Witnessing in Power
The Holy Spirit is essential for effective witness-bearing and conviction of men's hearts.
D.L. Moody emphasizes the critical role of the Holy Spirit in effective witness-bearing, asserting that the Church lacks understanding of this power. He references John 15:26, highlighting that the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, will testify of Christ, and believers are called to bear witness as well. Moody illustrates this with the example of Peter at Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit empowered his testimony, leading to mass conviction. He stresses that without the Holy Spirit, preaching lacks effectiveness, and believers must study God's Word to align with the Spirit's guidance.
Text
The subject of witness-bearing in the power of the Holy Ghost is not sufficiently understood by the Church. Until we have more intelligence on this point we are laboring under great disadvantage. Now, if you will take your Bible and turn to the 5th chapter of John and the 26th verse, you will find these words:
"But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of Truth, which proceedeth from the Father, He shall testify of me; and ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning."
Here we find what the Spirit is going to do, or what Christ said He would do when He came; namely, that He should testify of Him. And if you will turn over to the second chapter of Acts you will find that when Peter stood up on the day of Pentecost, and testified of what Christ had done, the Holy Spirit came down and bore witness to that fact, and men were convicted by hundreds and by thousands. So then man can not preach effectively of himself. He must have the Spirit of God to give ability, and study God's Word in order to testify according to the mind of the Spirit.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Witness-Bearing in the Power of the Holy Ghost
- The Role of the Holy Spirit in Witness-Bearing
- The Necessity of the Holy Spirit's Presence
- The Spirit testifies of Christ
- The Spirit gives ability to preach effectively
- Man cannot preach effectively of himself
- The need for the Spirit of God to give ability
Key Quotes
“But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of Truth, which proceedeth from the Father, He shall testify of me; and ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.” — D.L. Moody
“Man can not preach effectively of himself. He must have the Spirit of God to give ability, and study God's Word in order to testify according to the mind of the Spirit.” — D.L. Moody
Application Points
- We must seek the Holy Spirit's presence and guidance in our witness-bearing.
- Effective preaching requires the Spirit of God to give ability and study of God's Word.
- The Holy Spirit's presence is necessary for conviction of men's hearts and transformation.