September 12

My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, — 1 Cor 2:4 BSB

In human reasoning, demonstration is usually limited to mathematics, but in divine matters, grace far exceeds nature. The testimony of the Spirit always brings convincing, undeniable proof to the soul. It’s not just that we need demonstration of the Word itself, but the “demonstration of the Spirit.” This is crucial to understand. The Bible does indeed demonstrate its own truth when the Spirit shines upon it, but it’s the Spirit’s demonstration, working through the Word, that converts sinners and satisfies the saints. This kind of demonstration is not cold or rigid like a mathematical proof; it’s warm, living, and sanctifying—filling the soul with the light and life of God.

Paul’s preaching was filled with this kind of demonstration of the Spirit. The Spirit of God speaking through him made the truth so clear and powerful that it reached not only the mind but the heart, coming “in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance” (1 Thess. 1:5). Today, though there are no Pauls, unless we have a measure of that same demonstration of the Spirit, all our preaching falls to the ground. Without it, there’s no real effect, no lasting fruit, no impact for eternal life. Preaching that lacks the Spirit’s power may stimulate the mind temporarily, but it leaves the soul empty, like a hungry man dreaming he’s eaten only to wake up still famished.

But when the Spirit communicates something to the soul, when it’s brought home with light, life, and power, it stays with us. It comforts us not only in the moment but continues to be a source of strength when we reflect on it later. It becomes a bright spot in our spiritual experience, a moment when we can believe that God blessed His Word to our soul and sealed it in our conscience. That’s the “demonstration of the Spirit.”

And when there is this demonstration, there is also power. The Apostle emphasizes this when he says, “and of power.” The kingdom of God isn’t just words; it’s power. It’s through this power that we believe in the Son of God, for we can’t believe truly and savingly in Him without it. Power enables us to receive Christ in all His fullness, to rest in the certainty that God’s work in us is eternal, and to come out of doubt and fear into the light and freedom of the truth that sets us free.