The Art Of Presentation (Lesson 2) Series

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

2. The Art of Presentation

Remarks.

1. This is lesson two, in the sermon-series: "The Art of Preaching." This lesson reviews 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. 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. With this introduction, let's consider the second lesson, in this sermon-series: "The Art of Presentation."

BODY OF LESSON

II THE ART OF PRESENTATION

A. The art of presentation. We will now begin our discussion on the delivery of the sermon. The building of a bible-based lesson has been described with great clarity. I want to be plain; that, the lesson must originate from the text.

1. Therefore, the start of the presentation should also begin, with the reading of the text. It should be read with reverence, respect, and solemnity.

2. The power of the word. Paul wrote: "The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and the joints and marrow, and is the discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart," Hebrews 4:12. Observe—

a. The word "quick" in Gr., is zao or zä'-o, which means to live (literally or figuratively):—life (-time), (a-) live (-ly), quick.

b. And the word "powerful" in Gr., is energes or en-er-ga's, which means active, operative:—effectual, powerful.

c. Conclusion: The word of God is life-giving and when preached; opens a great and effectual door of salvation, to both the Jews and the Gentiles, 1 Corinthians 16:9; Philemon 1:5-6; Hebrews 4:12; John 6:63.

NOTE: Illustrate, Peter's declares Jesus has the words of eternal life, John 6:66-68; John 14:6. He said: Lord to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life.

3. David wrote:

a. One, "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple," Psalms 19:7; Psalms 119:160.

b. Two, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path," Psalms 119:105; Proverbs 4:18. Christ is the light of the world, John 8:12.

c. Three, "The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple," Psalms 119:130; Psalms 119:104.

4. Solomon wrote: "For the commandment is a lamp, and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life," Proverbs 6:23.

5. Isaiah wrote: "To the law and the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them," Isaiah 8:20; Matthew 6:23; Matthew 15:14; 2 Corinthians 4:1-7.

6. Conclusion: We shall use this quick survey of the scriptures concerning the word of God, to form the foundation of Paul's Solemn Charge to Timothy, to preach the word, and make full proof of his ministry. Consider--

B. Paul's solemn charge. We will now begin our address to the presentation, by reviewing Paul's solemn charge to Timothy. In his final message, he gives him a solemn charge before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ to: "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine," 2 Timothy 4:2. In this verse, he provides Timothy with the authority, urgency, substance, duration, and vigilance, for his ministry. Observe—

1. Authority. Preach the word, 2 Timothy 4:2a. Timothy was urged to limit his message to the word of God. Recall,

a. That from a child thou hast: "Known the holy scriptures, which were able to make you wise unto salvation through the faith which is in Christ Jesus," 2 Timothy 3:15-17.

b. As an evangelist, "preach the word" and "make full proof of thy ministry," 2 Timothy 4:5.

c. Timothy was commanded by Paul to:

1) First, "Charge some that they teach no other doctrine," 1 Timothy 1:3.