Keep the Fire Burning

Lesson 7: Preparing to Preach Ep. 08


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In this episode, we continue our series on "Lessons from a Life of Ministry" with Pastor Bruce Aubrey. In the seventh lesson, we have a conversation about what it looks like to prepare a sermon. Join us for the discussion.


Lesson #7 Preparing to Preach

Biblical Backdrop

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and is kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 2 Timothy 4:1-2, ESV

Prepare the Message

Step 1. Select the text.
Step 2. Read it and pray through it.
Step 3. Put together a brainstorming (first thoughts page).

  • -  Two columns – left side just scripture – right side – overview – thoughts – outline.

  • -  Make a second page with just scripture to return to later after you have worked on it and

  • read it like it was the first time again for what God points out most to you now.

    Step 4. Distribute to research team.

    • -  Enlist those who have good understanding of scripture and application

    • -  This may be other staff, people within the church, or ministry friends from other places.

    • Step 5. Put together study pages.

      • -  Put together a single page for each verse in the passage.

      • -  Go through multiple translations

      • o Start with original language
        o More literal translations – ESV, NASB, NKJV
        o More readable translations – CSB, NIV,
        o More modern paraphrases – NLT, GNT, MSG
        o On occasion have read The Voice, and The Passion translation (though I find

        they take a lot of liberty with the text

        • -  Write the verse out in each translation (I typically do 8) – with original at the top

        • -  Leave space at the bottom for notes on language or from commentaries

        • Step 6. Outline first draft and edit.

          • -  Think of clarity and connectivity.

          • -  Accurately and adequately teach then apply the text.

          • Step 7. Complete outline

            Step 8. Write manuscript

            Step 9. ‘Sleep on it’ – revisit and edit – listen to messages by others on the passage Jim Cymbala, James Merritt, Alistair Begg, Adrian Rogers

            Step 10. Reread pray and deliver. Know your sermon in a sentence.

            Prepare the Messenger

            Having prepared the message, make sure you have prepared your heart.

            Prepare for the Moment

            Worship service? Special event? Funeral? Wedding? Context?
            Key Reminder: It will not be our speaking ability that makes the difference, but the power of God.

            My speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not be based on human wisdom but on God’s power. 1 Corinthians 2:4-5, CSB

            Theological Truth

            The call to preach is a call to prepare. Prepare your mind, soul, body and spirit.

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