S. Acts 14:1-2
At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed. 2 But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the other Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.
O. Paul and Barnabas spoke effectively. Their speech was so to lead people to belief and faith in Christ Jesus.
Our words in preaching and teaching should be effective. Preachers should work on this skill. Some are perhaps more naturally gifted than others, but we (preachers / teachers) need to put some time in this area.
The enemy “poisons” the minds of people. This means that Satan oppresses and afflicts the thought processes of people. He stirs people up through lies and addicting habits of the mind. The Bible says that he masquerades as “an angel of light.” (2 Cor. 11:14). It is a spiritual warfare that we do not fight as usual. Satan wants to impose strongholds in our minds that control us. (2 Corinthians 10:1-6). The fight is on. It needs not a casual approach.
Knowing this, as ministers of the Gospel, we need to do all we can to be effective in preaching. Of course we need to pray daily for the power of the Holy Spirit to fill us and guide us. May He (the Holy Spirit) do this in our preparation and our execution of the message we are do share.
A. I will continue to study, learn from others and further develop the skill in message content and delivery so that I might effectively persuade people to come to faith in Jesus Christ.
P. Thank you Father for this word today. Than you for the example of Paul and Barnabas in their preaching and teaching. They obviously worked at this, knowing the opposition they would face. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me with wisdom, knowledge and skill in presenting your word to others. In Jesus’ name!
