EPISODE 3: Before the Amen: Questions You Must Ask of Your Sermon Before You Preach it
In this episode, hosts Reverend Segun Aiyegbusi and Reverend Joshua Sati discuss sermon crafting mastery by unveiling the secrets of effective preparation. Beyond the pulpit performance, this episode dives deep into the art of crafting impactful sermons. Uncover the top five mistakes’ preachers commonly make in preparation and learn a three-step process to ensure your sermons resonate and change lives.
KEY STATEMENTS AND CENTRAL IDEAS:
Relying on Holy Spirit Inspiration as an excuse for not preparing: Sermon preparation certainly involves divine inspiration; yet the Holy Spirit would urge us as pastors to be just as diligent in study of and preparation for the sermon. Explore how preparation aligns with biblical principles in 2 Timothy 2:15.
Deciding Main Points Before Studying the Passage: Let the Holy Spirit guide your understanding. Discover the richness of allowing the Word to speak before forming predetermined conclusions. Hebrews 4:12 reminds us that the living word penetrates our understanding; hence, let the Word of God speak before deciding the sermon's main point.
Over-reliance on Commentaries: Commentaries are tools, not crutches. Understand their role in confirming, not shaping, the insights already inspired by the Holy Spirit. Commentaries should validate your message, not dictate it. The Holy Spirit's guidance should precede external perspectives.
Picking and Choosing Random Passages: Acts 20:27 urges us to proclaim the whole will of God. Explore the significance of preaching from entire books versus selecting random verses. A holistic approach to scripture ensures a comprehensive understanding of God's message, avoiding cherry-picking and providing a richer context.
Irrelevant Illustrations: Every illustration should amplify the sermon's main point. Explore the danger of unrelated anecdotes and the importance of aligning stories with the sermon's focus. Illustrations are powerful tools, but they must align with the sermon's essence, guiding listeners toward a deeper understanding of the message.
Bible Reading vs. Bible Studying: Uncover the distinction between reading and studying the Bible. Reading is like raking leaves, while studying is digging for treasures. Bible study, a more enriching endeavor, unveils spiritual diamonds that strengthen your soul, making the effort akin to digging in a treasure field.
Three-Step Process for Sermon Preparation:
o Step 1: Observation (What are the Facts?). "Become an active investigator. Collect facts, delve into the context, and understand the who, what, when, where, and why of the passage. Observation is about entering the story, feeling its nuances, and asking questions that lead to a comprehensive understanding."
o Step 2: Interpretation (What Does It Mean?). "Recognize the historical context and progression of revelation. Proper interpretation requires careful study and consideration of the passage's placement in history. Understanding where a passage fits into history is crucial; it determines the writer's intent and influences the application for today."
o Step 3: Application (How Should I Respond?). "Now the passage studies you. Reflect on what you've learned about God, yourself, and others. Ask practical questions that lead to personal transformation. Application bridges the gap between understanding and transformation, prompting changes in thinking, living, and prayer based on the revealed truths."