CHRIS - Centered

Expository Preaching

CENTRAL LUZON CONFERENCE and

LL7 SOLA SCRIPTURA MINISTRIES
Evangelistic Boot Camp Preaching Syllabus

Club Filipino
Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila July 12-16, 2010
___________________________________ __________________
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CHRIST-Centered Expository Preaching

The word is near you, on your lips and in

your heart”(that is, the word of faith that we
proclaim); because if you CONFESS with
your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in
your heart that God raised him from the
dead, you will be SAVED. For . . .
“Everyone who CALLS on the name of the
Lord shall be saved.” But how are they to
call on one in whom they have not
BELIEVED? And how are they to believe in
one of whom they have never HEARD? And
how are they to hear without someone to
PROCLAIM him? And how are they to
proclaim him unless they are SENT? . . . So
faith comes from what is heard, and what is
heard comes through the word of Christ.
(Romans 10:8-17 NRSV)

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 CHRIST-Centered Expository Preaching

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Topic of Discussion Page

The CALL to Christ-Centered Expository Preaching

The Eclipse of Biblical Preaching 4

The Purpose of Preaching 5
The Definition of the Sermon 6
The Types of Sermons 7
The Three Processes of Exposition 8
The Centrality of Christ in Preaching 13

The COMPONENTS of Christ-Centered Expository Preaching

The Basic Elements of an Expository Sermon 14

The Selection and Analysis of a Text 15
Theological Emphases of the New Testament Books 17
The Fallen Condition Focus 18
The Subject and Theme 19
The Proposition 20
The Propositional Trio 21
The Main Points and Sub-points 22

The CONSTRUCTION of Christ-Centered Sermons

A Model for Sermon Construction 25

The Process of Sermon Construction 26
The Support Materials 27
The Conclusion 30
The Introduction 32
Transitions 33

The COMMUNICATION of Christ-Centered Sermons

The Title 34
The Methods of Presentation 36
The Methods of Preparation 38
Preaching Communication Flow 39

BIBLIOGRAPHY 40

APPENDIX

A List of Key Words 42

Expository Sermon Outline Components 44
Pitfalls To Avoid 46

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 CHRIST-Centered Expository Preaching

THE ECLIPSE OF BIBLICAL PREACHING

Westminster Chapel’s pulpit giant Campbell Morgan is credited with the epigram,
“Sermonettes breed Christianettes.” Undeniably, contemporary preaching pays
little attention to the Bible, is self-focused, and consequently is capable of only
the most superficial impact on the lives of listeners. In our day the expositor of
Scripture has been eclipsed by a host of unfit substitutes. Consider a few:

(1) THE CHEERLEADER is a motivational speaker who commonly leaves the

teaching of the Bible to small groups. The preacher’s task, in his opinion,
is to “pump his audience up” and make them feel good. Sadly, hearers
leave stirred but without being strengthened and the “sugar fix” provided
by the “sermon turned into motivational talk” wears off easily into a craving
of more substantial food for the soul.

(2) THE SENSATIONALIST conjures up fantastic personal opinions on a text

at the expense of wrestling with the Scriptures. When diligent study and
sound interpretation is divorced from application, just about anything can
be conveyed --- and often is!

(3) THE STORYTELLER sharpens his storytelling skills to the neglect of

Biblical analysis. True, stories were part of the teachings of Christ but the
fact that His parables were “earthly stories with heavenly meaning” does
not grant the preacher the license to tell stories devoid of heavenly
meaning that are of no earthly use!”

(4) THE ENTERTAINER is similar to a guest on a TV talk show who waits

“backstage” until it is time for him “to do his thing.” The people come to sit
back, relax, and assess the performance of the preacher based on the
entertainment value of his talk.

(5) THE ENDOCTRINATOR views the text merely as a backdrop for a

doctrinal lecture with no relevant application of the Biblical passage.
Though his message is truthful, it is often dry and lacks passion.

(6) THE PSYCHOLOGIST is a purveyor of helpful psychological pointers

most of which have very little, if any, reference to the Bible. Among his
common topics are “The Principles of Effective Fathering” or “The Top Ten
Challenges Facing Couples Today.”

Respected British author and preacher John Stott comments:

“Preaching is indispensable to Christianity... I believe in preaching, and I

further believe that nothing is better calculated to restore health and
vitality to the Church...than a recovery of true, Biblical, contemporary
preaching.”

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 CHRIST-Centered Expository Preaching

THE PURPOSE OF PREACHING

Romans 10:8-17 (NRSV)

“The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart”(that is, the word of
faith that we proclaim); because if you CONFESS with your lips that
Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the
dead, you will be SAVED. For . . . “Everyone who CALLS on the name
of the Lord shall be saved.” But how are they to call on one in whom
they have not BELIEVED? And how are they to believe in one of whom
they have never HEARD? And how are they to hear without someone to
PROCLAIM him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are
SENT? . . . So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes
through the word of Christ.

Observe seven key words in the passage from the capitalized verbs. Connected
together, they reveal logical progression of thought. Notice that the words occur
in reverse chronological order, and proceed from effect to cause:

(1) A person CONFESSES Christ as his Lord. Why?

(2) Because he is SAVED. How was he saved?
(3) By CALLING on the name of the Lord. How did he come to call on
the name of the Lord?
(4) Because he BELIEVED a message. How did he come to believe
this message?
(5) Because he HEARD the word of truth. How did he hear?
(6) Because a preacher PROCLAIMED the gospel. Why did the
preacher proclaim the message?
(7) Because he was SENT by God to preach.

Inverting the event sequence, let us trace the passage from cause to effect:

(1) A preacher is SENT by God.

(2) He PROCLAIMS the Word.
(3) Someone HEARS the Word.
(4) This person BELIEVES the message.
(5) He then CALLS on the name of the Lord.
(6) As a consequence, he is SAVED by the grace of God.
(7) This saved person then CONFESSES Christ as his Lord.

Therefore, viewed from either direction, preaching completes the divine cycle of
grace. The preacher is sent forth by God and the sinner is brought to God.

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 CHRIST-Centered Expository Preaching

THE DEFINITION OF THE SERMON

In the book The Preacher and His Preaching, Dr. Phelps outlines five elements in
defining a sermon:

(1) AN ORAL, OR SPOKEN ADDRESS – It is not to be read but heard.

This implies that it is spoken sufficiently loud and enunciated
clearly. In Nehemiah 8:8 we are told that those who addressed the
people: “read in the book of the law of God DISTINCTLY, and
GAVE THE SENSE, and caused them to understand the reading.”

(2) TO THE POPULAR MIND – It should be couched in language

which can be understood by all present. Paul says in I Corinthians
4:19, “…I would rather speak five words that can be understood, in
order to teach others, than speak thousands of words in strange
tongues.” (TEV)

(3) UPON SCRIPTURAL TRUTH – It is not a discourse on the most

recent science discovery, or a discussion of the latest sensational
news, or a summary of the current political situation, or the setting
forth of the virtues or the follies of some famous personage or
place. Remember Romans 10:17, “…the message is heard through
the word of Christ.”

(4) ELABORATELY TREATED – The scripture truth is closely

examined in relation to its context, the passage is carefully
analyzed, the real meaning of its word explained, its truth illustrated
and the lesson applied in a logical, intelligent and edifying manner.
This elaborate treatment requires:

a. RHETORIC – the art of discourse and skill in the use of

language; the use made of the material, its choice,
adaptation, arrangement and expression.

b. GRAMMAR – choice and use made of the words that form

the medium by which the sermon is preached using their
correct construction and enunciation.

c. LOGIC – the right use of thought, indicating good and sound

sound reasoning.

(5) A VIEW TO PERSUASION – Preaching’s supreme goal is to gain

the attention and win the hearer to an acceptance of, and
obedience to the truth proclaimed. However eloquent, logical, and
orderly the sermon may be, it has missed its mark if it fails to move
the listeners to God.

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 CHRIST-Centered Expository Preaching

THE TYPES OF SERMONS

Sermons are most commonly classified as:

(1) TOPICAL – consists of choosing a certain topic, and then searching the
entire Bible to discover what light can be thrown on the subject being
considered. The division are invented by the preacher according to the
rhetorical possibilities of the subject and the preacher’s Biblical knowledge
about it.

(2) TEXTUAL – selects verses, a verse, or even a part of a verse as a text.

The subject and divisions are derived from the text. However, the
interpretation of the main points is based on the preacher’s general
Biblical view.

(3) EXPOSITORY – takes a subject, the main divisions, and their

interpretation from the text. It is usually based on a longer passage than a
textual sermon. The preacher introduces no idea that does not come from
the passage of scripture upon which it is based.

The EXPOSITORY class is most faithful to the Bible. It calls for a thorough study
of the Scripture based on sound interpretation and structured to bring out the
salient features of a Biblical passage to be applied to the needs of the hearers.

