RE Verse reading–1 Corinthians 12:4-31, Ephesians 4:11-16, 1 Peter 4:10-11 (day five) “Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God” (1 Peter 4:11) “Truth through personality” is Phillips Brooke’s famous definition of preaching. Famous, at least, with seminary students. It allows that a preacher’s personality must always, and should, impact his message. His outlook, his integrity, his experiences, his discipline–all are factors that the Lord uses to communicate the divine message. Peter’s definition places the emphasis on the first part of the equation. A sermon must be truth. In order to “speak the very words of God”, a preacher must wait before the Lord, listen to the text and the Spirit and the needs of his people. He must crucify any desire to communicate his own message or justify him own position. To say “Thus saith the Lord” is a high, hard and holy responsibility. Every spiritual gift is. May the Lord inspire us to serve others well!
