Preaching in The Spirit (1985 Banner Conf.)

In this part of the sermon: Martin introduces the conference theme of the Holy Spirit and the subject of 'preaching in the Spirit,' addressing common misconceptions. He establishes that 'preaching in the…

Martin recounts meeting a deluded man who believed a preacher was 'preaching in the Holy Ghost' because he watched his feet move. This illustrates a common, mistaken, and external understanding of 'preaching in the Spirit.'

And I'm sure for some the thoughts would move in the direction of matters that would bring us into the orbit of what is considered by many to be something very mystical, something very subjective. For others, like the poor deluded man that I met at a conference many years ago, preaching in the Spirit to him. For others, like the poor deluded man that I met at a conference many years ago, had something to do with certain external, physical actions on the part of the preacher. He happened to notice that when a certain preacher preached, that he moved his feet and he came in great seriousness and...

3:37 - 4:31 Read in full sermon

In this part of the sermon: Martin begins to collate biblical material under three headings, starting with the content of preaching in the Spirit. He argues that such preaching must be substantially…

Martin quotes Paul's strong words from Galatians 1:8-9 about anathema for preaching another gospel. This highlights Paul's commitment to orthodox gospel preaching and contrasts it with modern 'ecumania,' reinforcing the necessity of biblical content.

Likewise in 1 Thessalonians chapter 1. In writing to the Thessalonians Paul can say in verse 4, knowing brethren beloved of God your election and how did he discover their election? How that our gospel came not unto you in word only but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance or much conviction even as you know what manner of men we showed ourselves among you for your sakes. Paul in this passage indicates that his conviction with respect to the election of the Thessalonians was grounded in the fact that the gospel came to them not in word only. Now if Paul were preaching tha...

17:48 - 19:06 Read in full sermon

In this part of the sermon: Martin begins to collate biblical material under three headings, starting with the content of preaching in the Spirit. He argues that such preaching must be substantially…

Martin uses the analogy of punctuation to explain the Galatian heresy: they weren't negating basic gospel indicatives but adding to them, putting commas where Paul put periods. This clarifies the subtle nature of false teaching.

But the word of God nonetheless. And the problem with the Galatian heretics was not that they were negating any of the basic indicatives of the gospel. It was their punctuation that constituted their heresy. Where Paul was putting periods they were putting commas and adding something else.

19:06 - 19:27 Read in full sermon

Driving home: Mark it down as a fundamental inflexible axiom that the Holy Spirit will never do in any situation of preaching anything to undermine what he did over a period of 1500 years in giving to us the materialization of his min…

Martin points out the paradox that denominations questioning biblical inspiration often claim new Spirit experiences, while historically Reformed denominations undermining Scripture's authority also see claims of new life in the Spirit. This illustrates his axiom that the Holy Spirit will not undermine His own Word.

Well, we learn from this that the Holy Spirit will never be powerfully present in preaching where there is an ignoring, despising, contradicting or careless handling of the revelation of his mind in this blessed book. Mark it down as a fundamental inflexible axiom that the Holy Spirit will never do in any situation of preaching anything to undermine what he did over a period of 1500 years in giving to us the materialization of his mind in the very words of Holy Scripture. Now is it not strange that in this day in large denominations and some of you present are part of some of those denominatio...

28:09 - 29:35 Read in full sermon

The point: If the salvation of your soul depends on hearing God's word of truth fairly, honestly, carefully opened up and applied, then loyalties to church or denomination mean nothing if they strip your soul of the life-giving pow…

Martin quotes Gardiner Spring extensively on truth being infinitely dear to God, the great instrumentality of His mercy, and the indispensable means for true religion. This reinforces the argument that Spirit-filled preaching must be substantially biblical.

It's found in Gardiner Spring's book Power in the Pulpit or The Power of the Pulpit. And this is what he says on this very issue. The God of heaven is the God of truth. Truth is infinitely dear and precious to his holy mind.

32:33 - 32:52 Read in full sermon

The point: If the salvation of your soul depends on hearing God's word of truth fairly, honestly, carefully opened up and applied, then loyalties to church or denomination mean nothing if they strip your soul of the life-giving pow…

Martin quotes Gardiner Spring's definition of true religion as 'the counterpart of truth in the heart and in the life of the believer.' This supports the idea that conversion is being 'cast into the mold of truth' and emphasizes the Spirit's work through truth.

In another place he gives this striking definition and description of true religion. There is no better definition of spiritual and practical Christianity than that it is the counterpart of truth in the heart and in the life of the believer. It is the fruit of God's spirit operating by his truth and producing in the once alienated heart that delightful reconciliation to its nature and claims which constitutes the life of God in the soul of man. And that's exactly how Paul described the conversion of the Romans in Romans 6, 17.