ADVANTAGES OF EXPOSITORY PREACHING:

(1) Leads to a deeper Biblical knowledge for the preacher and hearers
(2) Makes sermon Biblically sound.
(3) Demonstrates the relevance of the Bible.
(4) Promotes a greater appreciation of the Bible.
(5) Assures the preacher he is proclaiming God’s word.

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 CHRIST-Centered Expository Preaching

THE THREE PROCESSES OF EXPOSITION

Expository messages that remain faithful to the text and that contain applications
clear and relevant to listeners result from an expositional path. It includes three
processes: exegesis, theology, and homiletics. Although this overview of the
expositional process comes as a sequence, the actual path from text to sermon
may include “U-turns” to check and balance theology (doctrine) and exegesis
(textual interpretation):

(1) EXEGETICAL – consists in the historical-contextual literary analysis of the

Biblical passage. Two questions help in the exegetical process: “What is
the text talking about (narrowed subject)?” and “What is the text saying
about what it is talking about (complement)?”

(2) THEOLOGICAL – overtakes the time-bound interpretation of exegesis to

arrive at timeless truths and principles revealed by the Scriptural passage
for any audience at any time.

(3) HOMILETICAL – moves the universal perspective of theology to specific

applications to a particular audience.

EXEGETICAL THEOLOGICAL HOMILETICAL

Biblical language Timeless language Contemporary language

Time bound to Biblical Covers all time and has Applied to a

author and audience no specific audience in contemporary preacher
view and audience

Technical wording Non-technical wording Applicational wording

Information and Systematic organization Application ad

meaning oriented oriented motivation oriented

Analytical detail Integrated truth Relevant interest

Textual order of the Logical order of the Communication order of

passage doctrine developed proposition

Concrete and specific Abstract and general Relevant and particular

Declarative Declarative Imperative

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 CHRIST-Centered Expository Preaching

THEOLOGY
ASSIMILATE
A N CIEN T PRESEN T

HOMILETICS
APPLY

EXEGESIS
ANALYZE

The Three Stories of the Text

His
Story

Their Our
Story Story

The DO’s and DON’T’s of Textual Study

DON’T DO

1. Misinterpret the message 1. Realize the message

2. Compete with the message 2. Reckon with the message
3. Tarnish the message 3. Endorse the message

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 CHRIST-Centered Expository Preaching

SAMPLE TOPICAL OUTLINES SAMPLE TEXTUAL OUTLINES

“FAITH” “THE PRICE OF A NATION’S HEALING”

(II Chronicles 7:14)
I. What is Faith?
II. Why Is It Needed? I. A Humbling of Self.
III. How Is It Received II. A Return to Prayer.
IV. What Will It Accomplish III. A Seeking after God.

“EVIDENCES OF GOD’S LOVE” “THE CHRISTIAN, AN EXAMPLE”

(I Timothy 4:12)
I. As Seen in the Bible
II. As Seen in Nature I. An Example in Word.
III. As Seen in Providence II. An Example in Conduct.
III. An Example in Love.
IV. An Example in Spirit.
V. An Example in Faith.
“THE COURTROOM OF LIFE” VI. An Example in Purity.

I. The Judge – God, the Father

II. The Accuser – Satan
III. The Advocate – Jesus “THREE RED LETTER DAYS ON
IV. The Verdict – Not Guilty THE CHRISTIAN CALENDAR”
(Philippians 1:5-6)

I. The First Day of Conversion

“HUSBANDRY OF THE II. The Present Day of Opportunity
CHRISTIAN LIFE” III. The Last Day of Christ’s Coming

I. Sowing – Working for God

II. Cultivating – Prayer, Bible Study
III. Reaping – Blessing, Life Eternal “THE LADDER OF GOD’S ABILITY”
(Ephesians 3:20)

I.God Is Able To Do What We Ask.

“THE DISCIPLINARY
VALUE OF DELAY”
I. As Seen in the Case of Moses
II. As Seen in the Case of Elijah
III. As Seen in the Case of Paul
II.What We Think.
III.All We Ask Or Think.
IV. Above All We Ask Or Think.
V. Abundantly Above All We Ask
Or Think
VI. Exceeding Abundantly Above All
We Ask Or Think.

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 CHRIST-Centered Expository Preaching

SAMPLE EXPOSITORY OUTLINES

DOCTRINAL INFERENTIAL

“JUSTIFICATION” “SIN RUINS A YOUNG MAN”

(Romans 5:1-9) (II Kings 5:20-27)

I. The Need of Justification I. Begins with Covetousness (vv. 20-21)

a. Man is without strength (v. 6) II. Allures through Deceptions (v. 26)
b. Man is a sinner (v. 8) III. Leads to Other Sins (vv. 22-25)
IV. Hides behind Lies (vv. 25-26)
II. The Provision for Justification V. Receives Sure Punishment (v. 27)
a. God’s love (v. 8)
b. Christ’s death (v. 6)
BIOGRAPHICAL
III. The Appropriation of Justification
a. By Faith (vv. 1-2) “WHY GOD USED CORNELIUS”
(Acts 10:1-8)
IV. The Results of Justification
a. Access to Grace (v. 2) I. Man of Character (vv. 1, 2)
b. Peace with God (v. 1) a. morally strong (soldier)
c. Salvation from Wrath (v. 9) b. devout
d. Victory in Tribulation (v. 3) c. generous
e. Development of Character (vv. 3-5) d. influential
1. Patience to experience
2. Experience to hope II. Man of Prayer (vv. 2-4)
3. Hope to shamelessness a. consistency
b. faith
c. yieldedness
ETHICAL
III. Man of Action (vv. 5-8)
“A CHRISTIAN RESPONSIBILITY a. listened
AS A CITIZEN” b. witnessed
(Romans 13:1-10) c. obeyed

I. Regarding Civil Obedience (vv. 1-5)

a. Implicit obedience (v. 2) ANALOGICAL
b. Fearless obedience (vv. 3, 4)
“THE CHRISTIAN’S RACE OF LIFE”
II. Regarding Financial Obligation (vv. 6-8) (Hebrews 12:1-2)
a. To the State (vv. 6-7)
b. To every Creditor (v. 8) I. The Spectators at the Race (v. 1a)
II. The Training for the Race (v. 1b)
III. Regarding Social Morals (vv. 9-10) III. The Gait of the Race (v. 1c)
a. In accordance with Bible ethics IV. The Judge of the Race (v. 2a)
ethics (v. 9) V. The Reward for the Race (v. 2b)
b. In accordance with the law of
Love (v. 10)

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 CHRIST-Centered Expository Preaching

SAMPLE EXPOSITORY OUTLINES

PROPOSITIONAL

“THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST’”

(I Corinthians 15:3-23)

I. Its Credibility (vv. 3-11)

a. Peter (v. 5a)
b. The Twelve (v. 5)
c. Five Hundred Bretheren at Once (v. 6)
d. Paul by revelation (v.8)

II. Its Sensibility (vv. 12-19)

a. Preaching would be in vain (vv. 12-19)
b. Faith would be in vain (vv. 14, 17)
c. Holy Men would be false witnesses (v. 15)
d. Believers would be deluded sinners (v. 19)
e. All the righteous dead would have perished (v. 18)

III. Its Necessity (vv. 20-23)

a. There must be a second Adam to nullify sin and
death imputed through the fall of the first Adam.

“TEMPTATION”
(James 1:12-15)

I. The Requisite of Tracing Temptation (vv. 13-14)

a. Not from God (v. 13)
b. From Inward desire (v. 14)

II. The Results of Yielding to Temptation

a. First Sin (v. 15)
b. Then Death (v. 15)

III. The Reward of Enduring Temptation (v. 12)

a. Blessedness (v. 12)
b. A Crown of Life (v. 12)

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 CHRIST-Centered Expository Preaching

THE CENTRALITY OF CHRIST IN PREACHING

Biblical preaching must be Christ-centered if it is to fulfill its divine purpose:

“For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ
and Him crucified.” (1 Cor. 2:2)

“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under
heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)

“By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached
to you…For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance:
that Christ died for our sins according to Scriptures, that he was buried,
that he was raised on the third day according to Scriptures...”
(1 Cor. 15:2-4)

“And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in

all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. “ (Luke 24:27)

“You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you
possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet
you refuse to come to me to have life.” (John 5:39, 40)

“But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made
known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness
from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.”
(Rom. 3:21, 22)

True preaching must be gospel preaching as Dr. Jay Adams points out:

“If you preach a sermon that would be acceptable to the member of a

Jewish synagogue or a Unitarian congregation, there is something
radically wrong with it. Preaching, when truly Christian, is distinctive
because of the all-pervading presence of a saving and sanctifying
Christ. He must be at the heart of every sermon you preach,
edificational or evangelistic.”

