INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. The Art of Preparation
Remarks.
1. This is lesson one, in the sermon-series: "The Art of Preaching." This lesson will review the need for the church of Christ, to identify sound; capable, and faithful men, to be taught the "art of preaching" of the word of God. This lesson establishes that preaching is an art, that this skill can be taught, learned, developed and perfected. Paul wrote: "But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child...that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works," 2 Timothy 3:14-17.
2. First, we will consider the "art of preparation" in the man of God's preaching and teaching, of the word of God. The sermon must be developed as a bible-based lesson for the congregation. It will require that the minister study the text; glean from it those "pearls of great price," and then present it to the congregation, in such a way for them to gain an understanding of the message. There is a "pattern of preaching" in the bible. We will discuss it in this lesson. Ministers, evangelists, preachers, and leaders; must develop the skills of seeing a sermon in every text. This will ensure they will first be well informed; and, then equipped enough to help the membership: "understand the word of God." With this introduction, let's consider the first lesson in this sermon-series: "The Art of Preparation."
BODY OF LESSON
I THE ART OF PREPARATION
A. The art of preparation. We begin this lesson by discussing the "art of preparation." Our scripture lesson reveals several things, regarding Timothy's learning and education. Observe--
1. First, Paul wrote: "But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them," 2 Timothy 3:14.
2. Further, his learning began early: "And from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which can make thee wise unto salvation through (the) faith which is in Christ Jesus," 2 Timothy 3:15.
3. Next, he continues: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine (teaching), for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness," 2 Timothy 3:16.
4. Finally, he concludes: "That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works," 2 Timothy 3:17.
5. Conclusion: Paul's instruction to Timothy, gives us the foundation of all biblical preaching and teaching. It begins with the scriptures. The man of God learns the scriptures, teaches the scriptures: to help others: "Be wise unto salvation through the faith which is in Christ Jesus." The word is "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." That the preacher, the man of God may be: "perfect (mature), thoroughly furnished (fully equipped) unto all good works."
a. Timothy was being prepared for his work from a child; being instructed in the scriptures. It was his mother and grandmother that gave him his early childhood instruction into the scriptures, 2 Timothy 1:3-6.
b. These were the foundations of his education; that now is being used in his preaching and teaching, of the word of God. The study of the scriptures is the most important element of our foundation in "the art of preparation."
c. The man of God must study and meditate upon the scriptures, Psalms 1:2.
d. Paul instructed Timothy to do this in earnest, 1 Timothy 4:13-16. This brings us to the "pattern of preparation," in this lesson.
B. Bible-based sermons. Bible-based sermons begin with the bible as the basis of the lesson. Learned ministers, evangelists, preachers and leaders must train its younger preachers to prepare bible-based sermons. Their most important work; is to mentor and coach their students, in how to read and study the scriptures. Historically, there are three hermeneutical approaches; used in the study of the Scriptures. We need to define a few words, before continuing any further discussion. Consider--
1. Definitions. The definition of the terms: (hermeneutics and exegesis), is necessary.
a. Biblical hermeneutics is the study of the principles of interpretation concerning the books of the Bible. It is part of the broader field of hermeneutics; which involves the study of the principles of interpretation, for all forms of communication.
b. Exegesis includes a wide range of critical disciplines of textual investigation and criticism. It considers the history and origin of the scripture; and, studies the social and cultural background of the author, and the original audience, (i.e., who is speaking; to whom are they speaking; and, what is being said), in the text.
c. The terms exegesis and hermeneutics have been used interchangeably.
2. Forms of hermeneutics. There are three forms of hermeneutics. They are, 1) biblical analysis, 2) dispensational analysis; and 3) historical-grammatical analysis.
a. First, biblical analysis is the study of the commands, examples, and necessary inferences; outlined in the scriptures, to form "sound doctrine."
b. Further, dispensational analysis is distinguishing between the Patriarchal, Mosaic, and Christian dispensations: (i.e., differentiating between the law of the fathers, the Law of Moses and the law of Christ), Hebrews 1:1-3; John 1:17; Galatians 6:2.
1) It considers Biblical history as being divided by God into three dispensations; periods, times or ages, Ephesians 1:10.
2) We are currently in the last dispensation, the "Christian age."
3) This age is: "The dispensation of the grace of God," Ephesians 3:1-6.
c. Finally, Grammatico-historical analysis. In this method, the researcher seeks to discover the writer's original meaning, history, and biblical origin of the text. Some universities, colleges, and preaching schools; teach one or more of these hermeneutical approaches, in their bible curriculum and programs. The relative importance given to these strategies; has varied over time and within different contexts. Let's notice now the church's hermeneutical approach.
3. The church's hermeneutics. The general impression among the churches of Christ; is that its hermeneutics are entirely based, on the biblical analysis of commands, examples, and necessary inferences, to establish its doctrine.
