Ten Ways the Holy Spirit Is at Work in Preaching

Holy Spirit Stained Glass

In his book, Spirit-Led Preaching: The Holy Spirit’s Role in Sermon Preparation and Delivery, Dr. Greg Heisler includes a helpful list of ways the Holy Spirit is at work in preaching (p. 4).

1. The Spirit’s inspiration of the biblical text
2. The conversion of the preacher to faith in Jesus Christ
3. The call of the preacher to preach the Word
4. The character of the preacher to live the Word
5. The illumination of the preacher’s heart and mind in study
6. The empowerment of the preacher in proclaiming the Word
7. The testimony to Jesus Christ as Lord and mediator
8. The opening of the hearts of those who hear and receive the Word
9. The application of the Word of God to the listeners’ lives
10. The production of lasting fruit displayed in the lives of Spirit-filled believers

Every point on this list is a great reminder that the power of preaching does not reside in the preacher himself, but in the Holy Spirit working through the preached Word.  Both humbling and helpful.

Dr. Heisler is slotted as the plenary speaker at the upcoming annual meeting of the Evangelical Homiletics Society.