Thus, another type of sermon emerges, i.e. CHRIST-CENTERED EXPOSITORY

sermons. Failure to center a sermon in the gospel defeats the very purpose of
preaching. In the same token, an attempt to preach the gospel without sound
Scriptural grounding results in the proclamation of a different gospel --- a gospel
that cannot save! Christ-centered expository preaching lifts up Christ as He is
revealed in the Word of God.

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 CHRIST-Centered Expository Preaching

THE BASIC ELEMENTS OF AN EXPOSITORY SERMON

(1) TEXT – Biblical passage on which the sermon is based.

(2) SUBJECT – the broad idea contained in the text.
(3) THEME – the particular aspect of the subject which is developed or
elaborated.
(4) PROPOSITION – the theme expressed in relevant terms.
(5) INTERROGATIVE ADVERB – this is a question asked about the
proposition.
(6) PROPOSITIONAL TRANSITION – a sentence which incorporates the
proposition, the key word and the interrogative adverb.
(7) KEY WORD – a plural noun reflected in the main points.
(8) MAIN POINTS – the divisions of the sermon.

SUMMARY OF THE STRUCTURE OF AN EXPOSITORY SERMON

(1) The THEME expands the SUBJECT into a clause.

(2) The PROPOSITION incorporates the THEME in a simple
sentence.
(3) The INTERROGATIVE ADVERB appends a question to the
PROPOSITION.
(4) The PROPOSITIONAL TRANSITION links the PROPOSITION
to the MAIN POINTS by using a KEY WORD which answers
the INTERROGATIVE ADVERB.

EXAMPLE

TEXT: Hebrews 4:12-16

SUBJECT: Security
THEME: Security in Christ
PROPOSITION: The believer has security in Christ.
INTERROGATIVE ADVERB: Why can we find security in Christ?
PROPOSITIONAL TRANSITION: We can rest secure in Christ because of
three provisions we have in the gospel.
KEY WORD: Provisions
OUTLINE:

I. The Powerful WORD of God (v. 12)

II. The Pervasive WATCH of God (v. 13)
III. The Precise WAY to God.
a. Through Christ’s IDENTIFICATION with us (v. 15)
b. Through Christ’s INTERCESSION for us (vv. 14, 16)

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 CHRIST-Centered Expository Preaching

THE SELECTION AND ANALYSIS OF A TEXT

The word “text” comes from the Latin, “textus,” which means something woven
(e.g. texture). Thus, it denotes the foundational Biblical passage around which
the preacher weaves his sermon. A text is necessary because:

(1) It gives authority to the message.

(2) It confines the preacher to his subject.
(3) It gives unity to the sermon.
(4) It prepares the hearers for the ensuing discussion.
(5) It promotes variety in preaching.

Principles governing the selection of texts:

(1) Beware of texts, the sentiment of which is not inspired.

(2) Texts should express a complete thought.
(3) Texts should be reasonably preachable.
(4) Avoid using texts the reading of which is not clear to the preacher.

Factual data to look for in ANALYZING THE BACKGROUND of a text:

(1) SPEAKER OR WRITER: Who spoke the words of the text?

(2) ADDRESSEE: The intended original audience.
(3) TIME: The approximate time it was written and its significance to
contemporaneous events.
(4) PLACE: The significance attached to the location.
(5) OCCASION: The circumstances surrounding the text.
(6) AIM: The intent of the writer or speaker of the text.
(7) WRITER’S STYLE. The approach and perspective the author
uses in treating the subject.

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 CHRIST-Centered Expository Preaching

Methods in ANALYZING THE CONTENT of a text:

(1) Read the passage in different versions.

(2) Make a rough outline of the ideas presented taking special note of
conjunctions and punctuation marks.
(3) Insert transitional words or phrases to carry a unified meaning
throughout the text, like: THEN, THEREFORE, BECAUSE,
HOWEVER, MOREOVER (e.g. Psalm 23:1, “The Lord is my
shepherd, THEREFORE I shall not want.”)
(4) Consult a Bible Dictionary and Commentary to check the meaning
of difficult words and phrases.
(5) Use a concordance to look for parallel texts.
DEPENDENCE TEACHABLE
ON GOD SPIRIT
Context of
Immediate
Setting
Foundational

Context of
Context of

Normal
Truths

Usage
TEXT

Context of
the Whole
Bible
KNOWLEDGE
OF GIFTED SELF
TEACHERS STUDY

Fundamental principles in Biblical interpretation:

(1) The New Testament interprets the Old Testament.

(2) The Epistles interprets the Gospels.
(3) The Universal interprets the Particular.
(4) The Literal interprets the Figurative.
(5) The CHRIST-EVENT is foundational to all interpretations.

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 CHRIST-Centered Expository Preaching

THE THEOLOGICAL EMPHASES OF THE NEW TESTAMENT BOOKS

NEW
LITERARY THEOLOGICAL
TESTAMENT THEOLOGICAL EMPHASIS
CLASS CATEGORY
BOOK
Matthew Jesus as King
Mark Christology Jesus as Servant
Gospels Luke Jesus as Son of Man
Theology -
John Jesus as Son of God
Christology
History Acts Ecclesiology Birth and Building of the church

Romans Explanation of the doctrine of salvation

Discussion of various aspects of
1 Corinthians
Soteriology Christian conduct
2 Corinthians Portrayal of the Christian ministry

Galatians Implications of justification by faith

Ephesians Believer's position "in Christ"

Philippians Ecclesiology Believers attitude "in Christ"
Pauline
Epistles Colossians Believer's completeness in Christ
1 Thessalonians Second Coming described
Eschatology
2 Thessalonians Second Coming clarified
Conduct in the house of God
1 Timothy Ecclesiology
elucidated
2 Timothy Final charge to servant of God given
Bibliology -
Ecclesiology Need for sound doctrine and good
Titus
works stated
Philemon Soteriology Favor requested for a Christian Brother
Hebrews Christology Superiority of Christ
Need for good works as evidence of
James
Anthropology - genuine faith
Soteriology Conduct and joy of believers in
General 1 Peter
suffering
Epistles
Gospel's certainty and the Day of the
2 Peter Eschatology
Lord
1, 2, 3 John Soteriology Way of fellowship and genuine faith
Jude Eschatology Warning concerning false teachers
Prophecy - Theology - Capstone of God's kingdom and
Revelation
Apocalypse Eschatology redemptive programs

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THE FALLEN CONDITION FOCUS

In his exceptional book "Christ-Centered Preaching," Dr. Bryan Chappell points

out a critical focus in Christ-centered exposition. The concept is based on God's
clear intention in giving us the Scriptures:

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking,

correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be
thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim. 3:16-17)

A better reading of verse 17 is “so that the man of God may be complete.”
Since God designed the Bible to complete us, its contents necessarily indicate
that in some sense we are incomplete. Our lack of wholeness is a consequence
of the fallen condition in which we live. It is to remedy this fallen condition that the
Scriptures were given. Proper understanding of a passage and formation of a
Christ-centered sermon require a clear Fallen Condition Focus (FCF) which
reveals the Holy Spirit’s own purpose for the text.

Specific sins are frequently the FCF of a passage but a sin need not be the FCF
of a sermon. Just as greed, rebellion, lust, irresponsibility, poor stewardship, and
pride are proper subjects for a sermon, so also are the desire to raise godly
children, determining God’s will, and understanding one’s spiritual gifts. An
FCF is simply an aspect of the human condition that requires the instruction,
admonition, and / or comfort of Scripture.

A message remains pre-sermon until the preacher organizes its ideas and text’s
features to apply to a single, major FCF. The following represents this concept:

Textual Information (pre-sermon)
Organize ideas of text to

Address FCF + Relevant Application = CHRIST-CENTERED SERMON

Since Scripture as a whole is God’s revelation of His redeeming activity in Christ,

preaching needs to unveil where and how a particular text functions in the overall
redemptive plan to have a Christ-centered focus. A Christ-centered exposition
captures the redemptive truths of a sermon text. A three-step procedure can be
used to trace a passage’s gospel connections:

(1) Identify the redemptive aspects evident in the text by the revealed
aspects of the divine nature that provides redemption and / or
the revealed aspects of human nature that requires salvation.
(2) Determine what application these redemptive principles were to
have in the lives of the believers in the original Biblical context.
(3) In the light of common human characteristics and / or conditions
contemporary believers share with persons in the original Biblical
context, apply the redemptive principles to current times.

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THE SUBJECT

The SUBJECT is the general idea of the sermon. It represents the broad area out
of which a number of specific themes may be chosen and is normally expressed
in one word. To eliminate ambiguity, “topic” and “subject” should not be used
interchangeably because it is often spoken of identically with the words “theme,”
“title,” and “subject.”