Observe--
a. In practice, its interpretation has been deductive and heavily influenced by the church's commitment; to the origin of Christianity, and, that redemption from sin has been made possible by Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.
b. It uses deductive or (logical) reasoning as well, i.e., by analyzing the Acts of Conversions; in the Book of Acts. They are collated, compared and characterized; to determine the steps of salvation; or the "pattern of conversion," that was taught to the apostles, by the Holy Spirit.
c. In this approach, the teacher along with the student, examines the Scriptures in a deductive manner; arguing from one premise (hypothesis), to another: to arrive at a sound conclusion, regarding the "doctrine of Christ," 2 John 1:9.
C. The sermon outline. There is a tremendous need for developing a sermon outline; when preparing to preach, the gospel of Christ. Older and more seasoned trainers; will encourage their students to prepare an outline, to assist them in their delivery of the gospel message. Observe--
1. They should teach and show them; how to plan, organized and present a bible-based sermon. He reviews the value and contents; of the sermon outline, thoroughly with the students.
a. He explains how the sermon outline, gives order and composition to the lesson. I wish I had some help!
b. The sermon outline can be on paper, on an envelope; a laptop, iPhone, iPad; or, in the minister's head. I've have known some older ministers to say: "I don't need an outline; I got it in my head." Yes, you got the outline: "in your head!"
NOTE: Illustrate Abraham Lincoln's, "Gettysburg Address," was written on an envelope; during his trip to Gettysburg, PA, to dedicate the Soldiers' National Cemetery. It is the most inspiring speech; he ever made, as the President of the United States. You might want to read it!
c. What does a sermon outline look like?
d. Let's consider a basic sermon outline!
2. The sermon outline should contain: 1) an introduction, 2) a lesson body, and 3) a conclusion. Let's consider each part very quickly!
a. First, an introduction. In this section, the minister tells the audience: what he desires to tell them. It might also contain:
1) An aim or purpose for the lesson.
2) A proposition, if it is required.
3) The text to be read and discussed.
4) A brief outline (skeleton), to orient the audience.
5) Introductory remarks, summarizing each point to be discussed.
b. Further, a lesson body. In this section, the minister tells the audience; what he desires to impart in the sermon. The preacher plans the sermon; and then, follows his plan in delivery.
1) The presentation; should be divided into several homogeneous points. Points are the skeleton that forms the body of the lesson.
2) Points to the lesson. He then presents in order, the points planned in his lesson (consider the outline of this lesson):
a) Point one of the lesson.
i) Sub-point one.
ii) Sub-point two, etc.
b) Point two of the lesson.
c) Point three of the lesson.
3) He expounds upon each point of the lesson; that supports his hypothesis or the aim of the sermon (I use these terms interchangeably).
c. Finally, a conclusion. In this section, he rehearses quickly, what was presented.
1) In other words: he tells them again; what he has already told them.
2) There has been some value for three points to a lesson.
3) Most members will not remember more than three points, in any lesson.
3. The sermon delivery. The trainer then instructs and illustrates to his students: how to deliver the sermons. He shows the trainee:
a. First, how to introduce the lesson (this is the on-ramp!).
b. Second, how to deliver the lesson (how to take the audience there, in words, pictures, and graphic illustrations). Moving from one Interstate to another, (e.g., the 17 Freeway, to the 101, and the 60), in his lesson. I'm in a high-speed chase, right now! Trying to get through this lesson on time! The preacher--
1) Cites documented evidence (the scriptures); in a case-based manner; that builds upon each point, which supports the lesson's aim or purpose.
a) Reasoning from the scriptures; establishing sub-points, under each point in the lesson. Each sub-point should strengthen the main point of discussion!
b) Following Isaiah's methods of preaching: "Whom shall he teach knowledge? Whom shall he make to understand doctrine? ... For precept must be upon precept; ...line upon line; ...here a little, and there a little," Isaiah 28:9-10.
c) Filling the sermon with scriptures; not his own words. It is the word of God that draws; and it is the words of Christ, that giveth life, John 6:44-45; John 6:63.
d) Allowing the audience to hear from the word of God, 1 Peter 4:10-11.
NOTE: Illustrate, G. E. Steward, Not enough scripture! He commented on the lessons of the student preachers; during a gospel meeting, being held, in Houston, TX. I was one of those preachers.
2) He moves in an organized fashion; making smooth transitions, from one point to the other, in the lesson. He uses "transitional language" (i.e., that brings me to...; let's notice...; or, finally, let's summarize..., etc.). That's the one the church likes!
3) The aim is to arrive at a sound conclusion, establishing the proposition set forth, in the lesson. Amen brother Walls, sister Ceilings, and elder Doors!
c. Three, how to conclude the lesson (this is the off-ramp!). He is shown:
1) How to close the message with a compassionate and persuasive invitation. Like Peter: "And with many other words did he testify and exhort," Acts 2:40.
2) How to describe the necessary "pattern of conversion," as outlined in the Book of Acts. We will revisit this later, in the lesson.
d. Master the Art. The trainee must be equipped in "mastering the art of preaching;" by a careful textual investigation, sermon building, prayer, and sufficient practice under supervision, to develop effective delivery skills.
D. Practice the presentation. There is an art in the delivery of the word. The skill of delivery must be taught, demonstrated, and practiced before a real audience. We have currently reviewed the art of preparation; Paul's solemn charge to Timothy, to faithfully preach the word of God. Ministers, evangelists, preachers, and church leadership; must allow their younger minister the time and place, to develop their skills in preaching. Allow them sufficient time to practice their preaching.
