Reading: The Process of Preparing and Preaching Biblical Sermons (Dr. Daniel Akin, Southeastern Baptist Seminary)

SCRIPTURAL / SERMON WORKSHEETS

By Daniel L. Akin

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

SERMON PREPARATION

In Preaching With Imagination, Warren Wiersbe says we should ask seven questions in

sermon preparation:

1. What does the text say?

2. How does the text say it?

3. What did the text mean to the original hearers?

4. *What does the text mean to the church today?

5. *What does the text mean to me?

6. *What does the text mean to the congregation?

7. How can I make the text meaningful to my hearers?

[*Better: How does the text apply to the church / me / congregation today?]

Wiersbe notes five essentials in developing creativity in sermon preparation and

delivery:

1. Creativity is a way of life and not just a series of techniques applied to a

specific challenge.

2. The creative lifestyle is balanced.

3. Creative people are readers.

4. Creative people build their vocabulary.

5. Creative people are not afraid to do new things.

"For our preaching to be biblical, the message must be based on the Word of God,

presented by a messenger who lives under the authority of that Word, organized in a

manner that instructs the mind and moves the heart and captures the will, and

interpreted and applied in a way that is true (intrinsic) to the text.” (Warren Wiersbe,

Preaching With Imagination, p. 307)

THE "WHAT" OF EXPOSITORY PREACHING

The "what" of expository preaching relates to content.

CONTEMPORIZATION

Contemporization is the main task of the expository preacher. He takes what was

written centuries ago and contemporizes it for present-day audiences. The Bible is

relevant to human issues. The preacher, however, makes God's claims meaningful to his

audience today.

The preacher faces two basic realities: the biblical text of the early century (then) and

the context of the present century (now). [Two horizons]

 [Then] [Now]

 Was Is

 Word World

 Scripture Culture

 Text Contemporization Audience

 Meaning Significance

 [Application]

 "Thus says "Thou art

 the Lord” the man”

Three Questions to Ask About the Content of Textual Exposition

1. Have I expounded the meaning of the text?

2. Have I expressed its central proposition in clear and contemporary terms?

3. Have I exposed the audience to God's truth and claims for understanding and

obedience?

THE "HOW" OF EXPOSITORY PREACHING

The "how" of expository preaching relates to process.

INTERPRETATION

There should be a reliable connection between the author's and the original audience's

understanding of a given text and our interpretation.

 3There are some problems with what is basically moralistic preaching:

1. You do not really need Scripture to come up with such instruction.

2. Every text becomes an illustration of a higher, moral principle.

3. Your preaching lacks textual authority.

4. Such interpretation lacks objective controls.

5. The central proposition of your sermon (CPS) is not derived from the central proposition of the text (CPT).

Proper methods of interpretation must form the backbone of the sermon. The preacher is first an exegete of Scripture before he is an expositor of Scripture.

THE "WHY" OF EXPOSITORY PREACHING

The "why” of expository preaching relates to purpose. It primarily deals with

intellectual, effective, and volitional components of Christian experience.

1. INFORM THE MIND

Our hearers must know and understand something - God's truth. If they do not know

(and understand) more of what God says and expects of them as a result of our

preaching, we are not necessary.

2. INSTRUCT THE HEART

Not all human decisions are made rationally. Emotional factors also play a big part in

serious decisions. The heart must be instructed while the mind is being informed. As a

result of our preaching, our audience must both feel and will something - the necessity

of personal obedience to God's truth.

3. INFLUENCE BEHAVIOR

The practical test of good preaching is the fruit that it bears in life. (2 Tim. 3:16-17)

Godliness must result in their lives.

 4 FROM TEXT TO SERMON (THE RAMESH RICHARD MODEL)

There are seven steps from the text to sermon in the process of sculpting Scripture. The

Seven-Step Scripture Sculpture Process

1. Study the Text "Flesh”

2. Structure the Text "Skeleton”

3. The Central Proposition of the Text (CPT) "Heart”

4. The Purpose Bridge "Brain”

5. The Central Proposition of the Sermon (CPS) "Heart”

6. Structure the Sermon "Skeleton”

7. Preach the Sermon "Flesh”

1. Study the Text: By studying the details of the text we acquire the "flesh" of the text.

2. Structure the Text: In structuring the text, we have the skeletal makeup of this text.

The

 flesh and the skeleton form the textual raw materials for the sculpting process.

3. The Central Proposition of the Text (CPT): From the skeleton, we discern the

central proposition of the text, the "heart" of its meaning.

