Basic Guidelines For Writing A Sermon

The following information is a guide for those who are starting out in writing their own sermons or it can even be used by teachers of the Bible.  For more information about preparing and presenting sermons I would recommend the following books: "Rediscovering Expository Preaching" by John MacArthur; "A Practical Guide to Sermon Preparation" and "A Guide To Effective Sermon Delivery" by Jerry Vines; "Biblical Sermons" and "Biblical Preaching" by Haddon W. Robinson; and finally, "Lectures To My Students" by Charles H. Spurgeon.  A typical sermon is made up of three parts: an introduction, the sermon body, and the invitation or conclusion.

Introduction

 This portion creates interest in and points people to the topic of the sermon.  In other words it mentally prepares them to hear the sermon.  In teaching terms, it tells them what you are going to teach them.

 What the introduction should do:

1. State the specific objective (how the text applies to or what it will accomplish in the lives of the listeners.

2. The Introduction sets the mood for the sermon.

3. Match the mood of your introduction with the subject.

4. Show interest in the subject.

5. The introduction should get the attention of the listeners.

6. Catch the essence of the sermon in a sentence.

7. Give information about the subject to come.

8. It should have a sense of tension or expectation that creates a sense of wanting to hear more.

 What to avoid in an introduction:

1. Never apologize for the nature of the subject or use an apologetic introduction.

2. Avoid misleading people in the introduction (keep it on subject).

3. Do not make the introduction too long, or the people may start to loose interest before you begin.

4. Avoid words that are not absolutely necessary, this will help to keep it short.

Sermon Body (these points are repeated for each main point of the sermon)

Exposition

This is the reading and expounding of the text. The explaining of the who, what, when, why and how of the Scripture.  You can also explain the grammatical structure of the Scripture if it impacts the meaning or aids in the understanding of the Scripture.

How to use the exposition step:

1. All your main points should be related, and they all should support the main subject which is being expounded on.

Example:
"Amazing Grace, Not Empty Grace"                  (sermon title)
              2 Corinthians 6:1-10         (Scripture passage being preached)

I. Its Opportunities (v.1a).                                 (main point)
   1. For us to work together.         (sub-point, which supports the main point)
      - Exposition of the passage.
      - Illustration (if needed) to aid in the understanding of the passage.
      - Application to tell them how this passage applies to them.
   2. To bring glory to God.
      - Exposition of the passage.
      - Illustration (if needed) to aid in the understanding of the passage.
      - Application, to tell them how this passage applies to them.

II. Its Importance (vv.1b-3).
   1. etc....
   2. etc....
   3. etc....

III. Its Demands (vv.4-10).
   1. etc....
   2, etc....

(note that each of these main points speak to the different aspects of God's grace, but each point back to the main subject [i.e., the title]).

2. Expositional divisions (main points) should be stated in the present.

3. Always use Exogesis (to pull out of the Scripture; i.e., let the Scripture speak for itself), never Isogesis (to put into the Scripture; i.e., make the Scripture say what you want it to say).

4. Maintain a line of direction (each main point should point back to the main subject, sub points can point back to the main points). (see example above).

5. Main points should be driven home with clarity.

Illustration

Used to aid in the listener's understanding of the Scripture (do not use it to build the sermon around).

How to use the illustration step:

1. It should illuminate (give a mental photograph) points and ideals.

2. Make clear the truth we are seeking to communicate, and not call attention to ourselves.

3. Assist in persuasion (but not to the point to where you are just trying to provoke an emotional response).

4. It should help people to easily identify with the illustration.

5. It should be colorful, not drab.

6. Similes and Metaphors can be used.

7. Historical and biographical references are fine to use.

8. Any illustration that is used should be meaningful to the contemporary world.

Application

Tells them how to apply the Scripture to their lives or how the Scripture affects their lives.

How to use the application step:

1. Be specific.

2. It should always relate to the main point, or part of it.

3. The text should come alive (use word pictures because they stick in the mind) — The sermon will rise or fall here.

Invitation or conclusion

This point should be a summary of what they have just been taught, that challenges them to respond to God's Word.

How to use the invitation step:

1. Summarize (tell them what you just taught them).

2. Call for a verdict.

3. Should be strong and be given with conviction, never apologetic.

4. Include an “Evangelistic Call” (especially if you don't know the audience).

5. Make it very personal and direct to the audience.