READING: Isaiah 20-22, 1 Corinthians 2
I still remember some of the preaching lessons I learned in seminary. For example, I learned the necessity of exegeting the Word; the importance of explanation, illustration, and application; the value of good eye contact; the need to keep a sermon concise and clear. Reading books about preaching and listening to famous pastors preaching the Word gave me a sense of confidence when I started preaching. “I can do this,” I thought to myself, “because I’ve been equipped.” Now, I have almost forty years of preaching experience that make the task somewhat easier – but perhaps less powerful.
Today, the Word reminds me that it’s not all my learning and experience that matter; it’s my surrender to the Spirit of God as He leads me in the preaching event. Paul put it this way as he wrote to the Corinthians: “I came to you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. My speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power” (1 Cor 2:3-4). Paul likely could have held his own as an orator, but he did not simply try to persuade others to join him in his camp. Rather, he had power unbelievers did not have: God lived in Him.
Again, I’m reminded today that I often need to lean more into the Spirit of God before I preach. I may be a veteran preacher who loves to preach the Word, but God alone changes hearts. My education and degrees don’t move hearts – only God does.
PRAYER: “Father, I praise You for the cross of Jesus. Help me to proclaim Your Word as a demonstration of the Spirit’s power.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Weekend is for review
MONDAY’S READING: Isaiah 23-25; 1 Cor 3