Preparing and

Preaching
the Bible
A. What Is A Godly Preacher?
Preaching or teaching Gods word is the Pastors primary purpose. The
Preacher must have his/her heart and mind always in fellowship with
God. From the time that the preacher begins to prepare his/her study, to
the final concluding statement in the pulpit; the preacher of Gods word
must be in constant fellowship with God.

In this section of our study, lets look at what are the basic
qualifications and standards of a preacher/teacher of the word of
God.

Appointed and Gifted by God

 There is only one kind of preacher in the service of God and
that is a Godly preacher. This preacher is one who has
been made by God alone by His grace
alone. Of this
gospel I was made a minister according to
the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the
working of his power. To me, though I
am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to
preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ
(Eph 3:7-8).

Dedicated Student of the Word

The preacher/teacher of Gods Word is one who is
completely devoted to the study and reading of Gods Word.
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a
worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling
the word of truth. But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead
people into more and more ungodliness,
(2 Timothy 2:15-16)

Mature Believer
For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach.
He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or
violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good,
self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.
9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so
that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and
also to rebuke those who contradict it. (Titus 1:7-9)

Dependent on the Spirit of God

The Godly Preacher/teacher always knows that it is all
Gods work. It is the Spirit who gives illumination,
inspiration, and revelation to the preacher and that he/she
is just a recipient of His work.But you will receive power
when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my
 witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and
to the end of
the earth." (Acts 1:8).

Taught
First
In the same way that you must be a follower before you can
be a leader; you must be a student first before you can be a
teacher as the Bible tells you. Let the word of Christ dwell
in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all
wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
with thankfulness in your hearts to God (Colossians 3:16).

B. What The Preacher Must Know

I believe there are certain convictions that a preacher/teacher
must know before he becomes a teacher of the Word of God.

The Bible is Never Wrong

The Bible is the inerrant and infallible Word of God in its
original writings. God the Holy Spirit inspired them and
God cannot lie, thus the bible is never wrong.

Jesus is the Centerpiece of the Word

And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he
interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning
himself. - Luke 24:27

The Bible Speaks to the Soul and Spirit

 The Bible speaks of spiritual things and only the spirit of a
man can understand them. Always remember that when
you preach or teach the word of God, you are preaching to
the ears of those who hear and it is the Sprit that speaks to
the soul and the spirit man.

It is a Privilege
As a student in Bible College, I was asked to give
announcements to the student body and introduce the
Sermon by one of the faculty members and I remember
what a privilege and an honor it was to have that
responsibility. Imagine as preachers and teachers of the
Word of God having the privilege to preach and teach the
Inspired Word of God. WOW!!

Approach the Bible in Honor and Respect

When you teach anything in the bible remember it is Gods
Word to his people; always make sure you have approached
the Word (Bible) with fear and trembling in your study time
and in your teaching time.

C. Preacher/teachers Goal
Educate
Education: comes from a series of words that basically
mean to take by the hand to lead. Our goal is to take others
by the hand and educate them with the knowledge of God
and his Salvation. It is to transmit knowledge by way of
informing or information

Information
One of the first known historical meaning of information
was to give form or shape The word form came from
the ancient Greek word morphe. When one is getting
 educated, it is forming and shaping the mind to process
the education they are receiving. (Eph 4.23; Rom 12.2)

Idea
Idea: comes from the word eidos which means set shape was
used Used by Plato to mean an ideal identity.

Communicate
Communication is the exchange of information between
people using a common system. It can be accomplished
through speaking, writing, music, signs, art, and even
behavior.

Message
The message in its most general meaning is an object of
communication. God communicates to humans with
messages. And throughout the Scriptures God gave
messages through, Speaking, Writing, events, music, and
signs.

Through Speaking
Thus says the Lord
Moses take off thy shoes (Ex. 3.5)
This is my beloved Son, listen to Him (Mat.
3.17)Saul Saul, why are you persecuting me" (Acts
9.4)

Through Writing
The Ten Commandments
The Bible
Writing on the Wall
 Through Events
Burning bush, Red Sea, The Cross, Resurrection, Natural
disasters, flowers blooming, child Birth, Death Miracles
etc

Through Music
Psalms

Through Signs
Miracles

Today God mostly uses his written Word to send messages to

mankind. God also uses men and women to interpret and
communicate the written word by using preachers, teachers,
evangelists, and missionaries. For clear communication in
preaching Gods Word it is not simply to reveal it is to illuminate.

Illuminate
Illumination is an enlightening process not a just revelation
process. To enlighten someone is to not only impart
knowledge but also to impute spiritual light. Seeing lives
changed is the goal of preaching and teaching (Psalms
119.18, Luke 24.45, Eph 1.17-18; 1 john 2.20,27). I have
listed six ways illumination works.

