We Must Preach It Experientially
Arthur Vess emphasizes the necessity of experiential preaching rooted in personal sanctification and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit for effective ministry.
Arthur Vess emphasizes the importance of preaching from a place of personal experience rather than mere experimentation, highlighting the need for spiritual knowledge proven in the laboratory of one's heart. He stresses the necessity of being sanctified and filled with the Holy Ghost before sharing this message with others, drawing from the example of the early Disciples who waited for empowerment. Vess encourages a deep, personal conviction of one's own sanctification to avoid weakness, compromise, and hypocrisy, and to stand boldly against opposition. He shares anecdotes of ministers experiencing revival after seeking sanctification, illustrating the transformative power of a personal encounter with the Holy Spirit.
Text
We must preach it experientially, not experimental, but as something proved by experience.[This distinction drawn between "experiential" and "experimental" here is not altogether welltaken, for the word "experimental" can mean "that which is known by experience" as well as "thatwhich involves an experiment or a test." While some may prefer the word "experiential" applied to spiritual knowledge, the word "experimental," used by many of the older writers, mayalso be used to denote the same thing. See the Oxford Dictionary -- DVM] It must be proved byspiritual science in the laboratory of your own heart. You cannot give to others something whichyou do not have yourself. If the early Disciples had to "tarry until they were endued with powerfrom on high," we must do the same.
You must KNOW that you have been and are still sanctified,or there will be a lameness in your own message like the one in your own soul. How long has itbeen since someone was sanctified under your own ministry? If it costs days, friends, positions,and shallow professions to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you have been cleansed fromcarnality and filled with the Holy Ghost, "all the fullness of God." This will make your stepssteady, and you can offer to others what you are more certain of and more conscious of thananything else in this world. This will save you from cowardice, weak knees, compromise andhypocrisy, and make you holy, valiant and fearless in the face of every foe. It will make you themost loved and hated person in all your community round about.
A. J.
Gordon said, "My ministry was fruitless for 20 years, until I went into my study andshut the door, and told God that I would never come out until He baptized me with the HolyGhost." The mighty baptism came, and revivals followed him around the world. At our Iowa campsome years ago, a leading minister who fell at the altar to be sanctified, said to the evangelist that"I had lost the blessing, and because of the inconsistencies of others, I had wondered if there wassuch a thing as sanctification, but when I heard you preach it, I felt that you had it, and that I couldhave it." About seven preachers got sanctified in that camp, and revivals spread all over theconference after the camp. "Lord, send a revival and let it begin in me."
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Importance of experiential preaching - Difference between experiential and experimental - Spiritual knowledge must be proven
- II points: - Personal sanctification is essential - Impact of personal experience on ministry - Consequences of lacking personal experience
- III points: - Historical examples of transformation - Testimonies of revival through personal conviction - Call to action for personal revival
- IV points: - The role of the Holy Spirit in empowerment - Overcoming fear and compromise - Becoming a bold witness in the community
Key Quotes
“You cannot give to others something which you do not have yourself.” — Arthur Vess
“If it costs days, friends, positions, and shallow professions to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you have been cleansed from carnality and filled with the Holy Ghost.” — Arthur Vess
“Lord, send a revival and let it begin in me.” — Arthur Vess
Application Points
- Seek personal sanctification through dedicated prayer and reflection.
- Share your experiences of faith to inspire others in their spiritual journeys.
- Embrace the Holy Spirit's empowerment to overcome fear and boldly witness in your community.