As sermon preparation begins, it is good to remember that a preacher does not depend on oratorical skill, but rather, on the power of God. In his first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul gratefully speaks about how he knew that the new believers in Thessalonica had come to genuine faith in Christ through his preaching.
This will be a challenging week of study in which you will choose a passage to preach, apply your hermeneutical skills to it, and try to state very specifically what is the exegetical idea found in that particular portion of Scripture. You will study your Bible and use tools like commentaries to help you understand it. But you must never lose sight of the fact that all of this intellectual preparation cannot replace the power of God in your preaching.
The power of preaching is not found in words alone, but rather in the power of the Holy Spirit who changes people’s lives, turning them from earthly idols to a genuine trust and service to God.
- In this passage, Paul cites several things as proof that he knew had come “not only in word, but also in power.” What are they? List as many as you find.
- What difference would it make to have the Holy Spirit empower your preaching? What effect do you think it may have on you? On those who hear you preach?
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