SERMON PREPARATION. Hebrews 2:1-4

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1 1 WCI TRAINING PREACHING JAN 2016 DIE AKKER 18 TH OCTOBER 2016 SERMON PREPARATION We prepare our sermons between two pillars or tensions of truth: THE WORD OF TRUTH THE HOLY SPIRIT Hebrews 2:1-4 We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. AMP v4 [Besides this evidence] it was also established and plainly endorsed by God, Who showed His approval of it by signs and wonders and various miraculous manifestations of [His] power and by imparting the gifts of the Holy Spirit [to the believers] according to His own will. The authority from which we preach flows from the Trinity - the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

2 To be effective in our preaching and sermon preparation we need to answer the following questions: WHAT is Preaching? WHY do we Preach? HOW do we Preach? 2 WHAT is Preaching? D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones Studies in the Sermon on the Mount : A sermon is not an essay or a literary composition intended for publication to be read and re-read, but is a message which is intended to be heard and to have an immediate impact upon the listeners The New Testament describes preaching in over 60 different ways, but there are 4 main Greek Words we will look at that were used to describe Jesus and Paul s preaching: j Kerusso (used 60 plus times) To declare and proclaim as a herald does Simply passing on the king s message Does not use his own words Does not speak on his own authority He is sent with the message 2 Timothy 4:2 KJV Preach Kerusso the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. j Euaggelizo To share the good news Luke 4:18,19 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news Euaggelizo to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim Kerusso freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim Kerusso the year of the Lord's favor. Romans 1:15 KJV So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel Euaggelizo to you that are at Rome also. Ephesians 3:8 KJV Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach Euaggelizo among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

3 3 j Didasko To disciple, train or teach 1 Timothy 6:2-3 KJV These things teach Didasko and exhort. If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; j Martureo Bear witness to the fact Giving testimony 1Thessalonians 2:11,12 even as you know how we exhorted and comforted and testified Martureo to each one of you, as a father to his children, that you should walk worthy of God, who has called you to His kingdom and glory. These are not 4 different types of sermons a preacher should be doing all 4 of every time he preaches. He should be delivering God s message Kerusso in a way that people hear the good news, Euaggelizo mature through it, through the teaching or Didasko and he needs to be able to testify Martureo that what he is talking about is true he is living it. This is evident in the life of Timothy 2Timothy 4:1 5 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach Kerusso the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction. Why? For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. derived from Didasko Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist,, Euaggelizo discharge all the duties of your ministry.

4 Our task is to proclaim the message or word of King and to help the people apply the truth to their lives. So it is vitally important that we get the meaning of the message right. We do this through HEUMENTICS and HOMILETICS 4 HERMENEUTICS = science and art of proper biblical interpretation involving: Exegesis to pull out the meaning of Eisegesis to put meaning into HOMILETICS = science and art of the preparation and delivery of sermons. WHY do we Preach? Why do we preach? What do we hope to achieve when we stand up there on a Sunday morning ready to preach? To REVEAL what GOD is saying - it s the Word, magnifying God and revealing what He requires. (Not our own perceptions or opinions) To FEED the sheep, bringing them hope and comfort To help people DEAL WITH LIFE PROBLEMS and show the answers and the way out. To bring MATURITY. To bring CHALLENGE to move on and change. We are NOT preachers who are like the: Ritualist Sermon is a part of the order of service Huckster Preacher is simply trying to sell the Gospel Foreman Preacher simply chews everyone out Lecturer Information dumping Persuader Sermon demands a decision from the hearer HOW do we Preach? Different ways to prepare a Sermon: Textual: a sermon in which the main divisions of the sermon are based upon the Text. (The text itself provides the outline e.g. 2 Thessalonians 3:3) Topical: a sermon in which the main divisions of the sermon are based upon the topic (subject) rather than one text e.g. Reasons for unanswered prayer

5 5 Textual / Topical: a sermon in which the main divisions are suggested in the Text but are developed by the preacher (e.g. The Good Samaritan). Expository: a textual sermon which is generally based on a larger passage which is analyzed in greater detail. (Could be one verse but it is gone into in great detail). The meaning and the truth contained in a particular passage of Scripture is made plain and the application of the biblical concept is explained Narrative: a sermon in which an account from the scripture is cast in the form of a story with a plot which is used to bring out the practical implications of the text to the listener. The applications are drawn from the principles revealed in the account. The story has a Once upon a time and Happily ever after sense Eg the Prodigal Son THE STRUCTURE OF A SERMON The structure of a sermon is important: A logical thought process makes it easier for the listener to follow your argument It helps the preacher stay on course and not get sidetracked or if they do, they are able to get back to where you were. The structure of a sermon is what the skeleton is to the human body. Title Introduction Body Conclusion Which do you think is the most important aspect of the Sermon? TITLE The title sums up your main point and tells your audience where you re going eg. Developing a Passion for Jesus. Principles for the Preparation of Sermon Titles: It should have a definite connection to the text or message. It should be worded to arouse attention or curiosity and to draw the people with renewed interest.