1. Clarify (The Mind)//(make clear, spell out,

illumininate, simplify)

2. Convince (The Soul)//(induce, incourage, persade,

influence)

3. Compel (The Will)//(force, require, twist arm)

4. Nourish( The Heart)//(cultivate, reassure, support)

5. Motivate (The Actions)//(inspire, stimulate, induce)

 6. Connect (Life and Soul)//(unite, attach)

D. Preaching Style
Here are just a few styles, there are many more, but here are four
mainly used methods of preaching Gods Word.

Expository
Expository preaching retains the thoughts of the Spirit
and brings the preacher into direct and continual contact
with the mind of the Holy Spirit who authored Scripture.

Topical
Topical Preaching is taking a topic that will be your focus
then find verses to substantiate the topic through out the
Bible.

Textual
Textual style of preaching is sort of in between both
expository and topical. To preach a textual message is to
begin with a text and focusing on a particular subject.
Then, teaching that subject in the context of the of the text.

Narrative
Narrative is self explanatory, basically it is story telling.
This style simply follows the text and expounds on the
story told in the text.

E. Audience
Know Your Audience
 I believe it is very important to know or get to know your
audience. If you have the opportunity speak to some of
the people that will be listening to you. It is good to know
some of their personalities, education, experience, and
background.

Chose Your Style

Once you know your audience, you can choose a style you
want to take in your sermon or bible study. You may want
to go in-depth or more of a narrative style, you may want
to emphasis on a particular subject etc

Chose Your Topic

Knowing your audience can also give you an idea of what you
may want to peach or teach about.

Chose Your Text

Once you have chosen your style and topic, then you can
choose your text. After you have chosen your text you can
choose what type of study.
F. Preachers Preparation (Hermeneutics)
In this section of the study we are going to look at how to prepare a
sermon or a study that is from Scripture known as an Expository
Sermon. This is the kind of sermon that I will have you preach at
our Sunday morning service.

(Hermeneutics)

Science and Methodology of interpreting texts, especially the books

of the Bible, specifically a branch of theology that is concerned
with explaining or interpreting religious concepts, theories and
principles.

G. Preachers tools
Study bibles
Bible introductions
General Bible Summaries
Encyclopedias
 Commentaries
Cross References
Word studies
o Dictionaries
o Greek & Hebrew Studies

H. Internet programs
Bible Programs
o http://www.theopedia.com/
o https://www.google.com/
o https://www.wikipedia.org/
o http://calvarychapelassociation.com/
o https://www.britannica.com/
o http://www.ccel.org/
o https://9marks.org/
o www.waynegrudem.com/

Audio and Video Sermons

o http://www.sermonaudio.com/main.asp
o http://www.gty.org/
o http://www.thewordfortoday.org/
o http://www.desiringgod.org/
o http://www.ligonier.org/

I. The Preparation
In this section we will take a look at how to put a sermon together
from opening your bible to Preaching it in the pulpit.

Observation
Read text
As you begin your prep for a message, you really want to know
the text. Therefore, it is good to read and reread as much as
your can. My suggestion is that you read a text you will be
preaching on at least 30 to 50 times.

Read context
 Always read and know the context of you message. It is very
important to know the flow of thought of the text and know
what the Holy Spirit is saying and meaning in your text.

Brain Storm
Once you are clear on the portion of Scripture you are going to
teach begin to brain storm as you read you write down
thoughts that come into your brain. Even if it doesnt make
sense write it down. God may use that thought.

Organize thoughts
Once the process of brain-storming is complete, you may want
to begin to organize your thoughts. Put the thoughts in
categories or topics.

Make an Outline
If you want, you may want to make a preliminary outline. This
may not be your final outline of your message however, you
may use it to keep thoughts in order for your message.

Interpretation

Become a Detective
This portion of your hermeneutics that you become an
investigator. This is where you begin to look at the details of
the text.
 Find Word meanings
Every Word in the bible (in the original text) was inspired by
the Holy Spirit. It is important to find the significance of those
words that are important to give more power to the message.
Even with all our translations, the Holy Spirit still keeps the
truth of Scripture intact.

Ask questions
This is where you ask all and any question that you can think
of. Ask historical questions, theological questions, time
questions, biographical questions, etc

Context, Context, Context

I remember when I work in Real Estate for a few years, the
main subject was location, location, location. Context, context,
contexts is important in preaching. There have been more
twisting of Scripture, false teaching, bias teaching, and
confused teaching, all because of not paying attention to
context.

Application

How do I apply this message to my hearers.

Ask the question So What

Ask the 5Qs
Who (cares)
What (do I do with this)
Where (do I go from here)
When (should I do something)
Why (does this matter)
How (do I do it)
J. Preachers Presentation (Homiletics)
The art of Preaching
 Find A Main Point (The Central Idea)
Earlier in our class we talked about ideas and
what it was. A solidifying of thoughts or thought
that God shapes in the mind of your hearers.

