The Equipping Ministry, Student Workbook, SW15

8 4 /

T H E E Q U I P P I N G M I N I S T R Y

The final step in effective biblical preaching involves making connections with the truths of our preaching and the specific and particular responses of the audience. Our aim must be to help our audiences come to feel and understand their spiritual condition before God through our clear appeals and bold invitations for repentance and change. Since the goal of biblical preaching is life transformation and formation, we ought to be open to the Spirit to follow up all responses made to our preaching, directing the hearer to the response appropriate to their life situation and place. Now is the time for you to discuss with your fellow students your questions about the Holy Spirit’s role and the essential steps involved in preaching effective sermons. What particular questions do you have in light of the material you have just studied? Maybe some of the questions below might help you form your own, more specific and critical questions. * How would you describe your own knowledge and relationship to the Holy Spirit? What kind of emphasis has the Holy Spirit had in your life from the beginning of your walk with God? * In your preparation and teaching of the Bible, how have you sensed the leading and direction of the Holy Spirit? Can you describe a situation where you experienced the power of the Holy Spirit in a unique way as you were either preaching or sharing the Word with others? * How would you say that the Holy Spirit has prepared your life as you have begun to read yourself for a richer, more fruitful ministry in Christ? * Finish the following statement: “Of all the ways I have tended to hinder the work of the Spirit in my walk, my greatest challenge is in the area of . . .” * In surveying the traits of the kind of person the Spirit uses, which areas are you most clear in, and which are your most needy areas? How has God been leading you recently to get you ready for the next level of growth and usefulness in ministry? Explain. * Howwell do you understand and can you articulate a compelling “theology of the Holy Spirit?” Summarize your own belief about the Holy Spirit and his working in the preaching ministry in three simple sentences only .

Student Application and Implications

2