6 6 Avoid titles which have no special meaning or significance to the people. For example, a title on 1 Kings 17:1-6 such as The Famine in the Days of Elijah would not be particularly meaningful to men and women today. Instead Tested to be Trusted immediately carries significance to everyone in the congregation who is passing through a time of trial. It should generally be brief! A condensed title is usually more effective than a lengthy statement. A title may be stated in the form of either a declaration, question or exclamation - there are occasions when the title will be more forceful if put in the form of an arresting question. For example observe the difference between Living on the Lord s Side and Who is on the Lord s Side? Declaratory : God can Handle Your Problems What the Bible says about Death Interrogatory: Why do the Godly Suffer? What is the Meaning of Faith Exclamatory : For Better, Not for Worse! Gaining by Losing! A title may consist of a brief quotation of a text of Scripture. For example, Who is My Neighbour? or Teach us to Pray. PREPARE A SUITABLE TITLE FOR THE FOLLOWING TEXTS : 1. We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves (Romans 15:1) Declaration: Interrogation: Exclamation: 2. Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3) Declaration: Interrogation: Exclamation:

7 7 INTRODUCTION The introduction is the process by which the preacher secures their interest (light a fire). Start with a Scripture reference your sermon is anchored on or a good short story or testimony. The first few minutes of a sermon is crucial. It is at this time that a preacher will either gain or lose the attention of his hearers. It must be presented in such a way as to win the attention of the congregation as there may be many who are preoccupied with their own joys, sorrows, hopes or fears, duties or cares and are not receptive to the message being preached. Arrest the attention of the people by arousing their curiosity by relating the sermon to life situations eg. A description of a car accident, house burning down etc. It is the use of common experiences of men and women and current events which will bring our preaching close to the lives people and give relevance to our message. Wait until everyone has settled before beginning your sermon or the impact will be lost! BODY The Body discusses the main idea or point of your sermon - it tells them what you promised you d tell them in the introduction and the title! Remember, a Sermon is not an exercise in exegesis, although it does involve exegesis in your preparation, but a declaration of a truth to move us to moral action. There are several processes which are used in the expansion or development of the Sermon ie. In adding substance to it. Explanation (Exegesis) Involves: j Observation - What does it say? j Interpretation - What does it mean? Look at the: Context : Immediate Context : Same Book : Parallels : All of Scripture Culture: The study of a people s manners and customs Geography: The study of a geographical area and its impact on our understanding

8 8 Biblical Languages: The study of the Hebrew and Greek languages History: The background and history of a people Argumentation verify the truth of what you are saying. Statistics, other Scriptures, testimony Quotation guard against using too many Illustration there to throw light on and bring understanding on what you are trying to say. Eg parables, stories, account of a personal experience or an event in history. In today s culture and being an urban church, there is more and more a leaning to using technology in our sermons. Power point projections, videos etc. Make sure you are well practiced with it beforehand and the person doing the media that day is aware of when and how to display the media! Application - What does it mean to me? When properly employed, application shows the relevancy of Scripture to a person s everyday life how to apply it to their lives! Use of Scripture in Sermons: Have an opening Scripture to anchor your sermon on! Read the Scripture confidently and boldly as if you believe it! Make sure you have the whole Scripture typed out in your notes! This makes it easier to find and read and minimizes the distraction of trying to find it! Practice the difficult words and names so you say them with ease. If you are reading from a Bible, make sure the passage is clearly marked and open to that reference. Keep the Scriptures that the people have to turn to and follow, to a minimum. After one or two key Scriptures, refer to the others giving the references and briefly stating the point you want to make from them. For example In Ephesians 2: 8 & 9 it tells us we were saved by faith and not works. If using multiple references, try to display them on the screen for all to see. Make sure your sermon is explaining the Scripture and not the other way round! We should never be using Scripture to justify our opinions! The danger is that we will take the Scriptures out of context. For example, if the preacher has an opinion that women should not preach and teach in Church, he will preach a sermon in this regard using 1Corinthians 14:34 Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says.

