The Holy Spirit at Work: Proclamation of the Word Bears Fruit
This sermon from Dr. Phil Newton took place in a Midwestern Seminary chapel service in
February, 2022. Though he is not preaching to his own church, to the people he knows, Dr.
Newton is able to carefully consider and communicate contextualized application for his hearers
throughout the sermon. Thus, this is a good example of bringing a text to bear on those to whom
one preaches. He knows that many present are or will be leaders in local church or discipleship
settings, and he shows why this text has import for how we interpret and teach biblical truth to
others. He shares helpful thoughts about things such hearers can expect to be true of their futures
in ministry leadership.
In addition, and more integrally, Dr. Newton demonstrates from the text that the type of teaching
which bears fruit by the Spirit’s power is that which is Christ-centered and rooted in Scripture.
This is a distinctly Christian sermon which should cause the believing hearer to have a higher
view of Scripture. And it is preached by one who is comfortable in his style of preaching—which
may well be different from yours!—and who does not exhibit any physical distractions as he
preaches.
