This sermon development process I narrated in the previous post is far from a magic formula. I am sure I work harder in sermon preparation now than before, but I am also very aware of the Holy Spirit’s supernatural guidance.
I no longer need human critics to insure the validity of what I preach. I know I have delivered what God desires, because the very preparation has been fresh and challenging. It must be added that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are intricately interwoven with the fabric of one’s spiritual well being. I am sharply aware that my life and attitude of commitment must be pure before God if I am to have effective use of this sacred conferment.
Let me repeat once again to be certain I am understood. In those areas where I have natural abilities, such as a facility for public speaking, the difference between their being simply human talents or their being actual gifts of the Holy Spirit is found in my attitude.
If I recognize the talent as from God, and in prayer and continual dedication commit it to Him to be used in ministry in a special way, it becomes a gift of the Holy Spirit with supernatural expression. The proof of this is seen in the gradual way God increases this gift for His service. “For His service” is an important phrase. Why? Because talents not used in ministry cannot be considered potential gifts. I Corinthians 12:7 states:
“To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”
Gifts are given for the exclusive use of ministry.
In the sentence quoted about speaking oracles, Peter does not refer exclusively to the professional clergy. Including, by illustration, other members of the church, he finishes his sentence with the words, “Whoever renders service, as one who renders it by the strength which God supplies.”
Here is the same principle in operation. If I am given the ability by God to render service, I commit that ability to God and ask Him to use it in a special way. In that act it becomes a gift of the Holy Spirit. I then render service “through the strength which God supplies!”
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Pastor, when “sermon prep day” rolls around each week, do you face the task of preparing another sermon with a frown on your face? If so, you’re not alone. Many pastors literally dread preparing their Sunday sermon. There just doesn’t seem to be an easy solution. The good news: David Mains and Mainstay Ministries can help. We offer a wide variety of Sermon Starters and Full Sermons that will give you Sermon Ideas to help you prepare for regular Sunday sermons, Mid-week Bible Sermons, and Sermons for special occasions. We also offer assistance as you create Topical Sermons, Sermons Series, and sermons for special times of the year. We have resources available to help you with Advent Celebrations, Advent Sermons, Christmas Sermons, Easter Sunday Sermons, Patriotic Sermons, and more.
For more information on how to create better Bible Sermons and how to turn Sermon Ideas into Sermon Outlines, and then into effective, meaningful Sunday Sermons, please click here to visit David Mains’ website.
You will also find a variety of resources for pastors and congregations at the Mainstay Ministries website. Just click here.
