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The main points of any sermon have the function of establishing the proposition of the sermon. They may help define, explain, impress, or prove the proposition. Since the Keyword pattern is primarily a persuasive one, the main points of a Keyword sermon will ordinarily function as proofs.
Each main point will be one of whatever the keyword is. For example, if the keyword is guidelines, each main point will be one guideline and will be stated as such. If the keyword is "commands," each main point will be one command and will be stated in that form.
This does not mean the keyword itself must be stated as a part of the main point. Suppose that our text gives a series of commands about prayer and that we choose the word commands as our keyword. The main points themselves might be worded:
I. Pray in faith.
II. Pray with humility.
III. Pray about all things.
While the word command is not found in this formal statement of the main points, each point is, nevertheless, one command and is stated as a command. In the same way, if a text asked a series of questions, we might use this word as our keyword and state each main point as a question:
I. Can people be trusted?
II. Can wealth be trusted?
III. Can God be trusted?
The following guidelines will be helpful as the preacher formulate the main points:
Each main point will be based on the parts of the text characterized by the keyword. It must have scriptural support, and this scriptural support should be noted immediately after the statement of the main point.
Main points should ordinarily be stated in the preacher’s own words rather than the words of Scripture. This is not a rigid rule to be followed slavishly, but it has the advantage of allowing the listener to hear the concept twice. The concept will be heard once in the words of Scripture and a second time in the words of the speaker. As a result, the listener’s understanding is enhanced.
The number of main points will vary from sermon to sermon. The number of main points depends upon the number of parallel ideas in the text.
Main points should be stated as complete sentences, not as single words or phrases, even on an outline. This is because the preacher will eventually state them orally as complete sentences. Stating these particular concepts precisely is important. It is easier to do this in the solitude of the study than under the pressure of the pulpit.
Main points should be stated in simple sentences. Conjunctions like and or but should be avoided, for they introduce a different idea. Each main point should contain only one concept.
Main points should be fresh and “tailor-made” for this specific sermon.
Unclear words, abstractions, and figurative language should be avoided unless purposely chosen for effect.
Main points should be stated as briefly as possible.
As much as possible, each main point of a given sermon should be stated in a parallel manner to the other main points. This will help the preacher recall them more easily and the listener recognizes them more readily. The main points should be about the same length, have about the same word order, and be the same grammatically.
Caution: At this point in the preparation process, a basic, skeletal sermon outline has emerged. All previous steps should be double-checked to ensure they have been done properly. This will help assure that the whole
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