Find a Purpose Statement

Before you begin, find out what is your purpose for
this message. Your purpose will guide you in the
way you present your message.

Make A Summery
You should be able to say what you want to say in a
sermon in a summary statement within 3-5
Sentences. That summary will contain everything
you are going to preach.

Make An Outline
This is the time when you really want to begin to
focus on an outline.

The Introduction
Get Their Attention
They say (whoever they are) that if you do not have an
audiences attention in the first 2 to 3 min, you will not have
it at all. I believe it in part, however I do know if you do not
catch an audiences attention quickly, it is an upward battle
for the rest of your message.

Create Audience Interest Or Anticipation

This is a must! Below I will be giving you some ideas on how
to create interest or even better anticipation in your intros.
 Make it a Must Listen
If possible, make your introduction a must listen. Make it to
where they want to hang on and cant wait to hear what
you are going to say.

Guide The Journey For Audience To Follow

As you put an introduction together make sure that it will be
a map to what they are about to hear.

Does It Connect?
You want to make sure that your introduction fits the rest of
the message. If not, you may lose them quickly and for good.

Does It Actually Introduce Subject?

Always make your introduction is an introduction! not a
separate message.

Is It Crisp And To The Point?

Make your intros short and sweet. The first 30 sec are vital.

Various intros
o Current statistics
o Historical illustrations
o Humor
o Real life stories
o Biographies
o Questions you will answer
The Body
When you come to the main body of a message, remember, this is
the blood and guts of the message. This portion is where most of
your study is focused on. Most, if not all, of your research is going
to this part of the message. There are usually 5 areas in making a
point that will give the hearer a full understanding of the point.
Most sermons will have 3 main points sometimes more sometimes
less with sub-points and an occasional rabbit trail.
Explanation
First thing you want to do in making a point is explain what
you are talking about. Example; Read a verse or a set of
verses then start with these verses are telling us. and they
mean.. In short Clarify the point.

Substantiation
After you have explained the point, then you want to
substantiate it. To substantiate a point is to establish it with
proof or evidence.

Illustration
An illustration is simply painting a picture in the mind to
make a point, Jesus used illustrations all the time in his
teachings ie; parables, children, animals, nature, etc

Application
The final task is to make the point come alive with action
and relevance.

Transition
The transition is most important. It is the link that keeps the
message smooth and flowing, not choppy.
The Conclusion
To conclude something means to bring-to-an-end. Conclusions are
very very important. You can have an amazing introduction,
astonishing points, and if your conclusion fails, most likely so does
the message all because of a bad conclusion.

Have A Strong Finish

A conclusion must have a strong finish to give the listeners
something to think about. You want to make your conclusion
so strong that they ponder on what you said for a long time.
A good conclusion will do exactly that.

Focus back to the points of your message

A good conclusion will bring back memory of what you just
said. Remember a message is, 1) Tell them what you are
going to say, 2) Say it, 3) Tell them what you just said.

Make a summary of your Purpose

Remember to always have a purpose statement to your
message. A good conclusion will give or remind your listeners
what the purpose of your message is.

Make an Application
Always try to make a final application of the message. It is
important that you remind the listers to apply what they
have just heard.

Decision making
When I was in the Army I had a Drill Sargent who when I
was being trained for battle and I came to a point of decision.
 He would tell me, Whatcha gonna do over and over and
over.

Finish with something for everyone

Most of the time you will have many different people, people
with different backgrounds, education, experiences,
ethnicity. So, try to finish with something for everyone.

D. Principles of Public Speaking

Gestures
Gestures are basically body language. What is your body
language when giving a message? Very important to keep
aware of.

Eye Contact
Eye contact is what will keep your listeners engaged. It will
also tell your listers that you are talking to them. Make the
listeners feel that you are blessed and honored that they are
there listening to you. You can do that simply by eye contact.

Humor
Humor is always an ice breaker, but it also will keep an
audience engaged. Humor must be used and at appropriate
times or it can offend people. Humor can also be taken as an
its not that important to take serious so humor must be
used with much care.

Emotions
Having or even using emotions are very powerful. However, if
you use them make sure they are real. Faking emotions will
 and can not only destroy a message but destroy your
ministry.

Voice Variation
Voice variations have a huge impact on a message. Make
sure you use them correctly and at the right times. It can
really disrupt the flow of a message and even confuse your
listeners if voice variations are used incorrectly.

Speak Clearly
When speaking to an audience, always speak clearly, not to
fast, not to slow, not to loud, and not to soft. Pronounce your
words clearly, also dont try to use big words that no one
understands to try to impress. Finally, dont mumble and try
not to use too much slang, it will sometimes makes a
message seem sloppy.