SERMON PREP 101

“Peter explained it to them in order.” – Acts 11:4 

Dr. Stephen Olford—one of the best examples and equippers of expository preaching writes this about Acts 11:4:

Here is the correct way to rehearse, declare, or teach the Truth. Paul says, when writing to the          Corinthians, “Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Cor. 14:40), and it applies here as well. To expound Truth in or by order presupposes: 

Study. No one can expound on a subject about which he knows nothing.  In this case, Peter had seen the vision, had heard God speak, and had a  good grasp of the Truth which God sought to impart. 

Sequence. There is no order where there is no sequence. All thoughts or  points should be marshaled in order of sequence. 

System or Synthesis. The putting together of the message ready to be  delivered. 

Lord, enable me to approach the preaching and teaching of Your Word in a worthy manner. (According to Your Word, p.99, Kindle version)

So, I would summarize the results of this as: study—yielding the accurate interpretation of the text; sequence—producing a systematic organization of the points; synthesis—birthing an understandable presentation of the message.

BUILDING A SERMON

 In building a sermon, the foundation is the most crucial component—and the foundation is exposition. What does it mean?  What was God saying to the people of that time. Without a solid grasp of the original interpretation, then we have no Biblical basis in the sermon.

Yet, on that foundation, there is the frame. That is the outline.  The framework is organization.  It is a systematic way of framing the truth so that it would have made sense to those who first heard it, to ourselves as a preacher presenting it, and to those who will hear our sermon.  Apart from this it is difficult for the congregation to have retention of the truth.

The building of a sermon next demands the finish work—and that is application. Having understood what the text originally meant, then organizing that in a manner that will enhance presentation, we must move to show what the text means to our listeners in our day. Without this, we my have accomplished teaching, but not preaching. Consider this reality conveyed here by Spurgeon and Stott:

Then, it is completed with furnishing the sermon construction. That is illustration. This adorns the message and gives the listener a place to sit down and ruminate, chewing over the bread of heaven, a place to lie down and meditate, to rest in the reality of eternity.

Exposition, organization, application, illustration: these are essential components in building a sermon.  To this we might add that an introduction that captures the attention of the listener and a conclusion that calls for decision enables the congregation to “nail it down.”

THE GREATEST SERMON EVER PREACHED

 

Matthew 5-7 contains the greatest sermon ever preached. It was preached by the greatest Preacher, the Lord Jesus, and is called the Sermon on the Mount. While we may never be elevated to the status of a great preacher, we can strive for great content—and know that the Spirit of Christ indwells the servant of Christ who has given is this subject matter. Let’s learn from Him, though we will certainly fall short of the standard the Perfect Preacher set.

He CARED FOR THE MULTITUDES, “seeing the multitides.” His message was evangelistic. Jesus never neglected the masses of humanity. They were lost in sin, and He would call them to repentance and faith. His compassion for sinners was communicated with an invitation to enter the Kingdom of God. Every preacher should have a heart to evangelize the sinner and proclaim the Gospel in each sermon.

Jesus COMMUNICATED WITH GREAT CLARITY. “He went up on a mountain.”  Whether using a mountain for a pulpit or sitting in a boat where He employed the acoustics of the lake to carry His voice—the content needed to be communicated with clarity. What He said needed to be heard and so Jesus would employ the laws of nature to amplify His voice to speak the laws of the Kingdom of heaven.  Preacher, pronounce your words and proclaim the truth with clarity. Don’t let how you say it obscure what needs to be heard.

Jesus CONCENTRATED ON HIS DISCIPLES, “His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them…”.   As previously noted, Jesus cared for the sheep wandering on the mountain, who needed to be summoned into the fold with a Gospel clarion call. Yet, He had a special concentration on the men who would be trained to be shepherds and extend His ministry after His departure back to glory. The preacher must also be a teacher. Edifying disciples must be the concentration of our communication. The Great Commission goes beyond the need to reach the world, to then teach the Word.

In these ways, we can be like the greatest Preacher who proclaimed the greatest sermon ever!

ALL ON THE ALTAR

The Old Testament sacrificial system with its priesthood, altar, and sacrifices foreshadowed Christ, the Great High Priest, who offered Himself as a Lamb on the cross in fulfillment.  Yet, what Christ did absolutely, we are as His followers to do spiritually as  a kingdom of priests, offering spiritual sacrifices on the altar of our commitment.  That is the imagery Paul uses in this text.  Paul so describes the sacrificial gift of money brought by Epaphroditus from the Philippian church. There is a principle that we may apply to any gifts God graces us with—and how we may worship Him through the sacrificial offering of those for God’s glory.  Allow me to specifically speak to the preacher.

