As we consider how to apply Paul's words from the beginning of chapter 5, think through the following questions:
- How do Paul's words about lofty speech and wisdom apply to our celebrity preacher culture today? Do you ever struggle with the desire for the preaching at Trinity to be more like a TV or radio preacher that you appreciate? Does the "celebrity" status of those preachers have a tendency to draw more attention to the preacher/speaker than to Christ and the Gospel?
- Do you watch for "fear and trembling" in the preaching at Trinity Church? What would it mean if our preachers (either our pastor or guest preachers) put confidence in themselves and in their preaching skills and abilities?
- What is the role of the Holy Spirit in preaching? And what is his role in listening to preaching? Do you find yourself relying on the Holy Spirit to hear and understand the wisdom of the Word of God preached? Why or why not? How could you approach the preaching of the Word with greater reliance on the Holy Spirit?
Suggested Prayers:
- Lord, help me to hear when your Word is preached faithfully, and to turn aside from temptations to wish that I could sit under the preaching of a "celebrity" preacher. Give me a greater appreciation for preaching done not with lofty speech or worldly wisdom but by the power of God.
- Father, give my pastor fear and trembling each time he steps into the pulpit, and cause him to rely on you in every way as he preaches.
- Jesus, may your Gospel always be the central teaching of every sermon at Trinity. Renew our focus on you, Lord Christ, and the work of your saving grace in our midst.
- Holy Spirit, guide my heart to hear your Word as it is preached, and teach me to listen more closely according to the ways you have shaped the sermons I hear. Show me my need for the Gospel each time I listen to preaching, and show me how the Gospel fulfills that need more than I could ask or imagine.
