MIN-430 Topic 6 - DQ 1 - reading Scripture with a prayerful attitude

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Oct 30, 2023

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According to Merida in Faithful Preaching, the first principle for studying the biblical text in preparation for expository preaching is reading Scripture with a prayerful attitude. Discuss why this is the first principle mentioned and how it should impact the expositor's life and ministry. MIN-430 – Topic 6 – DQ 1 10/02/23 Elias Ruiz MIN-430 Topic 6 Julius Kim states in Preacher’s Toolkit: ‘What Should I Preach Next’? Concerning a prayerful attitude before expository preaching, the first leaders of the New Testament Church devoted themselves to two important tasks: preaching and prayer. They followed the teachings of their rabbi, that prayer was an essential part of their ministry (Mark 1:35-39). Smart Pastors know that to discern the congregation's needs requires help from God. “We cannot discern the hearts of our hearers without the aid of the Spirit who searches hearts” (Kim, 2018). A sermon is not a lecture, just to bring information. We need God to light our content on fire. "Preaching," said Calvin Miller, "in one sense, merely discharges the firearm that God has loaded in the silent place" (Spirit, Word, and Story, 26). This is where we must go, to the silent place, and there confess our utter uselessness without God. Otherwise our content, despite its insight, will have no impact. ( www.lifewy.com ). According to Merida, in chapter 5, “While the process for interpreting Scripture is scientific and literary in method, we must not forget that it is also spiritual in nature.” (Merida, 2009, p. 89). As we prayerfully study the Bible, the Holy Spirit gives us eyes to see Jesus, the “image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15). Sermons are not meant merely to inform but to transform. We open in prayer and maintain ourselves sensitive to the Spirit while we study. We need the Spirit to open our eyes so that the Word burns in our hearts (Ps 119:18; Luke 24:32). The Holy Spirit is the great teacher and guide, leading us into all truth (John 16:13). (Merida, 2009). It is the first principle mentioned because it is the most essential. Every great sermon must commence with prayer, seeking God's wisdom and enlightenment. During my prayer preparation for a sermon, I read my sermon notes out loud to myself and the Holy Spirit gives me the assurance that this is the sermon to be preached. Pastor Eli https://www.lifeway.com/en/articles/pastor-three-reasons-why-preaching-needs-prayer Merida, T. (2009b). Faithful preaching: Declaring Scripture with Responsibility, Passion, and Authenticity. B&H Publishing Group. The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. (2016). Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/English-Standard-Version-ESV-Bible/#copy (Original work published 2001)

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