THE THEME

The THEME indicates the particular aspect of the subject which will be most
useful for presentation to the people. It is the dominant and persistent description
of the subject under consideration. Whereas the subject is usually stated in one
word, the theme has usually three or more words.
The theme should be clear, brief, and comprehensive. It divides the subject, or
suggests relationships, or infers an affirmation about the subject. The theme
brings definiteness of aim and unity of thought.

PASSAGE SUBJECT THEME

Eph. 1 The Gospel The gospel’s exaltation of Christ
Eph. 2 The Gospel The change the gospel brings
Eph. 3 The Gospel The gospel’s call for proclamation
Eph. 4:1-17 The Gospel The gospel’s challenge
Eph. 4:17-32 The Gospel The gospel’s demands
Col. 1:3-8 Prayer Thanksgiving in Prayer
Col. 1:9-14 Prayer Intercession in Prayer
Matt. 6:5-15 Prayer A Model of Prayer
Matt. 7:7-12 Prayer Persistence in Prayer
Phil. 1:3-11 Christian Living Living with joy
Phil. 1:12-30 Christian Living Living with perspective
Phil. 2:1-12 Christian Living Living with humility
Phil. 3:12-30 Christian Living Living with dedication
Phil. 3:2-11 Christian Living Living with insight
Phil. 3:12-21 Christian Living Living with determination
Phil. 4:1-13 Christian Living Living with power

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THE PROPOSITION

The PROPOSITION is that part of the sermon by which the truth to be

established and applied is presented. Declaring the intent of The Biblical
passage, it states the theme in the form of a sentence.

Characteristics of a good proposition:

(1) IT MUST BE IN THE FORM OF A SIMPLE SENTENCE – the

sentence may be grammatically complex but not the thought.
Conjunctions should be avoided allowing only one subject and
one predicate.
(2) IT MUST BE STATED IN CLEAR LANGUAGE – this will be
realized by the right arrangements of the fewest possible, short,
accurate words. All technical and figurative terminology, all
synonyms and dangling phrases should be avoided.
(3) IT MUST BE TIMELESS OR UNIVERSAL – by expressing the
reason or the cause for the text’s treatment of the subject in words
relevant and gripping to the contemporary mind.
(4) IT MUST BE APPLICATIONAL IN NATURE – the listener’s
attention can be immediately grasped if personal pronouns are
used for the purpose of drawing a response.
(5) IT MUST BE CONNECTED TO THE GOSPEL – it must address a
main Fallen Condition Focus (FCF), the mutual condition that
contemporary believers share with those to or for whom the text
was written that requires God’s grace in its Biblical context.

Structure of propositions:

(1) DECLARATIVE – a simple statement of the theme in a declarative

form (e.g. “To worship God is the chief end of man”).
(2) INTERROGATIVE – the theme in question form (e.g. “Is worship
the primary objective of our lives as believers?”)
(3) HYPOTHETICAL – a supposition hinging on the theme raised for
the sake of engaging the hearers in an investigation (e.g. "Think of
what will happen to our church if we don’t worship”).
(4) HORTATORY – an exhortation (e.g. “As believers, let us consider
our attitude toward worship”).
(5) EXCLAMATORY – emphasizes the theme by means of an
exclamation (e.g. “How vain our Christian lives would be without
worship!”).

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THE PROPOSITIONAL TRIO

Once the theme has been stated in propositional form, it has to be divided into
main points. Moreover, the proposition must smoothly and naturally lead into the
main body of the sermon.

Three interrelated steps handle this requirement:

(1) State the PROPOSITION.

(2) Ask an INTERROGATIVE ADVERB.
(3) Answer through a PROPOSITIONAL TRANSITION making use of a
KEY WORD.

THE INTERROGATIVE ADVERB

The INTERROGATIVE ADVERB puts the proposition in the form of a question by

appending one of the following adverbs to it:

(1) WHO? – persons

(2) WHAT? – things
(3) WHERE? – places
(4) WHEN? – instances
(5) WHY? – reasons
(6) HOW – methods

It is very important that only one interrogative should be used in a given sermon.
Otherwise, a single key word will not be possible, coherence will be blurred, and
more material will be covered than is wisely possible in a single message.

THE PROPOSITIONAL TRANSITION

The PROPOSITIONAL TRANSITION answers the INTERROGATIVE ADVERB

linking the PROPOSITION to the main points. It is the sermon in a nutshell. Note
that the propositional transition must reveal how the gospel deals with the main
Fallen Condition Focus (FCF). This is a must if the sermon is to be a Christ-
centered exposition.

THE KEY WORD

The KEY WORD is used by the propositional transition to make a smooth

transition from the introduction to the main points. It is a plural noun reflected in
each major division of the sermon. (See Appendix A for a list of possible key
words).

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THE MAIN POINTS

The MAIN POINTS expands the KEY WORD into a phrase. It arranges the
textual materials into a logical whole analytically or synthetically. The outlining of
the sermon into main points unifies the thoughts in the text to the proposition.

Good main points are important:

(1) To the preacher:

• gives him a sense of direction

• keeps him in that direction
• helps him in remembering his sermon

(2) To the hearers:

• gives them confidence that the sermon is Biblical

• makes the sermon more understandable
• assists them in remembering the sermon

Guidelines in setting down main points:

(1) They should be parallel as much as possible. (e.g. Marks of a Good

Minister [2 Tim 2:15]

I. He pleases his Master most.

II. He performs his duty well.
III. He handles God’s Word right.

should be

III. He proclaims his message rightly.)

(2) Memory aids such as alliteration, rhyme or acrostics should be used

whenever possible. (e.g. Call to the Ministry [Isa. 6:1-13]

I. Contemplation, vv. 1-4

II. Conviction, v. 5a
III. Confession, v. 5b
IV. Cleansing, vv. 6-7
V. Challenge, v. 8a
VI. Consecration, v. 8b
VII. Commission, vv. 9-13

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(3) Main points should be mutually exclusive. (e.g. The Renewed Mind
[Rom. 12:2]

I. Power to Concentrate
II. Power to Think
III. Power to Meditate

The outline fails because each point is saying the same thing.)

(4) Main points should be unified. (e.g. Paul’s Mars Hill Address [Acts 17]

I. The Foolishness of Man

II. The Fatherhood of God
III. The Future of the World

The above divisions show no coherence.)

(5) Main points should be progressive or sequential. (e.g. Obtaining

Wisdom [James 1:5-8]

I. By recognizing your lack of it, v.5

II. By requesting God for it, v. 6
III. By receiving it through faith, vv. 6-8)

(6) Main points should be based on Scripture.

(7) Main points should be Christ-centered.

Main principles of division for good arrangement:

(1) CHRONOLOGICAL – in time order as in narrating events.

(2) DIRECTIONAL – according to an orderly sequence, such as from
Mt. Sinai to Mt. Calvary to Mt. Zion.
(3) QUANTITATIVE – refer to varying amounts.
(4) DEDUCTIVE – from general truth to specific instances.
(5) INDUCTIVE – from specific cases to general truth.
(6) CLASSIFICATION – classify insights based on a system.
(7) CAUSAL – trace a cause to its effects or vice versa.
(8) NEGATION – sets up an emphatic positive conclusion by
invalidating contradictions to the text.
(9) CONTRAST – outline differences.
(10) ANALYTICAL – divide a proposition into parts.
(11) SYNTHETIC – build a conclusion from logical elements.
(12) PROBLEM-SOLVING – suggest various solutions to a problem
leading to the best answer.
(13) PROCESS METHOD – deal with a series of actions progressing
to a natural result.
(14) QUALITATIVE – according to intensifying qualities.

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THE SUB-POINTS

As the main points elaborate the proposition, sub-points expand their related
main points. As an interrogative break apart the proposition into several main
points, so can it subdivide a main point into one or more sub-points. A key word
need not be used as long as the sub-points cohere with their corresponding main
point. Accordingly, good sub-points should adhere to the same guidelines
followed by good main points.

Reminders in making sub-points:

(1) Sub-points are derived from the passage.

(2) Not all main points may require sub-points,
(3) Some sub-points need to be more emphasized than others.
(4) The actual places in the passage from which the sub-points are
taken, like the main points, should be pointed out.
(5) Sub-points are not support materials.

