Lesson 20. Preaching the Word

A. Preaching from the Scriptures, II Timothy 3:15-17; 4:2
1. The preacher communicates a concept—a single, dominant idea; bullet, not shotgun
2. The main concept comes from Scripture
a. We have no right to preach our ideas instead of the Bible’s ideas
b. We must base the central theme on Scripture
c. The text should govern the sermon
d. The main thought should come from the text, or else choose another text
e. We should use the text; explain it properly, or don’t use it
3. The preacher should apply the text

B. Study
1. Devotional, topical, book, other reading
2. Hermeneutics: see Understanding God’s Word
3. Tools for study: see UGW appendix
4. System for recording sermon ideas

C. Seven Steps in Preparing a Message
1. In prayer and study, select the passage
2. Study the passage and discover its message
3. Formulate the central idea and purpose of your message
4. Develop the main points
5. Outline the message
a. Reminder of the main points
b. Subordination of lesser points
6. Fill in the outline: support; illustrations; examples; special information such as statistics, quotations, and references
7. Prepare the introduction and conclusion

D. Central Thesis
1. One main thought, one central purpose
2. Definite enough to state clearly in writing
3. Definite subject: who, what , when, where, why, how
4. Definite complement: explains what is being said about the subject

E. Title
1. Gets audience’s attention
2. Unifies the message
3. Enables the audience to remember the message
4. Sermon in a nutshell

F. Five-Point Suggested Structure
1. Introduction: get attention, gain goodwill and respect, short, prepare carefully
2. Scripture thesis: exegete the text and extract the key principle
3. Support: additional scriptural support, illustrations, experiences
4. Application: explain why this matters to us and how to apply it to our lives
5. Conclusion: focus on theme and purpose, finality, motivate desired response, atmosphere of faith, short, prepare carefully

G. Preaching Style
1. Appearance: neat, clean, credible
2. Time
a. Suggested 30 minutes maximum for young preacher; one hour maximum for seasoned preacher and special occasion
b. Evangelistic message: 20 to 30 minutes
c. Teaching session: 45 to 50 minutes
3. Wording: clear, simple, direct, personal, vivid, precise
4. Voice: intelligible, variety, appropriate emphasis
5. Body Language (movement and stance, facial expressions, gestures)
a. Sincere
b. Natural
c. Spontaneous
d. Purposeful, not random or distracting
e. Definite
f. Varied
g. General eye contact
h. Nervousness is good, but critique, practice, and gain experience
6. Depend on power of Word and Spirit

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