4. The Purpose Bridge: From this heart of the text we develop a purpose for our

audience. This sermonic purpose is the "brain" by which the sermon is finally

designed and preached.

5. The Central Proposition of the Sermon (CPS): The brain will yield the direction and

the form of the heart of the sermon.

6. Structure of the Sermon: The sermon will now form its own image and outline. The

skeleton of the message will be evident.

7. Preach the Sermon: Fill in the details for the flesh as you finish sculpting a

specialized, tailor-made sermon for your particular audience.

Note the parallel to steps 1&7, 2&6, 3&5. Step 4 is the bridge or brain that helps us

make the transition from text to sermon.

Summary Description of Each of the Steps

Step 1: Studying the Text - The Flesh of the Passage

This is finding the meaning of the text. It involves the groundwork for serious study in

accurately "seeing" and "seeking" what the Bible desires to communicate to all people.

Step 2: Structuring the Text - The Skeleton of the Passage

Understand how the biblical author put the text together. Emphasize how he said it.

 Step 3: The Central Proposition of the Text (CPT) - The Heart of the Passage

Discover the dominant teaching of the text under two headings:

 The Theme: What is the author talking about?

 The Thrust: What is the author saying about what he is talking about?

Everything in the text is woven around the single major theme.

Step 4: The Purpose of the Sermon - The Brain of the Sermon

Make expository preaching relevant to the audience. The purpose is the brain of the

sermon, the key link from text to sermon.

Step 5: The Central Proposition of the Sermon (CPS) - The Heart of the Sermon

Just as the text has a singular theme/thrust, your sermon must have a singular

theme/thrust. The central proposition of your sermon will contain the twin "theme and

thrust” emphasis. Here the biblical proposition (step 3) is channeled through the

purpose (step 4) and contemporized to be understood and obeyed by the audience.

Step 6: Structuring the Sermon - The Skeleton of the Sermon Consider the basic

ways of developing sermon unity, order, and progress.

Step 7: Preaching the Sermon - The Flesh of the Sermon

Increase the impact of your sermon through an attention grabbing introduction,

illustrations, proper word usage, coherent conclusion, compelling invitation, and you

physical delivery.

THE SERMON EVENT

 PERCENT TIME

I. Introduction

II. Body

 l. Exposition

 2. Illustration

 3. Application

III. Conclusion (Invitation)

 100% 30-40 minutes

SUGGESTIONS FOR INTERPRETING THE TEXT OF SCRIPTURE

(A Summation)

I. STUDY THE BOOK AS A WHOLE.

1. Consider the question of date, authorship, recipients, and purpose (general matters

of introduction.)

2. Develop an outline of the entire book (study Bibles and commentaries will be

helpful).

3. Examine the relationship of the passage under consideration to the book as a

whole.

II. ESTABLISH THE BEST TEXTUAL BASE POSSIBLE:

 1. Use the original language if you can.

 2. Compare the various versions and translations.

III.INVESTIGATE THE TEXT LINGUISTICALLY (E.G. WORD BY

 WORD).

 1. Make a lexical (definitional) study of crucial words.

 2. Research the passage for key words, phrases, and ideas.

 3. Track the verbs!

IV. EXAMINE THE FORM OR FORMS OF THE MATERIAL IN

 THE PASSAGE.

 1 . What is the literary type (history, poetry, prophetic, apocalyptic)?

 2. Is there any indication of the life situation from which the material came?

V. ANALYZE THE STRUCTURE OF THE PASSAGE.

 1 . Determine if the material constitutes a literary unity.

 2. Is there a logical sequence of ideas present?

 3. Isolate the basic themes or emphases.

 4. Outline the passage you are studying. Use the outline as the framework for your

 teaching.

SERMON PREPARATION PYRAMID

Preach

Pray

Practice

Reduce to Outline

Write Sermon Body

Write Conclusion and Introduction

Place Development Matter in Outline

Create a Homiletical Outline

Collect Developmental Matter

Consider Specific Applications

Research the Text

Identify the Fallen Condition Focus

Read and Digest the Thought of the Text

Spiritual Preparation: Piety, Planning, and Prayer

- From Bryan Chapell, Christ Centered Preaching

HOW TO STUDY AND PREACH/TEACH THE BIBLE

What does God want ←←← The Purpose →→→ What does God want

my people to know? (Moving from my people to do?

 the "Then” to the "Now”)

"Bridge”

The Study The Sermon (Message)

(Working in the past) (Working in the present)

The Main Theme

What was the main of the Text of the Sermon?