EXAMPLE

TEXT:
Matthew 14:22-33
SUBJECT:
Peace
THEME:
Incredible Peace in Christ
FCF:
Learning to trust Christ in life’s storms
PROPOSITION:We can have incredible peace in Christ.
INTERROGATIVE ADVERB:
What can assure us of peace in Christ
when life seems unbearable?
PROPOSITIONAL TRANSITION: We can surely find peace in Christ even
when life seems unbearable by dwelling
on 3 provisions we have in Him.
KEY WORD: Provisions
OUTLINE:

I. The DIVINITY of Christ.

a. The GOD of our SUPPLY (v. 22a)
b. The GOD of our SUCCESS (vv. 22b-23)
c. The GOD of our STORMS (vv. 24-27)
II. The DIRECTION from Christ.
a. Obey Regardless of ADVERSITY (v. 28)
b. Obey Regardless of IMPOSSIBILITY (v. 29)
c. Obey Regardless of FRAILTY (v. 30)
III. The DELIVERANCE by Christ
a. Results in STRONGER FAITH (v. 31)
b. Results in SUDDEN PEACE (v. 32)
c. Results in SPONTANEOUS PRAISE (v. 33)

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A MODEL OF SERMON CONSTRUCTION

In his book, Preaching With Conviction, Dr. Kenton Anderson uses a persuasive
communication approach model as his basis for sermon construction.

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SUPPORT MATERIALS

Adding support materials to the sermon outline is the process of developing the
sermon. It is the process of constructing the body of the sermon. There are four
types of support materials:

(1) EXPLANATION – making the text understandable. Some methods are:

a. VERBAL – define words of the text that are unclear.

b. CONTEXTUAL – use adjoining text to throw light on the text.
c. HISTORICAL – relate historical conditions and events to
illuminate the background of the passage.
d. PARALLEL PASSAGES – quoting related texts allowing
Scripture to explain itself.

(2) ARGUMENT – proving the truth or falsehood of a point. Following

are the practical forms of argument:

a. DEDUCTION – reasoning from general to specific.

b. INDUCTION – reasoning from specific to general.
c. A PRIORI – reasoning from cause to effect.
d. A POSTERIORI – reasoning from effect to cause.
e. A FORTIORI – reasoning from lesser to greater.
f. ANALOGY – reasoning to prove that what is true in one realm
is also true in another.
g. TRADITION – reasoning from established practice.
h. TESTIMONY – reasoning based on witness.
i. EXPERIENCE – reasoning from personal experience.
j. CONSENSUS – reasoning from general agreement.
k. AUTHORITY – reasoning based on a reliable source.
l. REDUCTIO AD ABSURDUM – making an opposite view absurd.
m. ELIMINATION – disposing of all invalid alternatives to arrive
at a viable one.

(3) APPLICATION – relating a point in the following perspectives:

a. UNIVERSAL – to all places and situations.

b. LOCAL – to an environment or circumstance.
c. PERSONAL – to an individual experience.

(4) ILLUSTRATION – clarifying a point through verbal or visual material.

a. STORY – a connective narrative of some experience

b. ANECDOTE – brief, pointed and interesting true incident.
c. OBJECT LESSONS – visible objects representing truth.
d. POEMS – language using meter, rhythm and rhyme.
e. QUOTATIONS – direct and catchy saying.

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f. FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE – figures of speech like:

1. SIMILE – likening of two essentially different things, e.g.

“That man is like a fox.”
2. METAPHOR – indirect comparison of two different things
establishing an identity (objects of a simile are distinct in
thought and expression, whereas metaphor --- only in
thought), e.g. “That man is a fox.”
3. ALLEGORY – an extended metaphor forming a real or
fictitious story, e.g. “The Pilgrim’s Progress” (cf. Ps. 80:8-15)
4. EPIGRAM – wittily enshrining an interesting thought in a few
well chosen words, e.g. “The conscious water saw its God
and blushed” (Christ’s miracle of turning water into wine).
5. ANTITHESIS – strong contrast of ideas, often through
parallel, e.g. explaining the meaning of grace by showing it
in contrast to its opposite which is law or human merit.
6. HYPERBOLE – understood exaggeration for emphasis, e.g.
“They strain at a gnat and shallow a camel.”
7. IRONY – subtle form of sarcasm, e.g. See I Corinthians 4:8-
10; II Corinthians 11:16-20.
8. METONYMY – substitution of one term for another closely
associated with it or suggested by it, e.g. “Go thy way in the
footsteps of the flock.”
9. SYNECDOCHE – putting the part for the whole, e.g. “All
flesh is grass.” In I Corinthians 14:9 the phrase, “Five
words,” is an exact number that is put for a general quantity.
10. APOSTROPHE – a direct address to a person absent, e.g.
Isaiah 14:12-20.
11. PERSONIFICATION – crediting inanimate things with life,
e.g. “The voice of your brother’s blood cries.”
12. PARADOX – a seeming contradiction, e.g. Quite a number
of these are listed in II Corinthians 6:8-10.

The root meaning of the verb “to illustrate” is “to shed light upon” or “to illumine.”
Until the story, the statistic, the quotation, or the example shed light on a point, it
fails to illustrate. An illustration must answer the question “What is the illustration
designed to illustrate?” A good rule of thumb to use in expanding main points and
sub-points is the acrostic:
E – xplain the text
V – alidate the text, and then
A – pply the text.

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The basic goal of an illustration falls into one of three categories: explanation,
validation, or application. The following table shows the more specific objectives
that fall under the three larger categories:

EXPLAIN VALIDATE APPLY

Purpose: Understanding Purpose: Agreement Purpose: Obedience

Expand Gain Agreement Provide “How To”

Clarify Prove Show the Significance

Elucidate Show as Realistic Make the Impact Felt

Simplify Make Believable Touch a Need

Specify Convince Relate Truth to Practice

An illustration visualizes for people what the application looks like in their lives or
the lives of others. The following hierarchy of illustrations correlates the purposes
of illustrations with the connection to the audience. The hierarchy is based on the
“identification” communication theory formulated by Kenneth Burke.

ILLUSTRATION CONNECTION HIERARCHY

HIGH From the experience of the speaker and listener

AUDIENCE
CONNECTION From the listener’s experience

From the speaker’s experience

From the experience of known persons

From the experience of unknown persons

From second-hand experience

LOW From hearsay experience

AUDIENCE
CONNECTION From a hypothetical experience

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THE CONCLUSION

“If a safe landing is the most important part of an airplane trip, the harvest the
most important part of farming, the concluding chapter the most important part of
a book, we may also say the conclusion is the most important part of a sermon.”
The characteristics of a good conclusion are:

(1) RELATED TO THE BODY – tied in with the proposition and

consistent with the main points. It must fit the given message.

(2) PERSONAL – involves the hearers toward the pursuit of

achieving the sermon aim. “A wise minister never indulgences in
personalities, but neither does he close with impersonalities.”

(3) FORCEFUL – “Deep passion, thoughts that burn, strong words

are the instruments required, whether the conclusion be a direct
drive on the will or an appeal to the heart.” Volume and force are
not synonymous. In fact, force is best displayed by lowering of the
voice and assuming a contemplative mood.

(4) BRIEF – ranges from two to five minutes. The first rule of
preaching is: “Have something to say.” The second rule is: “Say it
well.” The third is: “Be quiet and sit down.”

Four general types of conclusions:

(1) SUMMARY CONCLUSION:

• Formal Summary - repeats the main points without changing

their terminology.
• Paraphrased Summary - repeats the main points in words
arousing new interest.
• Common Sense Summary – rephrases the main points in
colloquial or common language.
• Epigrammatic Summary – reduces each main point to a
single catchy word or phrase (e.g. STOP, LOOK, LISTEN)

(2) APPLICATION CONCLUSION – in which the applications of the

text is sharply focalized on a specific contemporary context.

(3) MOTIVATION CONCLUSION – in which appeals is made to lofty

incentives.

(4) ANTICIPATORY CONCLUSION – in which objections are

foreseen and answered.

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The component parts of a conclusion are:

(1) TRANSITION STATEMENT – links the main points to the

conclusion moving the hearers from discussion to final words.

(2) RECAPITULATION – repeats the proposition and main points.

(3) REQUIREMENTS OF THE HEARERS – brings the listeners to a

place where they must respond. May be structured as:

• APPLICATION establishing relevance with people’s needs.

• CHALLENGE OR APPEAL to take a course of action.
• INVITATION to a public response.
• PERSONAL INTENTION to obey the message.

(4) FINAL STATEMENT – leaves the hearers with a sense of finality.

Possible forms are:

• Restatement of the text.

• Prayer where main points are repeated.
• Hymn or song.
• Illustration.
• Surprise or twist.

Errors to avoid in conclusions:

(1) Avoid letting interest lag.

(2) Avoid making the conclusion too long.
(3) Avoid giving the impression that you are about to conclude, when
you are not.
(4) Avoid introducing new material unrelated to the theme.
(5) Avoid concluding a serious message with a joke.
(6) Avoid monotony.
(7) Avoid apologizing.
(8) Avoid trite, hackneyed conclusions.
(9) Avoid a formal announcement of your conclusion.
(10) Avoid going beyond the quitting time.
(11) Avoid making an anti-climax.
(12) Avoid artificiality.

