Preaching With Words or Demonstration of the Spirit
The sermon emphasizes the importance of preaching in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, rather than in wisdom of words, to truly impact faith and empower the cross of Christ.
Andrew Murray emphasizes the distinction between two types of preaching: one that relies on human wisdom and eloquence, which Christ forbade, and another that demonstrates the Spirit's power. He argues that true faith must be rooted in a personal communion with God, rather than in the wisdom of man, which is weak and unstable. Murray warns that relying on persuasive speech can nullify the power of the cross, as it detracts from the divine working of the Holy Spirit. The sermon calls for a return to preaching that is grounded in the supernatural power of God, which transforms lives and communities. Ultimately, Murray encourages believers to seek a deeper experience of God's operation in their lives.
Text
There is a twofold preaching of Christ and his cross. The one is what Christ forbade, and Paul therefore so emphatically rejected: the preaching in wisdom of words, in excellency of speech and wisdom, in persuasive words of wisdom. The other is in demonstration of the Spirit and of power; the proof of a direct supernatural divine working.
Corresponding to these there is a twofold faith. The one stands in the wisdom of man, is feeble and changeable, and ever dependent upon human support. The other stands in the power of God which has its roots and its strengths, on the part of the convert, in the personal communion with God and the experience of his almighty operation.
When scriptural truth is studied or heard, is received and held as true, and does not work in power, the chief reason is that it is held in man's wisdom, in the power of the mind, and not of the Spirit of God.
There is nothing that so effectually makes void the cross of Christ and robs it of all its power as the wisdom of words and excellency of speech.
(Excerpted from The Coming Revival, by Andrew Murray , pg. 18)
Sermon Outline
- The Twofold Preaching of Christ
- The Twofold Faith
- The Power of the Cross
- The cross of Christ is voided by wisdom of words
- The cross of Christ is empowered by demonstration of the Spirit
Key Quotes
“There is nothing that so effectually makes void the cross of Christ and robs it of all its power as the wisdom of words and excellency of speech.” — Andrew Murray
Application Points
- Preaching should be done in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, rather than relying on human wisdom and speech.
- Faith that stands in the power of God is stronger and more enduring than faith that stands in the wisdom of man.
- The cross of Christ is voided by wisdom of words, but empowered by demonstration of the Spirit.