Spiritual Preparation for a Personal Ministry

While we would not deny the importance of Bible knowledge and the proven procedures of witnessing and evangelism, we must be careful not to neglect an emphasis on personal spiritual preparation. The essential ingredient in personal spiritual growth is, of course, the Holy Spirit, and to experience the Holy Spirit’s power for evangelism we must give Him access to our lives.

As Christians begin to serve their God, they become more aware of personal spiritual needs. As they then request, and receive, a greater indwelling of the Holy Spirit, they are empowered for a continuing ministry.

The key is a daily surrendering of our will to God, a daily willingness to die to self, a daily keeping of the grace of Christ before us, a daily remembrance of what we have been given in Christ and what He asks of us in response to that gift.In regard to winning souls, Ellen G. White wrote this challenging statement: “Your success will not depend so much upon your knowledge and accomplishments, as upon your ability to find your way to the heart.”—Gospel Workers, p. 193. What important point is she making there? After all, how often do we see people turn away from the powerful and convincing evidence for our message? So often doctrine itself—no matter how biblical, logical, uplifting, and sensible—will not impact a person with a closed heart. How, then, do we reach the heart? In this context, how much more important is it to live out what we profess rather than just profess it?  

Discussion Questions:

   “One truth received into the heart will make room for still another truth.”—Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 449. In what sequence should the truths we hold be presented in order to be most effective in our outreach? Why should Christ’s substitutionary death always be at the forefront of all that we teach?  

   Ponder the following statement as you consider the ways in which you can share your personal experience with others: “The last rays of merciful light, the last message of mercy to be given to the world, is a revelation of His character of love. The children of God are to manifest His glory. In their own life and character they are to reveal what the grace of God has done for them.”—Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 415, 416. The question is, How do we in a daily and practical way “manifest His glory”? How often in the past 24 hours have you manifested God’s glory in your life? What kind of witness for your faith does your lifestyle reveal? How can your local church as a whole “manifest His glory”?

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