1. Practice preferably should first occur before their peers; then, before their home congregations.
2. After some skill is developed, preaching should done in other local churches; and finally, during 3-4 night gospel meetings.
3. The younger minister should be elected to present the "pattern of conversion" at the conclusion of local singing gatherings. We speak here of the “invitation.”
4. As much exposure possible should be made available to developing ministers; to perfect their skills, in the delivery of the word of God.
E. Develop sermons building skills. The younger ministers must develop sound sermon building skills. They must be able to see sermons in every biblical text. They should build all types of sermons. Observe--
1. Topical sermons. Topical sermons are those that identify, develop and teach a certain topic, i.e., baptism, faith or the church. The minister should examine and include the necessary scriptures to support the aim or proposition of the lesson. This lesson is an example of a topical sermon. It concentrates on a specific topic and includes reference texts, covering the topic of discussion. These are the best sermons for evangelistic preaching.
2. Textual sermons. Textual sermons are those that examine a particular passage of scripture; which contains the title, aim and skeleton outline of the sermon. The minister examines the text; and, includes additional textual references, to build-up and support, the main points of the sermon. Textual sermons are the most effective lessons to be preached: that exposes the depth, the height, the breadth, and the length, of the text being examined and, developed for preaching, by the minister. They are the most effective lessons, for edifying the church.
3. Expository sermons. Expository preaching is a form of preaching that details the meaning of a particular text or passage of Scripture. It includes a large section of the text, to be discussed and explained to the audience.
a. It explains what the Bible means by what it says. While the term exposition could be used in connection with any verbal informative teaching on any subject, the term is also used with Bible preaching and teaching.
b. The practice originated from the Jewish tradition of the rabbi giving a "Dvar Torah", explaining a passage from the Torah, during the prayer services.
c. Expository preaching differs from topical preaching in that the former concentrates on a specific text and discusses topics identified within the text.
4. Extemporaneous sermons. Extemporaneous preaching is a style of preaching involving extensive preparation of the entire sermon except for the precise wording.
a. It includes: the topic, basic structure, and scripture to be used are all determined in advance.
b. The preachers saturate themselves in the details necessary to present their message so thoroughly that they can present the message with neither detailed notes nor perhaps even an outline.
c. Consequently, unprepared ministers will find themselves unable to deliver a message with the same precision; as people using detailed notes or memorizing the detailed aspects of their sermon.
d. Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extemporaneous_preaching.
5. Sermon building tools. At this junction of the sermon, I would like to recommend to ministers, preachers, and evangelists; some sermon building tools, they could use for their own growth and development. Consider—
a. A good Bible with reference scriptures, an Introduction to each Book; Exegetical Notes, Grammatical helps; Lexical Aids, a Concordance; Strong’s dictionary; and a Concise Hebrew and Greek Dictionary. The Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible, from AMG Publishers, Chattanooga, TN 37422, is a good bible for ministers, preachers, and evangelists.
b. A New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament, of Greek Manuscripts.
c. The People’s New Testament with Explanatory Notes, by B. W. Johnson.
d. Free Online Sermon Preparation Tools, at SermonCentral.com.
e. Online Bible Study Suite, at BibleHub.com.
f. Online Research of Scriptures, at BlueLetterBible.org.
This concludes the first lesson, in this sermon-series: "The Art of Preparation.” Let me quickly review some key points. Recall we discussed--
CONCLUSION
Outline.
1. The Art of Preparation
B. Summarize main points.
1. First, we considered the "art of preparation" in the man of God's preaching and teaching, of the word of God. The sermon must be developed as a bible-based lesson for the congregation. It required that the minister study the text; glean from it those "pearls of great price," and then presented to the congregation in such a way for it to gain an understanding of the message.
2. There is a "pattern of preaching" in the bible. We discussed it in this lesson. Ministers, evangelists, preachers, and leaders; must develop the skills of seeing a sermon in every text. This will ensure they will first be well informed; and, then equipped enough to help the membership: "understand the word of God."
C. Invitation. Present the plan of salvation, H.B.R.C.B.
D. Exhortation.
E. Motivation.
References:
1. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible, by Matthew Henry, Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Grand Rapids, MI, 1706.
2. The People's New Testament, by B. W. Johnson, Christian Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1891.
3. The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament; United Bible Societies, Fourth, Corrected Edition, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL, 1990.
4. Textus Receptus, taken from the Greek Text of Stephens 1550, The Englishman’s Greek New Testament, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, First Zondervan Printing, 1970.
5. Clarke Commentary on the Bible, Eight Volumes, Published 1810-1826, New York, Published by J. Emory and B. Waugh, for the Methodist Episcopal Church, at the conference office, 13 Cosby-Street., J. Collord, Printed, 1831.
6. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, by W. E. Vine, Fleming H. Revell Company, Old Tappan, NJ, Copyright, 1981.
We thank these prolific writers for their wisdom and insight into the Holy Scriptures. We acknowledge here our consultation of their work, in this lesson.
