Lecture Notes on Sermon Preparation and Preaching Techniques

Introduction

• Opening remarks about the nature of the lecture: Q&A format
• Encouragement that working while attending Seminary is not a sin
  • Personal anecdote about the lecturer's own seminary experience as a single man
  • Emphasis on the responsibilities of providing for one's household
  • Balanced message: no guilt for those who work while studying
• Importance of priorities and purpose in life
  • Reflecting on why one is on this Earth
  • Necessary midcourse corrections should be between the individual and the Lord

Christ-Centered Preaching

• Question about the extent to which Christ should be the focus
  • Not every verse in the Bible mentions Christ directly
  • Example: Luke 24 and the road to Emmaus
  • Christ can be the example, illustration, wisdom, and grace in preaching
  • Historical context and Biblical references
• Psalm 1 as a case study
  • Contrasting the godly and ungodly
  • Christ as the way (John 14:6)
  • Christ as the lawgiver and center of the law
  • Regeneration as a theme (Spurgeon’s commentary)
  • New Testament connections to Psalm 1

Sermon Preparation

Calling and Confirmation

• Importance of understanding one's calling to preach
  • Subjectivity in confirming one's calling
  • Practical steps: Reading foundational texts, preaching experience
  • Personal anecdote about first preaching experience
  • Confirmation through practice

Expositional Preaching vs. Topical Sermons

• Definition and examples of topical expository sermons
  • Preaching on a specific topic using multiple scripture passages
  • Ensuring expository nature by properly explaining passages
  • Examples from notable preachers like MacArthur and Spurgeon
• What is not expository preaching
  • Avoid preaching the culture, politics, morality without scriptural basis

Personal Practices and Advice

Prayer and Spiritual Growth

• Importance of personal prayer and consecration
  • Using Matthew 6 as an outline
  • Praying through Psalms and sermon notes
  • Seeking illumination from God

Impromptu Sermons

• Being prepared for unexpected preaching opportunities
  • Drawing from a deep well of scripture knowledge
  • Personal anecdotes about impromptu preaching experiences
  • Trusting God for grace and quickness of mind

Preaching Through Personal Struggles

• Necessity of preaching texts one struggles with
  • Preaching to oneself first
  • Being humble and dependent on God
  • Personal experiences with difficult texts

Time Management: Preaching vs. Counseling

• Different pastoral gifts and focuses
  • Personal approach to counseling vs. preaching
  • Prioritizing study and preparation in the morning, meetings in the afternoon, family in the evening
  • Discipline as a key factor

Influences and Encouragement

Influences in Preaching

• Notable preachers who influenced the lecturer
  • Adrien Rogers, W.A. Criswell, E.S. Lewis Johnson, John MacArthur, James Montgomery Boice, R.C. Sproul
  • Importance of multiple influences for balance and growth

Handling Discouragement

• Sources of encouragement in ministry
  • Focus on the word of God and concentrated study
  • Reading church history and Christian biography
  • Personal anecdotes about library organization and historical context
  • Listening to hymns and focusing on God's work

Effective Preaching Techniques

Addressing a Dead Church

• Preaching to an unconverted church
  • Use of 1 John to identify necessary marks of the new birth
  • Seven letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3
  • Demands of discipleship from Christ

Differentiating Preachers and Pastors

• Not every Christian is called to preach formally
  • Witnessing and testifying vs. formal preaching
  • Role of elders in laying hands on preachers

Navigating Opposition in Church

• Handling opposition to ministry focus
  • Importance of patience and strategy
  • Building a nucleus of strong, supportive men
  • Systematic preaching and relationship building

Concluding Remarks

The Nature of Expository Preaching

• Definition and characteristics
  • Textual, trinitarian, theological, triumphant, and transformational
• Importance of being gospel-centered
  • Preaching with boldness, passion, and persuasiveness
  • Connecting doctrine to life
• Encouragement to read and hear great preaching
  • Examples from historical preachers
  • Reading doctrinal texts and building a repertoire of techniques

Final Thoughts

• Expository preaching as both an art and a science
• Commitment to continual learning and growth
• Encouragement to preach with urgency and clarity