The introduction is saved until the end of our sermon preparation so that we know what we will be introducing. The introduction should get our audience’s attention and answer the question, “Why should I even bother listening to this today?”
One approach is to use a moving story right out of the news media. For example, when I recently preached on the subject of worry from the Sermon on the Mount, I introduced the subject by holding up a recent newspaper and pointing out the headlines: Will there be another 9/11? Will gas prices go even higher? How will we prepare for another hurricane Katrina? Will Social Security be there when I retire? All of these are questions people in the mainstream are asking — but what does the Bible say about them? A good model for introductions is to start with the contemporary world, and then move into the biblical world to show how the Bible answers such issues or questions.
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Specify the Response Your Sermon Seeks in the Conclusion
If the word of God is living and active, then our response to it should be living and active. Many preachers fail to call people to respond specifically to the message, and instead settle for a quick review or summary of their main points. Sadly, the conclusion is often the least-planned aspect of the sermon, and yet we as preachers wonder why there is so little response to our messages.
Specific appeals get specific responses, while also allowing for the Holy Spirit to apply our message in a unique way that only He, in His omniscience, can. I was amazed as a pastor how many times I tightened my conclusion from vague abstractions (“Everybody serve God”) to specifics (“We need four people to distribute meals to shut-ins on Thursday night this week”), and saw God’s people rise to the occasion. Don’t be afraid to challenge your listeners — set the bar high and finish your sermon strong!
Seek Sinners Through the Invitation of Your Sermon
Expository preaching is evangelistic preaching because the heart of the Bible is the gospel, God’s saving grace. Give people the opportunity to respond to the life transforming truth that they have just heard you preach. Pray God would add to the kingdom every time you preach! Lives are at stake, souls are in the balance, and you are charged with giving them the words of eternal life. ❖