The Influence of the Spirit

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 2:4-5 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, (5) that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

Observation:

A brilliant scholar, Paul could have overwhelmed his listeners with intellectual arguments. Instead, he shared the simple message of Jesus Christ by allowing the Holy Spirit to guide his words. In sharing the Good News with others, we should follow Paul's example and keep our message simple and basic. The Holy Spirit will give power to our words and use them to bring glory to Jesus. Way too often, men and women who have ascertained great knowledge becomes more concerned with showcasing their minds, knowledge and vocabulary then they are with sharing Jesus. When that happens, the years of study begins to work against the original call and passion that the individual had. This indeed is a trick of the enemy of our soul, and is the crux of religiosity. What Paul was saying is, "I could really impress you with my education, but that's not what I'm concerned with. I want the Spirit to be seen in and through me, because He's the one that brings change, not me or my education."

Paul's confidence was not in his keen intellect or speaking ability but in his knowledge that the Holy Spirit was helping and guiding him. Paul is not denying the importance of study and preparation for preaching; he had a thorough education in the Scriptures. Effective preaching results from studious preparation and reliance on the work of the Holy Spirit. Don't use Paul's statement as an excuse for not studying or preparing.

Application:

Selwyn Hughes says: "Much of modern-day Christianity is lacking power and conviction because it lacks a close encounter with this aspect of the Spirit's resources. If we are to experience the fullness of the Spirit in our lives, then we must open ourselves to everything He wants to give us. Too often our preaching is correct, our worship services are well-structured, our music is fine, our organization is superb, but it lacks one thing-the throbbing power of the Holy Spirit. Without the power of the Spirit in our midst, we are preaching unquickened truth-truth that doesn't fall upon the soul with convicting, sobering, awakening, converting power. Our Christianity is not bad-it is way too often dull. The Holy Spirit, when accepted and obeyed, turns insipidity into inspiration, dullness into dancing, and mediocrity into magnificence."

We need the person and power of the Holy Spirit in our lives today. When we learn to walk by the "nudge of the Spirit" we allow the Spirit to develop godly characteristics in our daily choices, words, and actions. The same is true in our church services.

The real proof of the power of the gospel is in changed lives. This "demonstration of the Spirit" was the thing that authenticated Paul's ministry. The gospel's most powerful argument is not in great sermons preached but in the changes it causes in lives.

Prayer:

"Lord, I am so thankful for Your Holy Spirit. Please forgive me for the times I have grieved, resisited, or quenched Him. I want to walk, live, talk, in the power of the Spirit today. Please give me a 'nudge' when I am going in a direction with my actions or words that are not pleasing to You. In Jesus name, amen!"