Before I pray for our first session here, as we talk about the hard work of preaching, we're not

complaining. I don't mean to be groaning, so I'm trying to say it's beginning.

I don't mean to well and bemoan the hard work here for 30 minutes, and then I mention a few rewards at the end.

So we're not here to group complain.

This is not a lament.

This is a way of getting at the joy.

When you really love something and it's hard work,

there is a deepening and an enjoyment of the work in talking about its difficulty.

So as we talk about the hard work of preaching,

my hope is that we would own that it's hard work so that we don't subconsciously cut corners in our

calling.

Let's own that it's hard work and let's take joy in it being hard work and celebrate together the hard work and the rewards and the

great rewards that would lead us into the hard work.

Hebrew 13 says, to the elders, to the the pastors to the preachers let them do this with joy

Not groaning because that would be no advantage to the people. Our people will not receive benefit and advantage

if we groan about the hard work of preaching.

And if our attitude is groaning and complaining, we won't work as hard as if we find the joy in the work.

Let me pray for us.

Father in heaven, this first session, and all three sessions are exercises in the pursuit of joy in

preaching. We rehearse the hard work. We rehearsed the costs because we're willing to take those costs. We love the joy of what you've called us to do. We've seen the effect in others lives, in our own lives, of faithful preaching of your word by the power of your spirit.

And so we want to celebrate that now as we take it apart and think of the hard work in preparation,

in delivery, in lifestyle, and pray that you would grow our capacities here for joy and for the hard work that leads to joy for us and

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