The Art Of Preparation (Lesson 1) Series

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.