33:56 - 34:40 Read in full sermon

In this part of the sermon: Martin begins to collate biblical material under three headings, starting with the content of preaching in the Spirit. He argues that such preaching must be substantially…

Martin contrasts 'doctrinal preaching delivered as dry as dust' with vigorous, Spirit-attended doctrinal preaching. This illustrates that the problem is not doctrine itself, but the lifeless manner of its delivery.

The notion that doctrinal preaching empties churches is sheer nonsense. Doctrinal preaching delivered as dry as dust. Academic notions, yes. But how can a man who himself has been smitten in conscience and found refuge in a clear spirit wrought grasp upon the fact that he vicariously bore the curse for me.

39:58 - 40:27 Read in full sermon

In this part of the sermon: Martin begins to collate biblical material under three headings, starting with the content of preaching in the Spirit. He argues that such preaching must be substantially…

Martin describes a man who has 'looked into the pit' and 'smelled the sulfur and brimstone,' found refuge in Christ's vicarious curse-bearing. This vivid imagery illustrates why such a man cannot preach doctrine in a lifeless, dull, or embarrassed manner.

How can he speak of vicarious substitutionary curse bearing in a lifeless, dull, dry, pedantic manner. In God's name. How can he? He's looked into the pit and he smelled as it were the sulfur and the brimstone.

40:27 - 40:53 Read in full sermon

Driving home: And may I say it reverently to my preacher friends the Holy Spirit as it were is in the wings of wherever you preach holding His biggest spotlights and whenever Jesus is most present He loves to shine those lights upon H…

Martin quotes Gardiner Spring: 'whatever savors not of the cross of Christ has no place in a Christian pulpit.' This emphasizes the pervasively evangelical nature of Spirit-filled preaching.

And as Gardener Spring has said whatever savors not of the cross of Christ has no place in a Christian pulpit. The Spirit is come to testify of Christ to take of the things of Christ and reveal them. And may I say it reverently to my preacher friends the Holy Spirit as it were is in the wings of wherever you preach holding His biggest spotlights and whenever Jesus is most present He loves to shine those lights upon Him and to reveal to needy men the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Preaching that is biblical then will not only be doctrinal and evangelical but my fourth point is under ...

43:55 - 45:12 Read in full sermon

Driving home: And may I say it reverently to my preacher friends the Holy Spirit as it were is in the wings of wherever you preach holding His biggest spotlights and whenever Jesus is most present He loves to shine those lights upon H…

Martin uses the metaphor of the Holy Spirit holding 'His biggest spotlights' in the 'wings' of the pulpit, ready to shine them on Jesus when He is most present. This illustrates the Spirit's role in testifying of Christ and revealing His glory.

And as Gardener Spring has said whatever savors not of the cross of Christ has no place in a Christian pulpit. The Spirit is come to testify of Christ to take of the things of Christ and reveal them. And may I say it reverently to my preacher friends the Holy Spirit as it were is in the wings of wherever you preach holding His biggest spotlights and whenever Jesus is most present He loves to shine those lights upon Him and to reveal to needy men the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Preaching that is biblical then will not only be doctrinal and evangelical but my fourth point is under ...

43:55 - 45:12 Read in full sermon

In this part of the sermon: Martin transitions to the manner of preaching in the Spirit, arguing that it will be earnest and impassioned, reflecting the weighty truths being proclaimed, and plain and lucid…

Martin defines earnestness as 'that quality present when someone has something of weight and importance to say and is determined to be heard in the saying of it.' This sets the stage for discussing earnestness as a mark of Spirit-filled preaching.

While giving all the latitude due to diversity of gift, personality, style of delivery, and a vast array of legitimate variables, I believe we are still able to assert that preaching in the Spirit will have certain common denominators with reference to the manner of that preaching. And I suggest to you that as to its manner, preaching in the Spirit will first of all be earnest and impassioned preaching. It will be earnest and impassioned preaching. One has described earnestness as that quality present when someone has something of weight and importance to say and is determined to be heard in t...

50:25 - 51:33 Read in full sermon

Driving home: It was none other than the late beloved and highly esteemed Professor Murray who said and I quote him preaching without passion is not preaching. End quote.

Martin challenges the preacher's conscience: 'Can a man believe this book and traffic in such things in the presence of immortal beings and not be in earnest?' This illustrates the internal necessity of earnestness for a Spirit-filled preacher.