What is my main point then? (MTT) (MTS) point today?

 "Heart” "Heart”

- Theme: What is the - Theme: What am I?

biblical author talking about?

talking about?

- Complement: What - Complement: What

is the biblical author am I saying about what

saying about what I am talking about?

he is talking about?

 Structure the Scriptures Message

- Find the seams "Skeleton” - Outline the Message

- Analyze the argument - Complete Sentences

- Outline the text - Present Tense

 Sentences

 - Tie all Points to the Text

Study the Preach/Teach the

 Scriptures Scriptures

"Flesh” "Flesh”

Observation Introduction

Interpretation Body

1. Body

2. Illustration

3. Application

Conclusion

(Invitation) ANALYZING THE TEXT

Verse 1 (1/4 page to full page)

 Verse 2 (1/4 page to full page)

Verse 3 (1/4 page to full page)

_ANALYZING THE TEXT_____________________________________________________

1. Pray.

2. Track the verbs and parse them.

3. Look for key words needing definition.

4. Look for repetition of phrases and words.

5. Look for seams in the text which will inform the number of points and the nature of

the sermon outline.

6. Note the near and far context.

7. Search for helpful and supporting Scripture.

8. Write out any and all observations and applications you see in the text.

9. Examine your study aids and write out any helpful insights (note the source for future

reference when appropriate).

10. Look for theological truth and avenues the text logically supports.

11. Merge your exegesis into the outline structure of your sermon. 

_________________________________________________________________

TITLE OF THE SERMON

________________________________________________________________________

1. Pray

2. Make it interesting, an "attention grabber."

3. Relate it, if possible, to the Central Proposition of the Text (CPT) and the Central

Proposition of the Sermon (CPS).

4. Create a title which can be fed by the main points of your sermon.

5. Make it relevant.

6. Put it in the form of an imperative (?)

_______________________________________________________________

INTRODUCTION

________________________________________________________________________

1. Pray.

2. Remember: this is the most important part of the sermon.

3. Get the audience's attention, grab their interest, show them why they will want to hear

what you have to say.

4. Remember the value of a great illustration, pointed and specific information, a

compelling question.

5. Keep it between 3-5 minutes.

6. Make a smooth and logical transition to the text/sermon outline.

7. Consider scripting your introduction word for word.

8. Do not waste valuable time with unnecessary/useless gab.

_____________________________________________________________________

OUTLINING THE SERMON

______________________________________________________________________

1. Pray.

2. Let your exegesis drive and determine the outline.

3. Have as many major points as the text naturally demands (locate the seams).

4. Make sure major points and subpoints arise clearly and naturally out of the text. Be

able to see your outline in the text.

5. State your points in the present tense and complete sentences. Be clear, concise and

true to the text.

6. Make your points the application of the message. (Let them inform, instruct and

inspire your people as to what they should do.)

7. Make sure your major points connect with the sermon title and the CPT and CPS.

8. Make sure your subpoints connect with the major point they support.

9. Do not overload your people with more than they can intellectually digest!

(Teaching outlines are a great idea.)

10. Cover and fill the skeleton of your outline with the meat and marrow of the

exegesis.

11. Write out your sermon merging all aspects of your preparation with a view of

exalting our Lord and edifying your potential congregation here and now.

12. Practice reading your text repeatedly and out loud. Remember: it is a sin to read

God's Word poorly.

_________________________________________________________________________

CONCLUSION

________________________________________________________________________

1. Pray.

2. Remember: this is the second most important part of the sermon.

3. Build toward your conclusion and plan a safe, smooth and timely landing.

4. Do not have multiple conclusions.

5. Briefly summarize the CPS and your major points.

6. Remember the value of a powerful and memorable story.

7. Keep it between 3-5 minutes.

8. Highlight points of application.

9. Plan a smooth, relevant and clear transition into the invitation. MAKE THE TURN TO

THE GOSPEL!!!

______________________________________________________________________________

THE INVITATION

________________________________________________________________________

1. Pray (in your preparation as you think about how to give the invitation).

2. Be clear in what you want your people to do.

3. Clearly, concisely and accurately share the gospel.

4. With conviction and expectation, but not coercion or manipulation, invite and

challenge your people to respond.

5. Keep it 3-4 minutes maximum as to the explanation.

6. Pray

7. Transition smoothly and worshipfully into the actual invitation, allowing it to continue

as you feel led of the Holy Spirit (one verse is too short and ten verses is usually [not

always] too long).