July 2010 Lesson - Preparation for Powerful Preaching

Preparation for Powerful Preaching


Are you guilty of studying…
1) to prepare for what’s next (your next assignment)?
2) in case you get called on in a Bible Study class?
3) to meet the requirements of a class/group (Seminary, Master’s Life, Ministry School)?

In a class a teacher said, "The first casualty in a busy preacher’s life is his devotional time."

A look at the preacher:
For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments. —Ezra 7:10

Ezra…
1) Studied the Word so he could……2) Live the Word which qualified him to….3) Teach the Word

As preachers we must pray to God and study God's Word so that we can live according to His Word. We can't stand before the people to effectively proclaim his Word if we don't spend regular consistent time with God.

Look at Matthew 17:14-21 (also see Mark 9:14-29)
Jesus’ disciples asked him, “Why could not we cast him out?” In this passage the disciples failed. They could not cast out a spirit which Jesus gave them authority over. In Luke 9 Jesus gives the disciples authority and power to heal diseases and cast out demons. Yet, in the passage, the disciples were powerless.

You can have authority but no power.
· Power is not self-manufactured but divinely imparted through the Word of God.
· The Holy Spirit is with you imparting power into you. This comes from studying the Word of God.
· So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. —Romans 10:17

The disciples "hung out" with Jesus, yet they had no power. As ministers of the Word, beware of just hanging out with Jesus. How is this done?--- Hanging out at church services, ministry meetings, musicals, revivals, feeding the homeless. Beware of being absorbed with doing the work of the Lord that you don't spent quality time with the Lord of the work.

Develop a time of personal devotion:

1) Set a time - and be consistent. Clear your calendar & turn off the cell phone.
2) Decide on a place - atmosphere is important. Don't set yourself up in a dark, depressing setting.
3) Have a plan - decide what you will read. Pray to God so that He will hear you. Read His Word so that you will hear from him.