And if he's preaching this Bible, he is in the most intense concentrated contact with the great truths of the pouring out of God's heart in love through a Redeemer, and the gift of the Spirit, and the wonderful blessings of forgiveness and justification and adoption. And he knows something when he's in the historical sections of the horrible, the horrible tale of tragedy that comes in the heels of the disregard of God's law and the life of unbelief, and the glories and the wonders that follow upon a life of faith and obedience. Now my friend, let me ask you something. Can a man believe this bo...

53:21 - 54:48 Read in full sermon

Driving home: It was none other than the late beloved and highly esteemed Professor Murray who said and I quote him preaching without passion is not preaching. End quote.

Martin quotes Professor Murray: 'Preaching without passion is not preaching.' This authoritative statement reinforces the importance of passion as a characteristic of Spirit-filled preaching.

And now Paul says we beseech you in the very stead of Christ my ministering brethren we stand in his stead would your people know anything of the passion and the warmth and the yearning of the heart of Jesus in the manner of your preaching and in the manner of my preaching. It was none other than the late beloved and highly esteemed Professor Murray who said and I quote him preaching without passion is not preaching. End quote. In my view the professor said preaching without passion is not preaching. Spirit of truth impregnating the heart of a man with that truth whatever else it will do to hi...

56:58 - 58:08 Read in full sermon

Driving home: It was none other than the late beloved and highly esteemed Professor Murray who said and I quote him preaching without passion is not preaching. End quote.

Martin contrasts sermons that are 'smooth as oil' but lack pungency with sermons 'all covered with burrs' that stick to the minds of men. This metaphor illustrates the preference for plain, impactful preaching over mere elegance.

and knowledge are hidden it is said of him that the common people heard him gladly. He didn't talk in philosophical terms he didn't say the kingdom is like and then launch into the terminology of the experts he talked about mustard seed he talked about a net bringing in fish of all kind and he talked about women in the throes of labor and he talked about birds and he talked about lilies and he talked about little kids playing games in the marketplace and as our Lord did so did the prophets and our Lord was seeking to be plain and lucid oh yes I know that the parables had a judgmental element I...

60:29 - 61:56 Read in full sermon

Driving home: My friends listen to me run from that like you'd run from hell itself demonic powers operate in the realm of the passivity of your mind and will the Holy Ghost doesn't operate that way.

Martin shares his personal experience of being coached to 'let yourself go' and 'let your mind go into neutral' to speak in tongues. This anecdote serves as a stark warning against passive religious experiences, contrasting them with the controlled work of the Holy Spirit.

and maybe I may say by way of an aside and I don't say as one who's only read books I've had hands laid on me I've been coached I've laid on the floor half the night trying to get to baptism and all the rest I've had people coach me now let yourself go Al just let your mind go into neutral that's right now just start saying Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus just let yourself go you're never going to speak in tongues so you let yourself go you see you're fighting you've got to get your mind out of the way my friends listen to me run from that like you'd run from hell itself demonic power...

63:23 - 64:51 Read in full sermon

Driving home: My friends listen to me run from that like you'd run from hell itself demonic powers operate in the realm of the passivity of your mind and will the Holy Ghost doesn't operate that way.

Martin references 1 Corinthians 14, where an unbeliever, hearing prophecy, falls on his face and cries out, 'God is of a truth among you.' This illustrates the 'sense of God' that powerful, Spirit-filled preaching brings, leading to prostration, not casual comfort.

you shall be witnesses unto me my speech and preaching were not in words of man's wisdom but in demonstration of the spirit and of power our gospel came not in word only but also in power and in the Holy Spirit now again giving due allowance for all the values variables of temperament and lung capacity and physical animation and other legitimate diversities in the style of preaching let me at least suggest that powerful preaching involves these three things preaching in the spirit marked as preaching in power a sense of God is brought upon a congregation and I don't know what else to call it b...

67:44 - 69:10 Read in full sermon

The point: Plead with God that your pastor will be a man clothed with the Spirit, dealing with any rubbish of misconceptions, unbelief, or anything that hinders proclaiming God's book in clarity and power.

Martin quotes Fox (likely John Foxe) on God's 'five-ranked army of descending human weakness' – the nobodies, weak, non-descript. This illustrates God's pattern of using humble instruments to confound the mighty, encouraging congregants to pray for such men.

that he would send his spirit upon his servants in this city in this area upon this nation that God would raise up men who preach in the spirit and do whatever he must do to make such men God calls most of his servants from the ranks of the non-descript you see your calling brethren not many mighty not many noble not many wise Fox called them God's five ranked army of descending human weakness five ranked army of descending human weakness the nobodies the weak the non-descript and he says with them he'll conquer the world because he resists the proud and gives grace to the humble will you not ...

73:29 - 74:57 Read in full sermon