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THE INTRODUCTION

The introduction is the first part of the sermon that leads up to the discussion
preparing the hearers for the main points. Qualities of a good introduction are:

(1) STRIKING – goes straight to a point of interest “starting a fire.”

(2) CLEAR – makes concrete abstract or involved concepts.

(3) BRIEF – usually no more than five minutes.

(4) MODEST – not too pretentious or eloquent.

(5) UNAPOLOGETIC – avoids rationalizing for unpreparedness.

(6) SPECIFIC – makes no room for stereotyped remarks.

(7) UNIFIED – contains only one idea.

Basic components of an introduction:

(1) ATTENTION-GAINER grabs the attention of the congregation

which can be in the form of:

• anecdote
• latest news
• appreciation of introduction or special music
• greetings
• prayer
• visual aid
• announcement of something significant
• commendation
• personal observation
• reference to a special season or holiday
• startling statement

(2) CREATION OF A NEED normally incorporated into a prayer.

(3) PROPOSITIONAL TRIO

Types of introduction for different attitudes of hearers:

(1) SYMPATHETIC – introduction should be dramatized.

(2) APATHETIC – introduction should be thought-provoking.
(3) HOSTILE – introduction should be based on common ground.
(4) DOUBTFUL – introduction should be factually corroborated.

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TRANSITIONS

Transitions provide a sense of march to the sermon, help to supply the

connective tissue which holds the whole sermon together and furnish an
opportunity to emphasize the genuine concerns of the exposition.

Marks of good transitions:

(1) CONVEYERS NOT FILLERS – transitions are to act as sign

posts so that as the message progresses, the hearers can follow
the train of thought. Unlike a written message, spoken sermons
cannot be divided by paragraph indentations. Transitions
accomplish this for the exposition by connecting points of
discussion rather than just serve as filler words.

(2) MUST BE VARIED – vary the typical: “First, Second, Third, and
IN CONCLUSION” by using the following transitional phrases:

Not only . . . but also . . .

In addition to . . . notice that . . .
More important than all of these is . . .
In contrast to . . .
Similar to this . . .
Now look at it from this angle . . .
This idea leads us to . . .

(3) PLANNED – connective phrases between main points should be

written in pulpit notes.

Suggestions in making transitions:

(1) PAUSE AT A STRATEGIC MOMENT – planned pauses can convey

shifts in ideas.
(2) VARY VOCAL TONE AND SPEECH RATE – it is during low tone and
slow rate that transitions can most effectively be made.
(3) CHANGE THE POSITION OF THE BODY – by moving forward or
backward or shifting the weight from one foot to another.
(4) SUMMARIZE – to reinforce memory by repetition.
(5) USE A LIBERAL SUPPLY OF BRIDGE WORDS – such as: but, and
again, also, moreover, furthermore, however, besides, on the other
hand, once again, nevertheless, therefore, consequently, ultimately.

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THE TITLE

The title is an imaginative, suggestive word or phrase used to advertise the

sermon so people would want to hear. Dwight L. Moody wittingly said, “Some
preachers think it undignified to advertise their services. I think it is a great deal
more undignified to preach to empty pews.”

Clarifications on the role of a title:

(1) It is not the subject.

(2) It is not the theme (e.g. for the theme “Hindrances to Prayer” the
possible titles are “Supplication Sabotage” or “Interference in Celestial
Communication”)
(3) It is not a guide for preparation or selection of materials.
(4) It is not generally used in delivery.

The place of the title:

(1) During announcement time.

(2) In the printed bulletin.
(3) On the bulletin board.
(4) In the church newsletter or website.

Categories of sermon titles:

(1) Catchy titles:

• Biblical – “Spiritual Hygiene in Podiatry”

• Paradox – “Descending into Greatness”
• Mystery – “Waking Up to Yesterday”
• New Twist to an old cliché -
“Life after Birth”
“Succeed and Succeed Until You Try”
“Jesus is ready, Are You Coming Soon?”

(2) Applied to Biblical passages:

• Textual – “The Tragedy of Sin” (Isaiah 59:1, 2)

“When God’s Hands are Tied”
• Passage – “This Troubled World” (James 1:2-8)
“Capitalizing on Our Calamities”
• Chapter – “A Muzzled Mouth” (James 3)
“A Tongue’s Movement”
• Book – “Prophet of Faith” (Habakkuk)
“Headaches, Heartaches, Habakkuk”

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Characteristics of strong titles:

(1) They must create interest.

(e.g. “Seven Ducks in a Muddy Pond” 2 Kings 5:1-14)

(2) They must be brief, ranging from one to seven words.

(e.g. “Seven Ducks of a Contaminated Man in a Muddy, Murky Pond”
is too long)

(3) They must be relevant.

(e.g. “Destroying Weapons of Mass Destruction”, “Deadlier than
SARS!”)

Characteristics of weak titles:

(1) General, value, bland and say nothing.

(e.g. “On Being Good” “Living By Principles” “Our Fast-Paced Days’)

(2) Removed from the experience of the hearers.

(e.g. “The Abrahamic Covenant”, “The Babylonian Captivity” sound
more like titles to dissertations than titles to sermons.

(3) Overstates the case.

(e.g. “The Last Word on the Sanctuary Doctrine” Why not “The
Sanctuary Doctrine Revisited”? or “Does God Really Care?” for “Why
God Permits Evil?”

(4) Too sensational.

(e.g. “Sex and the Single Girl” for the virgin birth; “Sight-seeing in
Hell”; “Baptist Preacher Loses Head at a Disco”)

Final observations on sermon titles:

(1) Ideally, the title should be prepared last, but it may emerge during the
early stages of sermon construction.

(2) If sermon titles are announced a week in advance, then titles will be
made before the sermon is finalized. This is especially true when
preaching a sermon series.

(3) One should not spend an inordinate amount of time working on “cute”
or overly “catchy” titles. Time could be better spent in sermon
preparation. Often, sound preparation proves to be a more effective
advertisement than the title.

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THE METHODS OF PRESENTATION

There are at least four options for presenting sermons: (1) reading; (2) reciting;
(3) extemporizing; and (4) combination(s) of the first three options. The following
comparisons can help in determining what will best fit a particular preacher:

(1) Options for Fully Written Sermons:

a. Full manuscript read.

Advantages: Ensures preparation

Precision of expression

Disadvantages: Loses eye contact

Limits spontaneity and freedom of expression
Tendency to speak in a “written” style
Extensive preparation time

b. Full manuscript memorized and recited in pulpit.

Advantages: Promotes eye contact

Precision of expression

Disadvantages: Difficulty of memorizing materials

Very little passion
Extensive preparation time

c. Full manuscript converted to an outline with the sermon preached from

the written outline.

Advantages: Ensures complete preparation of thought

Maintains eye contact
Lends itself to spontaneity in expression

Disadvantages: Extensive preparation time

(2) Options for Partially Written Sermons:

a. Largely written manuscript.

Advantages: Same as (1c) above

If well prepared, ensures accuracy of thought
Provides time for eye contact

Disadvantages: Extensive but reduced preparation time

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b. Types of outlined messages:

I. Extended Outline – with all expositional components, including

transitions written out or significantly indicated.

Advantages: The more extensive, the more complete the

preparation of thought.
The more practiced, the more precise the
expression of thought.

Disadvantages: More dependence results in less passion.

II. Bare-bones Outline – with key expositional components only with

short descriptive phrases.

Advantages: Spontaneous expression

Enforced eye contact
Quick preparation

Disadvantages: Likely imprecise expression

May encourage ill-prepared thoughts
May be too long or too short

(3) Options for Unwritten Sermons:

a. Mental Outline.

Advantages: Forces eye contact

Increased passion in expression

Disadvantages: Danger of neglecting preparation

Often has poor transitions
Commonly result in inaccurate views
Reduces Biblical soundness

b. Impromptu Presentation.

Advantages: Heightened spontaneity

High visual connection with listeners

Disadvantages: Customarily has disorganized points

Frequently lacks cohesion in delivery
Likely inaccurate or incomplete interpretation
Inclined to focus on preacher’s thoughts
May cause extreme brevity or duration

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THE METHODS OF PREPARATION

The approaches preachers take in preparing their sermons are as varied as the
backgrounds and personalities of the preachers. Some have a unique facility of
memory. Others are experts in the use of technology and many are still working
with pen and paper. Probably the only factor that preachers must share is to
come to the text on our knees “talking to God about people before talking to
people about God.”

The well-liked contemporary Scottish Bible expositor Alistair Begg summarized

his method of preparation in the following points which he learned from a pastor-
mentor when he was a ministerial student:

(1) Think Yourself Empty. It is helpful to avoid the assumption that

we know everything that the text says. In fact, it is often beneficial
to approach the passage with the spirit of initial interpretation and
the willingness not only to learn but also to unlearn. This will open
up new avenues of thought and create angles of approach never
seen before.

