Sermon Outlines . Volume 06 | Issue 07

Preparing Sermons (Part 1)

by John R. Stott (condensed from Between Two Worlds) I. Choose Your Text

  • It is best to rely on expository book studies for the steady diet of your people. However, the following may be occasions for special sermons:

          –Special calendar occasions–Christmas, Easter, etc.
          –Special external circumstances which are in the public mind
          –Special needs discerned by the preacher or others 
          — Truths which have specially inspired the preacher

  • Keep a notebook to write down ideas for sermons, insights, burdens, illustrations, etc. Record them immediately so you don’t forget them.

II. Meditate on the Text

  • Whenever possible, plan out texts weeks or months in advance. This gives the benefit of “subconscious incubation.”
  • “Concentrated incubation” should begin at least one week before preaching and should involve the following:
  • Read, re-read and re-read the text.
  • Be sure you understand what it means. Do your own interpretive work. Never use commentaries until you have formulated specific interpretive questions which you have been unable to answer, or until you have completed your interpretive work.
  • Brood longer over how it applies to your people, to the culture, to you, etc.
  • All the while, pray for God to illuminate the text, especially its application.
  • Scribble down notes of thoughts, ideas, etc.
  • Solicit the insights of others through tapes, talking with other preachers, etc.

III. Isolate the Dominant Thought

  • Your sermon should convey only one major message. All of the details of your sermon should be marshaled to help your people grasp that message and feel its power.
  • You should be able to express the dominant thought in one short, clear, vivid sentence.