sown on good soil is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and produces a crop" (Matthew 13:23). This highlights that the ultimate success of preaching is determined by God's sovereign work in the hearts of listeners.

Divine Purpose and Outcome

God's sovereignty in preaching ensures that His purposes are accomplished, regardless of human response. Isaiah 55:11 declares, "So My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it." This assurance provides confidence that God's sovereign will is being fulfilled through the preaching of His Word.

In summary, God's sovereignty in preaching encompasses the calling, equipping, and sending of preachers, the content and reception of the message, and the ultimate fulfillment of His divine purposes. This sovereignty assures believers that the proclamation of the gospel is under God's control and will achieve His intended outcomes.