9 9 CONCLUSION The conclusion is the climax of the whole sermon and is not the place to introduce new ideas or arguments but to solely emphasize, reaffirm, establish or finalize that which has already been declared in the sermon. If your conclusion is weak or poorly executed, it may weaken or even destroy the effect of the preceding parts of the message. There are various forms for the conclusion: Recapitulation - the preacher repeats the main ideas of the sermon Illustration highlighting the main point Application or appeal - as the message draws to a close, it should cause the individuals to ask themselves what has this truth to do with me? The preacher ends his message with a direct application or appeal, calling for a response from the people. Motivation - the preacher provides an incentive for the people to respond personally to the challenge presented. FINALLY: 1. Spend time with God to get His message and to know His heart. 2. Be filled with conviction apply the message to yourself 3. Practice your preach to deal with distracting habits video yourself 4. Always be faithful to the text: Not your opinion Don t place unnecessary emphasis on meaning of names and numbers, looking for hidden messages. God may speak to you through names and numbers but it is usually your own personal revelation and does not necessary explain the text 5. Always make it applicable and relevant to the hearers. 6. Read your congregation! If they are bored and become restless then stop! If the horse is dead then dismount! 7. Be sensitive to time! Brian Houston Be a good steward of people s time. Be reliable. You are entrusted as a steward of the platform you are on the moment you go over time, you are outside of your authority! 8. Preaching is a privilege! It is not an opportunity for your pespectives or opinion or cause or opportunity to vent your axe to grind. 9. Don t make excuses for your personality and try explain them away. Just get on and preach! 10. Allow God to soften your heart for your hearers consider their sensibilities don t offend with your opinions or perspectives. let the Word cause offense.

10 PREACHING IS A TASK-ORIENTED FUNCTION, NOT AN OFFICE. 10 Ephesians 3:7-9 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. The preparation of the Person declaring the Word behind the pulpit is like the weightbearing foundation and piers sustaining the bridge. Through hermeneutics --the work of biblical interpretation--the pastor constructs the biblical message, spanning toward the people. Then through homiletics --the task of shaping the sermon--the pastor builds a span from the biblical message toward the sermon for the congregation. Proclaiming the Word from the pulpit is one of the greatest privileges given to the individual who has been called by God to preach the gospel. This picture of a bridge is just one of the models used to explain preaching but as in all things in our world today, even preaching is changing and being seen more as an EVENT, not merely a bridge to convey God s truths.

11 11 HOW DO I BLOCK THE HOLY SPIRIT IN PREACHING GOD S WORD? (Extracted from The Word and The Spirit by R.T. Kendall) 1. HUMAN WISDOM. The apostle Paul was one of the greatest intellectuals in the history of the world and one of the greatest rhetoric s, yet he was careful not to speak in such a manner that would call attention to well-chosen words rather than attention to the Cross. Remember do not try to be eloquent! 2. PERVERTING THE TEXT. We block the Spirit if we don t allow the true meaning of the text to flow unhindered. We can mishandle a text by: treating a verse contrary to its context importing an idea, however valid, which the text did not call for superimposing our own idea upon the text The text was inspired by the Holy Spirit and He knows what it means. It is the preacher s duty to find out the meaning of the text, not to sound clever or import an idea, or superimpose their own idea onto the text, but to let the text speak for itself. 3. COPYING OTHERS. We block the Holy Spirit when we try to imitate someone else. Be ourselves instead of copying other preacher s mannerisms. Find your own Holy Spirit inspired sermons instead of downloading someone else s! 4. AVOIDING DIFFICULT SCRIPTURES. We block the Holy Spirit when we do not follow through with the obvious meaning of the text and its implications. We avoid certain verses and jump around the Scriptures because we are afraid of facing up to what it may mean but great preachers are able to master the text. They are able to state plainly what the text is saying and follow through with the application that the Holy Spirit dictates, even if that preaching gets close to the home and threatens their own lifestyle. 5. PERSONAL FEELINGS. When personal concern or emotional involvement gets inthe way of preaching and we preach at the people, the Holy Spirit is hindered. There are five options available: preaching for the people that s performance. preaching at the people that s lack of self-control preaching down to the people that s arrogance preaching up to the people that s fear preaching to the people that is when a transaction takes place between the Throne of God and the people. This is what we are called to do. Preaching at the people blocks the Spirit and leaves the people oppressed. We need to allow the Holy Spirit to master our mind in preparation and control our feelings in the act of preaching.

12 12 6. GRIEVING THE HOLY SPIRIT. The Holy Spirit is very sensitive and we block Him from flowing through us when we do not allow Him access into our hearts and minds during preparation when we have unforgiveness and bitterness and undealt issues, when we are angry with our spouses. (1 Peter 3:7). 7. TRYING TO KEEP THE CONTROL. We can prevent the Holy Spirit from flowing through us during the delivery of our sermon when we have our own agenda and want to be in control. Be willing to deviate from your prepared notes when the Holy Spirit directs you or when the person leading the service shortens your time!