What does the Bible say about divine power in preaching?

The Bible teaches that the effectiveness of preaching is intricately tied to the power of the Holy Spirit. In 1 Thessalonians 1:5, it is stated that the gospel does not come merely in words, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. This divine empowerment is what distinguishes the preaching of great doctrinal preachers like Luther and Whitefield from contemporary sermons that lack the same spiritual depth and influence. Without the Holy Spirit's working, preaching can merely become an act devoid of life, likened to 'mimic thunders', as J.C. Philpot argues.

Moreover, the historical context of preaching in the early church reflects a reliance on the Holy Spirit's immediate guidance and influence. Just as the apostles preached fueled by divine inspiration, today’s ministers are reminded that to effectively proclaim the truths of Scripture, they must also seek this divine enablement. The call is for ministers to recognize that their words must resonate with the exceeding greatness of God's power which works in believers, leading to true conviction and transformation.