The Art Of Preaching (Full) Series

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

1. The Art of Preparation

2. The Art of Presentation

3. The Art of Persuasion

Introductory Remarks.

1. Our lesson will discuss "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" the word of God. This lesson establishes that preaching is an art and that this skill can be taught, learned, developed, and perfected. Paul wrote: "But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast has 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. (Text shortened for brevity).

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 so they can understand the message. There is a "pattern of preaching" in the Bible. We will discuss this 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 equipped enough to help the membership: "in their understanding of the scriptures."

3. Second, we will discuss the "art of presentation" in the man of God's preaching and teaching of the word of God. We will review the need and reason for a "sermon outline." It will guide the minister through the lesson presentation. We will also look at three biblical illustrations of the "art of preaching." First, we will outline Nehemiah's reading and delivery of the word of the Law. Second, we will note Jesus' presentation of the words of Elias in the synagogue at Nazareth. Lastly, we will describe the presentation skills of Apollos when he spoke in the synagogue in the city of Ephesus.

4. Lastly, we will investigate the "art of persuasion" in the man of God's preaching and teaching of the word of truth. The sermon begins with the reading of the text. It continues with the minister following good presentation skills. He starts with the aim or proposition of the sermon. He clearly states the lesson's points, moving systematically through the sermon from one point to the other. He establishes how each point harmonizes with the others, validating the aim of the lesson. Finally, he moves into the lesson's conclusion, with an invitation from Christ, then, with words of motivation and persuasion, unto the believers. He encourages the believers to act on the word of God: in obedience to the call of Christ. With this introduction, let's consider the first point of this lesson, "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 and teaches the scriptures: to help others: "Be wise unto salvation through the faith which is in Christ Jesus." The word is "profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, 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. His mother and grandmother gave him his early childhood instruction in the Law and the prophets, 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 essential 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.