(2) Read Yourself Full. The expositor should regularly read widely
to build up a repository of interpretive and applicational materials.
It is impossible to arrive at sound exegesis and strikingly relevant
applications without extensive research on the related materials. It
is quite effective for the preacher to maintain a personal library.

(3) Write Yourself Clear. An aspect of sermon preparation that is

most closely tied to fluency of speech and impact in delivery is
clearly putting thoughts in writing. Writing thoughts, sentences,
paragraphs and linking phrases on paper will allow corrections to
be made before the sermon is presented in public.

(4) Pray Yourself Hot. There is no chance of fire in the pews if there
is an iceberg in the pulpit; and without personal prayer and
communion with God during the preparation stages of the sermon,
the pulpit will be cold. Preaching and prayer are inseparable. We
can do more than pray, after we have prayed, but not until.

(5) Be Yourself But Don’t Preach Yourself. While we can and must
learn from those whom God has used to great effect in the pulpit,
our admiration dare not lead to imitation. After finding our own
style of exposition, we should practice self-forgetfulness as we
cannot make much of ourselves and much of the Lord Jesus
Christ simultaneously. A good preacher clears the way, declares
the way, and then gets out of the way.

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 CHRIST-Centered Expository Preaching

Preaching Communication Flow

GOD GOD

Message (words/gestures)
SOURCE RECEPTOR

Message Response (feedback)

Profile of Preaching Style

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Artificial Natural
Stiff Informal
Monotonous Varied
Halting Fluent
Timid Confident
Harsh Sympathetic
Flippant Earnest
Obscure Clear
Feeble Energetic
Prosaic Poetic

Less Effective More Effective

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 CHRIST-Centered Expository Preaching

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Adams, Jay. Preaching with Purpose. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker, 1982.

Anderson, Kenton. Preaching With Conviction. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Kregel

Publications, 2001.

Begg, Alistair. Preaching for God’s Glory. Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway Books, 1999.

Braga, James. How to Prepare BIBLE Messages. Portland, Oregon: Multinomah Press,
1981.

Chapell, Bryan. Christ-Centered Preaching. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker, 1994.

Gibbs, Alfred. The Preacher and His Preaching. Kansas City, Kansas: Walterwick
Publishers, 1978.

Mcdill, Wayne. The Moment of Truth (A Guide to Effective Sermon Delivery), Nashville,
Tennessee: Broadman and Holman Publishers, 1999.

Olford, Steven and David. Anointed Expository Preaching. Nashville, Tennessee:

Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1998.

Olford, Steven and David. Anointed Expository Preaching. Nashville, Tennessee:

Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1998.

___. “Preaching---God’s Method.” Evangelical Thrust (February, 1977): 26-28.

___. “On Your Mark, Get Set, Ready, PREACH!” Evangelical Thrust (April, 1977): 25-27.

___. “What’s the Big Idea?” Evangelical Thrust (May, 1977): 27-29.

___. “On Sermon Titles.” Evangelical Thrust (June, 1977): 24-25.

___. “Proceeding According to Plan.” Evangelical Thrust (August, 1977): 24-25.

___. “Getting the Skeleton Out of the Closet (Part 1)” Evangelical Thrust (October, 1977):
20-21.

___. “Getting the Skeleton Out of the Closet (Part 2)” Evangelical Thrust (November,
1977): 20-21.

___. “Getting the Skeleton Out of the Closet (Part 3)” Evangelical Thrust (December,
1977): 27.

___. “Getting the Skeleton Out of the Closet (Part 4)” Evangelical Thrust (January, 1978):
25-26.

___. “Getting the Skeleton Out of the Closet (Part 5)” Evangelical Thrust (February,
1978): 25-26.

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 CHRIST-Centered Expository Preaching

B I B L I O G R A P H Y (Continued)

___. “Getting the Skeleton Out of the Closet (Part 6)” Evangelical Thrust (March, 1978):
28-29.

___. “Getting the Skeleton Out of the Closet (Part 7)” Evangelical Thrust (April, 1978):
25-26.

___. “Shall These Bones Live? (Part 1)” Evangelical Thrust (May, 1978): 25-27.

___. “Shall These Bones Live? (Part 2)” Evangelical Thrust (June, 1978): 25-27.

___. “Mixing Traditional and Concrete.” Evangelical Thrust (August, 1978): 25-26.

___. “Characteristics of Good Transitions.” Evangelical Thrust (September, 1978): 25-26.

___. “Windows in the Walls (Part 1)” Evangelical Thrust (October, 1978): 24-25.

___. “Windows in the Walls (Part 2)” Evangelical Thrust (November, 1978): 22-23.

___. “Windows in the Walls (Part 3)” Evangelical Thrust (December, 1978): 22-23.

___. “Windows in the Walls (Part 4)” Evangelical Thrust (January, 1979): 22.

___. “No Summons---No Sermon (Part 1)” Evangelical Thrust (February, 1979): 20.

___. “No Summons---No Sermon (Part 2)” Evangelical Thrust (March, 1979): 24.

___. “All’s Well that Ends Well (Part 1)” Evangelical Thrust (October, 1979): 24.

___. “All’s Well that Ends Well (Part 2)” Evangelical Thrust (November, 1979): 20-21.

___. “All’s Well that Ends Well (Part 3)” Evangelical Thrust (December, 1979): 22-23.

___. “All’s Well that Ends Well (Part 4)” Evangelical Thrust (January, 1980): 21, 26.

Smith, Gary. The Prophets as Preachers. Nashville, Tennessee: Broadman and Holman
Publishers, 1994.

Stott, John. The Art of Preaching in the Twentieth Century. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm.
B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1982.

Van Cleave, Nathaniel. Handbook of Preaching. Los Angeles, California: Life Bible
College, 1943.

Whitesell, Faris and Lloyd M. Perry. Variety in Your Preaching. Westwood, New Jersey:
Fleming H. Revell Company, 1954.

Willhite, Keith. Preaching With Relevance. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Kregel Publications,
2001.

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 CHRIST-Centered Expository Preaching

APPENDIX I (A List of Key Words)

abuses challenges explanations illustrations

actualities changes exponents imitations
accusations charges exposures impacts
admonitions circumstances expositions impediments
affairs commands expostulation imperatives
affirmations commitments expressions imperfections
agreements comparisons extremes implements
alternatives concepts implications
angles contrasts facets impossibilities
answers corrections facts impressions
applications criteria factors improvements
approaches criticisms faculties inadequacies
areas crowns failures incentives
arguments cults falls incidents
aspects cultures families injunctions
aspirations customs faults invitations
assertions fears irritations
assurances dangers feelings issues
assumptions debts fields items
attitudes decisions finalities
attributes declarations flaws joys
avocations deeds forces judgments
axioms deficiencies forms justifications
definitions formalities
barriers degrees foundations keys
beginnings departments functions kinds
beliefs details fundamentals
benefits differences labors
bequests directives gains lapses
bestowments disciplines generalizations laws
blemishes disclosures gifts leads
blessings discoveries graces lessons
blows divisions groups levels
blockades doctrines guarantees liabilities
blots doubts guides liberties
blunders doors lifts
boasts dreams habits lights
bonds duties handicaps limits
books honors links
boundaries effects hopes lists
breaches elements hungers loads
burdens encouragements hurts locations
examples looks
calls excesses ideas losses
categories exchanges ideals loyalties
causes exclamations idols
certainties experiments ills maladies
cessations expediencies illuminations manifestations
chains expirations illusions manners

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 CHRIST-Centered Expository Preaching

A List of Key Words (Continued)

marks organizations preparations results

materials origins prescriptions revelations
means pressures rewards
measures panaceas pretentions roads
meetings parables principles roles
members paradoxes privileges roots
memories paragraphs prizes routes
mentions particulars problems rules
mercies parties processes
methods parts products sacrifices
ministries paths profits satisfactions
miseries patterns prohibitions sayings
misfortunes peaks proofs scales
mistakes peculiarities prophecies scars
models penalties propositions schools
moods perceptions prospects schemes
motives perfections provisions seals
mountains performances punishments seasons
movements perils purposes secrets
mysteries periods pursuits selections
perplexities sentiments
names persons qualifications sequences
narratives personalities qualities services
natures petitions quantities shields
necessities phases queries situations
needs philosophies quests skills
nights phrases questions solicitations
norms pictures quotas solutions
notes pieces quotations sources
numbers places spheres
plagues ranks states
objects plans ratings statements
objectives pleas reactions steps
obligations pledges reasons stimuli
observances plots recommendations stipulations
observations points records stresses
obstacles positions recruits strokes
occasions possibilities references styles
occurrences powers regions subjects
offenses practices regulations sufferings
offers prayers rejections superlatives
offices precautions relapses suppositions
omissions predicaments relations superiorities
operations predictions reminders supplications
opinions preferences responses supports
opponents prejudices responsibilities symptoms
options premises restorations syndromes
orders premonitions restraints systems

