Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.
Synopsis
This chapter moves from sermon preparation to actual delivery, offering nine practical directives. First, be prepared to preach — spiritually right with God (1 Sam. 10:26), having made right known sins, dishonesty, careless speech, and unresolved disagreements, so that a fire from Luke 24:32 burns in the heart. Second, speak correctly, attending to volume, tone and pitch, clear articulation, and a measured pace. Third, speak positively — truthful, respectful, humble, earnest, and lifting up Jesus rather than self (John 12:32; John 3:30). Fourth, hold the hearers' attention through eye contact, a warm expression, questions, involving people in Scripture reading, visual aids, and acting out characters. Fifth, use illustrations and stories, since most listeners lose concentration after ten to fifteen minutes. Sixth, use the chalkboard or similar visual aids. Seventh, develop the theme logically through introduction, body and conclusion, with transition sentences and mid-sermon summaries. Eighth, challenge listeners to a verdict with a direct appeal. Ninth, read Bible verses carefully and audibly, remembering that hearers are saying, 'Sir, we would see Jesus' (John 12:21).
Key points
- Spiritual preparation must precede pulpit preparation — known sin, dishonesty and disagreements must be made right.
- Speak correctly: varied volume, clear tone, distinct articulation, and unhurried pace.
- Speak positively and humbly, uplifting Jesus rather than self (John 12:32; 3:30).
- Hold attention through eye contact, questions, involvement, and stories every ten to fifteen minutes.
- Every sermon should move toward a challenge for a verdict, and Scripture must be read carefully.
Key texts
- 1 Samuel 10:26
- Luke 24:32
- John 12:32
- John 3:30
- John 12:21
From the course book
How to Preach a Sermon · pp. 81-84 (reader pages 81-84) · Open the reader
- “When we enter the pulpit, there should be a fire in our hearts.” (p. 81)
- “Stories are like windows in a house. They let in light and fresh air.” (p. 82)
- “As we stand up to preach, the people listening are saying to us, "Sir, we would see Jesus."” (p. 84)
Put it into practice
- Before preaching, make right any known sin, dishonesty or unresolved disagreement.
- Plan a story or illustration roughly every ten minutes to hold attention.
- Practice reading your Bible texts aloud beforehand so you read them clearly, not looking down.
- Comprehension
1. What spiritual condition does 1 Samuel 10:26 call the preacher to before entering the pulpit?
- Scripture
2. According to Luke 24:32, where does 'fire in the heart' come from?
- Comprehension
3. List the four elements of speaking correctly.
- Scripture
4. What does 'speak positively' require of the preacher regarding others?
- Doctrinal Clarity
5. How does the chapter explain the value of stories and illustrations?
- Comprehension
6. What three parts should the sermon's logical development contain, per this chapter?
- Contrast
7. Contrast a preacher who leans on eloquence with one who 'uplifts Jesus, not yourself' (John 12:32; 3:30).
- Doctrinal Clarity
8. Why does the chapter caution preachers about reading Bible verses?
- Application
9. Which of these nine steps do you personally need to strengthen most — preparation, delivery, or holding attention?
- Application
10. Recall the last sermon you gave. Did it move toward challenging listeners to a verdict? What would you change?