by To “Amen” respectfully is to “Amen” properly. It is not a word to be thrown down as a casual gesture, or simply in response to everything a preacher says. It is also not used to pump up and motivate a preacher.
“Amen” means, “trustworthy, with firm agreement.” In Deuteronomy 27:14-15 it is a firm agreement to a spoken truth. In 1 Chronicles 16:34-36 it is praise to the Lord. In Matthew 6:13 it is closing in prayer. In 1 Corinthians 14:16-19 it is agreement to a public edification. 1 Corinthians 14 shows the misuse of the word “Amen.” Saying this word to something that is not yet understood or yet edified, as Paul said, “how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?”
Understand, we are in spiritual danger if we are misusing the word “Amen.” We are told in the Ten Commandments, Exodus 20:7, not to take God’s name in vain. Vain is not simply swearing, it is vainly or loosely using God’s name. Well, guess what God’s name is in Revelation 3:14? He is “the Amen.” Similarly in the Old Testament the Hebrew word for “truth” is the same word for “Amen.” God being “true and faithful” in Jeremiah 42:5, He is our “Amen!” If we let this sink in, it should strike fear in our hearts when our flesh wants to belt out an “Amen,” that we are not taking God’s name in vain. While at the same time, it should strike firmness and authority in our hearts when that holy “Amen” is led by the Spirit.
Some people shy away from saying “Amen” when the Spirit is stirring their hearts, while others say “Amen” at the drop of a hat or to every casual comment from the preacher. In both cases, it is disobedience to the Spirit of God as man let’s his pride get in the way of worship. This violates Exodus 20:7.
When we say “Amen” we should consciously know what scriptural truth we are agreeing with. It should be from the stirring of the Spirit within us. We need more of this in our church, firm audible agreement to the preached sound doctrines of the Word of God.
Don’t lose your firm “Amen!” While at the same time, don’t belt out a fleshly “Amen!”
Pastor Howell
