Preaching: A Divine Miracle Through the Holy Spirit

In today's message, I explored the profound and paradoxical nature of preaching, emphasizing that it is a task humanly impossible without the power of the Holy Spirit. Preaching is not merely an exercise in rhetoric or oratory; it is a divine miracle that requires the preacher to see, savor, and show Christ in His true glory. The ultimate goal is to bring people to a genuine encounter with Jesus, to see Him for who He truly is, to savor His infinite worth, and to live a life that reflects His beauty and greatness.

The act of preaching is a miracle in itself, not just a pursuit of miracles. It involves expository exaltation, where the preacher not only explains the Word but also exults in it, leading the congregation to do the same. This cannot be achieved through human means alone; it requires the sovereign, life-giving work of the Holy Spirit. Without the Spirit's intervention, preaching is ineffective, as it is not a mere subset of human rhetoric but a unique, divine act.

I introduced the acronym APTAT as a practical approach to preaching in the power of the Holy Spirit. This involves admitting our inability, praying for divine assistance, trusting in God's promises, acting in faith, and thanking God for His work. This method is not only applicable to preaching but to all aspects of the Christian life, as we are called to live in the power of another, not in our own strength.

The essence of preaching is to become a channel through which the Holy Spirit works miracles in the hearts of the listeners. This requires a deep reliance on God's promises, which are made available to us through the gospel. By hearing and believing these promises, the Spirit is supplied, and miracles occur. This is the heart of preaching: to facilitate a divine encounter where the Spirit moves, transforming lives and glorifying God.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Preaching is a divine miracle, not just a pursuit of miracles. It requires the preacher to see, savor, and show Christ in His true glory, which is impossible without the Holy Spirit's power. [04:48]
• 2. The act of preaching involves expository exaltation, where the preacher not only explains the Word but also exults in it, leading the congregation to do the same. This cannot be achieved through human means alone. [05:10]
• 3. APTAT is a practical approach to preaching in the power of the Holy Spirit: Admit your inability, Pray for divine assistance, Trust in God's promises, Act in faith, and Thank God for His work. [13:49]
• 4. The essence of preaching is to become a channel through which the Holy Spirit works miracles in the hearts of the listeners. This requires a deep reliance on God's promises, which are made available to us through the gospel. [26:24]
• 5. By hearing and believing God's promises, the Spirit is supplied, and miracles occur. This is the heart of preaching: to facilitate a divine encounter where the Spirit moves, transforming lives and glorifying God. [28:10]
  ** [28:10]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:16] - The Impossible Task of Preaching
• [01:06] - Beyond Natural Abilities
• [02:33] - The Spirit's Role in Preaching
• [04:02] - The Goal: Seeing, Savoring, Showing Christ
• [05:10] - Expository Exaltation
• [06:17] - The Work of the Holy Spirit
• [07:42] - Preaching: A Unique Miracle
• [09:10] - Living by Faith, Not by Sight
• [11:32] - Paradoxical Statements in Scripture
• [13:49] - Introducing APTAT
• [16:00] - Preparing for the Miracle
• [17:10] - Admitting Our Inability
• [19:26] - Praying for Divine Assistance
• [24:34] - Trusting in God's Promises
• [31:13] - Habits for Trusting God
• [37:30] - Ransacking the Text for Promises
• [44:55] - Acting in Faith and Thanking God

1. 1 Corinthians 2:14
2. Galatians 2:20
3. Galatians 3:2-5

1. According to 1 Corinthians 2:14, why is the natural person unable to accept the things of the Spirit of God? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on the necessity of the Holy Spirit in preaching? [01:26]
2. In Galatians 2:20, Paul speaks about being crucified with Christ. How does this verse illustrate the paradox of living by faith, as discussed in the sermon? [09:24]
3. What does Galatians 3:2-5 suggest about the relationship between hearing with faith and the supply of the Spirit? How does this connect to the sermon’s message on preaching in the power of the Holy Spirit? [26:24]
4. The sermon mentions the acronym APTAT. What does each letter stand for, and how is it applied to preaching? [13:49]

1. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in transforming preaching from a human act into a divine miracle? What implications does this have for how we understand the act of preaching? [07:42]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of "seeing, savoring, and showing" Christ. How do these three actions relate to the purpose of preaching as described in the sermon? [04:02]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the act of preaching is a unique miracle, distinct from other forms of communication or rhetoric? [05:31]
4. How does the sermon explain the concept of "expository exaltation," and why is it considered essential for effective preaching? [05:10]

1. Reflect on a time when you felt inadequate for a task. How can the APTAT approach help you rely on God's strength rather than your own in similar situations? [13:49]
2. The sermon discusses the importance of trusting in God's promises. Identify a specific promise from Scripture that you can hold onto this week. How will you remind yourself of this promise daily? [24:34]
3. Consider the idea of "seeing, savoring, and showing" Christ in your daily life. What practical steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Christ and reflect His glory to others? [04:02]
4. The sermon highlights the necessity of the Holy Spirit in preaching. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide and empower your interactions with others this week? [07:42]
5. Think about a recent sermon or message you heard. How did it help you encounter Christ more deeply? What elements of the sermon contributed to this experience?
6. The sermon mentions the importance of hearing with faith. How can you cultivate a habit of listening to God's Word with an attitude of faith and expectation? [26:24]
7. Reflect on the concept of "expository exaltation." How can you apply this idea to your personal study of the Bible, ensuring that you not only understand the Word but also delight in it? [05:10]