THERE IS THE SCENT OF THE SERMON. It is to be “a fragrant offering.”  Now, some sermons just stink! That brings no honor to God or help to the congregation. In contrast to that, If you have smelled a steak cooking on a grill—an aroma that makes you salivate—this should be akin to the scent of our sermon. In our prayerful preparation and passionate presentation, the offering of the message can make each one attending hunger for God and His Word—as Psalm 34:8 says to, “taste and see that the LORD is good!”

THERE IS THE SACRIFICE IN THE SERMON. It is “a sacrifice.”  The Old Testament worshipper was not to bring the worst of the flock, but the best. God was to get the firstfruits and not the leftovers. As David declared, “I will not offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God that cost me nothing,” (2 Sam.24:24). There is a price to pay for preaching that is for the glory of God and good of man. You don’t grab sermon scraps from a book or podcast, stick it in the microwave and go through the motions from the pulpit!

THERE IS THE SATISFACTION FROM THE SERMON. It is “acceptable and pleasing to God.”  If meant to only satisfy yourself in doing your job, or to tickle the ears of the people so they magnify you, then as a preacher your motivation is deadly. We pray that people will be touched by the truth, but it is not that they will always react with acceptance, they may respond with anger. We will find joy if the sermon is acceptable to God. Fundamentally our focus is on God being satisfied. If God is pleased, it ultimately matters not whether anyone else is.

Dear God, may the preacher offer in the sermon his all on the altar—a living sacrifice to You, that is holy in its conception and acceptable in its communication—as his spiritual act of worship!

PREACH LIKE JESUS

People gathered—not in an air conditioned auditorium in comfortable seats, but on a hillside in open air to sit on the grass—all to hear Jesus. They were captivated by His words and “astonished at his teaching.”  It was the greatest sermon ever preached by the greatest Man who ever lived. 

We will not preach a sermon to compare to that one, but there are some things we can learn that will help us be more like Jesus in our preaching.  Let me begin with the foundational principle mentioned in these verses.  It is stated positively and negatively.

The negative aspect stated was, “not as their scribes.”  The manner of the scribes was to do meticulous research and ground their authority in what other scholars had said—to quote from this rabbi or that rabbi as they droned on. While there is nothing wrong with quoting commentators and doing research as to what others have said about the text, when we get up to preach it is likely no one will be impressed by the underpinnings of the sermonic house you have constructed. If you moved into a new home, would you expect to take people into the crawl space, shine a spotlight, and say to your friends, “Would you look at those floor joists! Man, they nailed them! Have you ever seen any like them?”  Rather, I would expect you to show them the rooms and furnishings where you will live.

That brings me to the positive dimension of this—that the people were impressed “for he was teaching them as one who had authority.”  Our Lord’s authority did not rest in human opinion about God, but in heavenly revelation of God. Now, before you protest that Jesus had the advantage of being God—I know.  He spoke directly from the Father for whatever the Father said to Him, He spoke. This we cannot claim and we cannot do.

Yet, we do have His Gospel. We have the Word of God. Our authority rests in God, if we begin with study of the text for God’s Spirit to teach us and guide us into all truth. Then as we preach, we expound the text—with illustration and application that connects eternal truth with the daily life of the audience. Jesus certainly did that—using salt and light to explain influence and fowl and flower to discuss faith, for instance.  People will respond to such clarity and authority.

Let us preach with the confidence that Christ indwells us to speak through us and that we have an authoritative Word that when proclaimed in the unction of the Spirit will make an impact.

FOR THE YOUNG MAN IN MINISTRY (OLD-TIMERS MIGHT PROFIT TOO)

 

Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus.  (Acts 18:24)

If an arrow is aimed in the right direction, it is more likely to hit its target.  A good beginning as a young man in ministry does not insure a great ending, but it surely helps.  Apollos was one who was aimed the right way, and what a difference it made in him and those he served.  There are a few brief helps drawn from his story in Acts 18 which can guide the young preacher.

Develop your communication skills.  Apollos was “an eloquent man.”  While it might be a few exceptional preachers that are worthy of the description, “eloquent,” we must aim at least at being effective!  Pronouncing words clearly, the cadence of the voice, eye contact, and such may not come naturally to us, but we can work at it and improve.  The best sermon poorly delivered will be a waste of your time in preparation and the congregation’s in attendance.

Immerse yourself in Scripture and expound it.  Apollos was “mighty in the Scripture…instructed in the way of the Lord… he spoke and taught accurately….”  Believe it and apply it every day.  Feed your soul or you will not be able to feed your sheep.  This is more than preparing a sermon; it is preparing the servant—being strong in Scripture in our own personal life, so we can speak with authority in the pulpit.  The mandate is to, “Preach the Word!”  (2 Tim.4:2)   We are not to impose our opinions on the text.  That is pastoral malpractice!  Impressive communication can never substitute for inspired content.

