I
want to make sure that I have dealt with all the problems, all the issues, all
the grammar, all the syntax, all the word study or whatever is involved. Then
I take an 8.5 by 14 inch pad of paper and copiously take down all that data.
By then I really have a feel for that unit of Scripture in its context.
From
that, the second step is for me to expose myself to commentaries C taking advantage of past
illumination so that I don't reinvent the wheel. I enjoy commentaries because
they give me a sense of how the text has been interpreted within a range of
theological frameworks. These are helpful, whether they are coming from hardline
Calvinism, all the way over to Arminian, sacramentalist, or other systems. I
enjoy a breadth of exposure to commentaries because I get a feel for how other
theological systems have interpreted the text. . . .
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the time I have framed a main idea C
a main proposition that I will build the sermon around C the text begins to fall into
a sequential pattern. That structural pattern C
a series of points C
is the third step in the process. That's when I refine it down to what I want
to say. The last thing I do is to put in illustrations. I primarily use biblical
illustrations C those
which come directly from other biblical texts. I do this for several reasons:
One, they not only add interest but bring authority. Two, they teach as they
illustrate. Three, they continue to familiarize the congregation with texts
throughout Scripture.
__________________________
John
MacArthur is Pastor-Teacher at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, CA.
Preaching
as God intended it will never lose its power nor its reason for being. Human
concern will shift with every generation, but God's means of addressing human
need will never change. So, to find out how God has moved in history and to
be open to follow that path is to remain relevant. Outside of that path, there
is no relevance, even if there is, for a time, attractiveness.
The
only path of success in God's eye is for us to follow what He has mandated for
us to do. And that mandate, as spoken through His servant Paul, is to preach
the Word, in season and out of season.
__________________________
James
Earl Massey is Dean Emeritus of Anderson School of Theology, and currently lives
in retirement in Greensboro, AL.
All
great leaders are effective communicators. It is the vehicle for the vision.
For me to know where I want to take a group of people and not have the ability
to cast that dream, preach that message, communicate that heart, makes the dream
impossible. The vision won't be accomplished.