Lesson 14: Preach On A Single Word Series

Lesson Goal

To preach a sermon expounding a single word of Scripture

Lesson Intro

If a picture is worth a thousand words, can a single word be worth a thousand pictures?

Lesson Plan

We will examine how to choose a word for a sermon, how to research its meaning and create points which apply to every day life.

Lesson Body

Choose a word that can be expounded. Not every word is worth a sermon, but some are well worth it. Pray for guidance and ask yourself what results a little research into that word would produce in the lives of your congregation.

Look up what it means in a dictionary, its etymology and its history. For instance, the word kingdom is often used for the reign of God. What is a kingdom, what does it mean on the street today?

Break its definition down into points. For instance, a kingdom usually consists of a king, subjects and a realm. We will use those three points to create an outline, looking up each point in the Bible.

Example Sermon

Title: "Kingdom"

Goal

To understand what the word kingdom means and hence God's kingdom.

Intro

Jesus came preaching the kingdom of heaven, the kingdom of God. Many of the parables are explanations of what that means. However, what does the word kingdom itself mean, and how does it apply to us?

Plan

We will examine 3 aspects of a kingdom: the king, the subjects and the realm.

Body

1. King

Jesus' called the kingdom the Father's kingdom (Matthew 6:10). It is called the kingdom of God, because God is its king. It is also Jesus' kingdom (John 18:36; Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 1:13) because he and the Father are one.

Application

Who is king of your life?

2. Subjects

The citizens of the kingdom are those who are poor in spirit (Matthew 5:3), as well as those who are poor yet rich in faith (Luke 6:20; James 2:5). The rich will find it hard to enter the kingdom of God (Mark 10:23-25). The persecuted inherit the kingdom (Matthew 5:10), as do those who feed the hungry and thirsty, welcome strangers, clothe the naked and visit prisoners (Matthew 25:31-40). The great in the kingdom are those who do and teach the Lord's commandments (Matthew 5:19), and the greatest of all are those who humble themselves like a little child (Matthew 18:1-4).

Application

Are you first a citizen of heaven or earth?

3. Realm or Domain

This is the king's domain, the place where his government reigns. The realm of the kingdom of heaven is the domain we enter into (Matthew 7:21). Outside of that realm is outer darkness (Matthew 8:12). However that kingdom cannot be seen by those who have not been born again of water and the Spirit (John 3:3-5). It is not of this world (John 18:36).

Application

Does God's kingdom or the world rule in your domain, your home and family?

Outro

We have examined 3 aspects of a kingdom: God the king, you and I the subjects and the realm of heaven. Does the kingdom of this world or the kingdom of heaven have dominion in our lives?

Suggested Assignment

Choose some words that alone would make a good sermon. Choose the best one or the one you believe God would have you preach. Analyze its meaning, check that meaning against the Bible and create some relevant points.

Lesson Outro

We have examined how to choose a word for a sermon, how to research its meaning and create useful points which apply to every day life. Words are the building blocks of every language. Words are important. A right understanding of whole passages of Scripture and whole church doctrines begins with a correct understanding in context of each individual word.