Preach passionately.  Apollos was, “fervent in spirit.”  Why should our audience be excited about the sermon if we are not?  This isn’t just about volume, but we are not giving a classroom lecture on Bible history or theology.  We are enthusiastically proclaiming the truth that will transport one from darkness into light, and transform sinners into saints!  That is something to get stirred up about!

Preach courageously.  Apollos spoke, “boldly,” because he spoke Biblically. The temptation these days is to skirt the tough issues and make the message palatable to the culture.  Open the Book and open your mouth, speaking with clarity and conviction.

Listen and learn all your life.  A godly old couple, Aquila and Priscilla “took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.”  Apollos knew a lot, but he did not know it all.  He was not an arrogant man, but a teachable preacher.  He knew how to talk, but he also knew how to listen.  You cannot teach someone who knows it all!  One thing a young preacher assuredly does not have is experience.  There are lessons learned in the laboratory of life that older, wiser lay people and elderly pastors can teach us.  Our peers are important, but our elders are indispensable.  The white-headed men in suits need to help the spikey-haired men in jeans!  The church needs both.

Exhort the saints and exalt the Savior.  Apollos “greatly helped those who had believed.”  Exhortation is giving people a pat on the back or a kick in the rear, depending on which is needed to move them along, with the discernment to know which is applicable.  Above all keep the focus on Jesus, “showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.”  Apollos set that standard for us to emulate.  The ministry is about Jesus and not about us!

 

 

 

INSTANT INSPIRATION

 

“Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say.  ‎For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”  (Luke 12:11-12)

I cannot but wonder how I would respond if my life were threatened with persecution for the cause of Christ.  It would be easy to be full of bluster and self-confident today that I would surely stand then.  In reality, I have doubts—about myself.  That is where my faith must rest on the promise of Christ, and not in the power of man—for that is wholly inadequate.  There is a breaking point for me—and it might not be much—yet, there is limitless power in Him.

What would I say?  What would I do? 

Trials are coming; opposition is intensifying.  Al Mohler, the President of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary said, "We will know very soon where every church and pastor stands on crucial questions. There will be no place to hide."   

We can speak up!  The Spirit promises instant inspiration—I need not plan ahead of time.  He will speak through me. The grace will be there when demanded—and not a minute before.  Truly, I have seen this miracle happen.  Although I have never faced a trial so severe as what Jesus alludes to here, I have been “put on the spot.”  Someone has challenged my faith, someone has attacked me verbally, or just the circumstances of life have driven me, so that I had to have instant inspiration—and the Spirit has given it!

A peril, however, is for the lazy pastor who wants to claim this promise out of context—and rather than study, squander his time on the trivial, and ask God for instant inspiration!  God does not bless sloth!  The late Bible teacher, John Phillips, commenting on these verses, and on that kind of folly in failing to prepare a sermon, writes, “The man who does not know what he is going to say five minutes before he gets up can be sire that most people will not remember what he said five minutes after he sits down.” (“Exploring the Gospel of Luke,” p.180).  In this case, the people will find their spiritual hunger unsatisfied by the small packet of instant inspiration we try to microwave and serve them!

LABOR AND DELIVERY

It is Saturday as I pen these words, and every pastor knows what that means: it’s approaching Sunday’s sermon time!  Like a pregnant woman, the sermon has been conceived, developed and now with labor must be delivered.  We do not want our church family to experience the tragedy of anticipation, only for the message to be stillborn!  Our prayer is for a living Word for the people of God to celebrate!  The big difference is that our sermon doesn’t have nine months to mature.  The due date comes once a week—even multiple times during the week!  Not even the Duggars can claim that!

That’s a pressure pastors must live with—but it is also a privilege they enjoy.  Mothers certainly have some problems and pains in pregnancy—more pronounced and intensifying exponentially as the infant makes its debut.  But, how quickly that is forgotten when the wee one arrives—with joy the child is embraced!

So, my brother, I pray that you are almost ready for the trip to the delivery room that we call the auditorium, and tomorrow afternoon will find you exhausted, but exhilarated.  Once more God has enabled a miracle of life we call preaching to be birthed.  Having been in the delivery room as our children have arrived, it can be described in no other way.  You are caught up in the moment, lost in wonder, heart racing, and I don’t know how the human body can do what it does as a woman delivers a child—or a man delivers a sermon—but new life is ushered into the world.

For almost forty years, I have gone through this cycle.  I wish I could say that none of the sermons were stillborn, but I can say that few have been.  The Father has been faithful to implant the seed of Scripture in my mind, fertilize it by His Spirit, and then the remarkable creative act is completed as the labor and delivery of the message brings another living Word into the world.  To God be the glory!