Preaching

PREACHING MATTHEW 13:51-52

Jesus said to them, "Have you understood all these things?" They said to Him, "Yes, Lord." Then He said to them, "Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old." Matthew 13:51-52

What is a sermon? (vs. 52)

· a religious talk

· a long and tedious lecture on behavior

· a declaration of God’s truth for the purpose of life change

On the average Sunday in America 55 million people will hear over one billion words in sermons.

A sermon is God’s chosen vehicle to get His truth out

But has in due time manifested His word through preaching, which was committed to me according to the commandment of God our Savior; Titus 1:3

God uses human instruments to explain His word

Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked. "How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. Acts 8:30-31 (NIV)

The purpose of the sermon is not information but life transformation

The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here. Luke 11:32

What is the goal of a sermon? (VS. 51)

To understand and apply the truth of God’s Word

HUMAN And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep. He was overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. Acts 20:9

1. What kind of learner are you?

2. Get plenty of rest the night before.

3. Sit where you are not distracted.

4. Wear comfortable clothes.

5. Be sure you can hear clearly.

DIVINE And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 1 Cor. 2:4

1. Pray during the week in preparation to hear the sermon.

2. Look for an action point God has for you.

3. Expect God to speak to you personally.

4. Plan to obey what God reveals to you.

5. Pray during the sermon that God will empower the preacher.

6. Meditate the following week on the truth God revealed.

(Wednesday Handout from Faith Baptist in Covington VA)