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CHRIST-Centered Expository Preaching

A List of Key Words (Continued)

tactics unrests
talents upheavals
tasks uproars
teachings upshots
techniques urgencies
temperaments utterances
temptations
tendencies values
territories variations
tests varieties
theories ventures
theses verities
things vestiges
thoughts victories
thrivings views
ties virtues
times visions
titles vocations
tokens voices
tones
tools wants
topics warnings
traces wars
traditions warriors
traits ways
traumas weaknesses
travesties weapons
treasures weddings
treaties whims
treatments wills
trends wins
trepidations winds
trials wonders
tribulations wooings
triumphs words
troubles works
troops worries
truths wreckages
types wrongs

ultimatums years
uncertainties yearnings
undertakings yieldings
unknowns yokes
unions
uniformities zeniths
universalities zests
units zones

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CHRIST-Centered Expository Preaching

APPENDIX II

EXPOSITORY SERMON OUTLINE COMPONENTS

INTRODUCTION
gain attention
create the need
state proposition
ask the interrogative
make propositional transition

FIRST MAIN POINT

E-xplain
V-alidate
A-pply
TRANSITION... * * OR SUB-POINTS
FIRST SUB-POINT
OTHER MAIN POINT(s)
E-xplain
E-xplain V-alidate
V-alidate A-pply
A-pply TRANSITION...
TRANSITION...
*
OTHER SUB-POINT(s)
E-xplain
LAST MAIN POINT V-alidate
E-xplain A-pply
V-alidate TRANSITION...
A-pply
TRANSITION... *
CONCLUSION
Transition To Conclusion
repeat proposition
Recap repeat main points
gospel connection
Draw A Response
Make The Final Statement

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 CHRIST-Centered Expository Preaching

APPENDIX III

PITFALLS TO AVOID
by Dr. Bryan Chappell

The goal of Christ-centered expository preaching is to decipher redemptive sig-

nals so listeners can understand the full meaning of a biblical passage in the
context of its gospel intent.

RECOGNIZING NON-REDEMPTIVE MESSAGES

Messages that are not Christ-centered (i.e., not redemptively focused) inevitably
become human-centered even though the drift most frequently occurs uninten-
tionally. They present godliness as a product of human endeavor. Although they
mean well, this focus on actuating divine blessing through human works carries
the message, “Doing these things will get you right with God.” No message is
more damaging to true faith. By making our efforts the measure and cause of
godliness we fall victim to the twin assaults of legalism and liberalism, which
make our relationship with God dependent on human goodness.

Can we not as preachers confess that even we feel more holy than when our
devotions last longer, when we parent well, when we pastor wisely, when we do
justly? While there is certainly nothing wrong with these actions, we deny the
basis of our own faith when we begin to believe or act as though our words and
actions by their own merit, win God’s favor. Were this true, the instruction to “take
yourself by your bootstraps and pick yourself up so that God will love and bless
you more,” would not be wrong. But it is very wrong, and faithful preachers must
not merely avoid this error the human heart so readily accepts, they must war
against it.

THE DEADLY BE’S

Messages that strike at the heart of faith rather than support it often have an
identifying theme. They exhort believers to “be” something in order to be blessed.
Whether this equation is stated or implied, inadvertent or intentional, overt or
subtle, the result is the same: an undermining of biblical faith. We can recognize
such messages by the “be” categories into which they frequently fall.

“BE LIKE” MESSAGES

“Be like” messages focus the attention of listeners on a particular biblical

character while the preacher exhorts them to be like that person or some aspect
of his or her personality in what is often called biographical preaching. But such

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 CHRIST-Centered Expository Preaching

APPENDIX III (continued)

preaching typically fails to honor the care that the Bible takes to tarnish almost
every patriarch or saint within its pages, so that we do not expect to find, within
any fallen form, the model for divine approval. Neither do we greatly help others
by encouraging them to be like Jesus if we do not commensurately remind them
that His standards are always beyond them, apart from Him.

Some passages unquestionably encourage us to use persons in the Bible as

examples (e.g., 1 Cor. 11:1; Heb. 11:39). Still, before we preach on such
passages we must be sure to identify grace as the source of the character quality
and echo the biblical caution, “Where then is boasting?” We must also make it
plain that grace cannot be self-stimulated nor self-sustained, since it is of God
and thus, offers no personal merit (cf. Rom. 3:27; 1 Cor. 3:5-23). Simply telling
people to imitate godliness without reminding them of God’s enabling grace
forces them either to despair of spiritual transformation or to deny its need.

“BE GOOD” MESSAGES

These messages focus on behaviors telling people to be good or holy. God

expects holiness. He commands it. So, what could be wrong with exhorting
people to be good? Again the problem lies not in what the preacher says, but in
what the sermon may fail to present. When the message becomes largely
moralistic, listeners will most likely assume that they can secure their relationship
with God through proper behaviors. Even when the behaviors advocated are
biblically correct, a sermon that never moves from expounding standards of
obedience to explaining the source, the motives, and the results of obedience,
places people’s hopes in their own actions.

Ringing through such preaching is the implied promise, “Obey God because He
will love you if you do, and get you if you don’t.” Preaching that suggests we are
saved by grace but held by our obedience not only undermines the work of God
in sanctification but it ultimately casts doubt on the nature of God, making
salvation itself suspect.

“BE DISCIPLINED” MESSAGES

These sermons encourage believers to improve their relationships with God by

more regularly, sincerely, lengthily, or methodically practicing disciplines that
allegedly will lift them up to higher planes of divine approval or if left undone, will
reap divine displeasure. Such preaching intone, “Pray more, read the Bible more,
go to church more, or have longer personal devotions.”

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 CHRIST-Centered Expository Preaching

APPENDIX III (continued)

If devotion to Christian disciplines procures our position or privileges with God,

then grace becomes meaningless. Since no degree of human diligence can
compensate our Lord for all we truly owe Him, bare insistence on the disciplines
only makes those most honest about their merits least sure of their standing.
Brownie points count little in an economy where absolute holiness remains the
only acceptable currency.

THE BOTTOM LINE

“Be” messages are not wrong in themselves; they are wrong messages by
themselves. Instruction in biblical behavior barren of redemptive truth only
wounds, and though it is offered as an antidote to sin such preaching either
promotes pharisaism or prompts despair. Christ-centered preaching does not fail
to present the moral imperatives of Christ, but neither does it deny Him the
position of honor in all that His Word says or in all that His creatures do.

The success of this endeavor can be assessed by a question at the end of each
sermon: “When my listeners walk out the doors of this sanctuary to perform
God’s will, with whom do they walk? If they march to battle the world, the flesh,
and the devil with only me, myself, and I, then each parades to despair.
However, if the sermon has led all persons within the sight of the Savior and they
now walk into their world with His aid firmly in their grasp, then hope and victory
brighten the horizon. Whether people depart alone or in the Savior’s hand will
mark the difference between futility and faith, legalism and true obedience, do-
goodism and real godliness.

EMPLOYING THE MEANS OF GRACE

Commanding people to do what is right without explaining why or how inevitably

hurts them because they are left to consider their works and abilities as the
cause of God’s acceptance and affection. As a result, much well-intended
instruction, dispensed with the motive of helping people, hurts them. If all they
hear are “shoulds”, believers either will face despair or feign self-righteousness.

Healing begins with the message that God graciously accepts our works offered
to Him in gratitude for our salvation, but our acceptance and our sanctification
are never a result of anything but grace. Christians cannot gain or earn any more
of God’s love since grace already granted and secured all the love there is to
have.

We are saved by grace alone.

We are sanctified by grace alone.
We are secured by grace alone.

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 CHRIST-Centered Expository Preaching

APPENDIX III (continued)

THE MEANS OF CHANGE

By exposing a passage’s perspective on human inadequacy, grace-oriented

messages lead listeners to confession of the need of God. They are pointed
away from self-solutions and instead, toward seeking God’s provision. This most
basic of Christian postures is the essential path to divine power. By contrast,
when our messages merely encourage human efforts, we do not merely deny
personal inadequacy, we deprive God of the homage he deserves.

Francis Schaeffer taught that we must approach God with hands empty of our
own works in order to claim his salvation. Similarly, he taught that we must bow
twice for sanctification. We must bow before the truths of God and the moral
obligations in His Word. Homage to the truths of grace must precede service to
moral obligation, or actions will be irrelevant and wrong.

“The hands of believers must remain empty of self both before and after
conversion if we are to experience the fullness of grace.”

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