Pastor Larry Dela Cruz

Writing Relevant Sermons

Pastor Larry Dela Cruz

We are called to preach and teach the word of God in season and out of season. The
preacher must always be ready and equipped all the time when the need arises. Making a good and relevant sermon that motivates and moves the hearers to action is a challenge. James said, Do not be hearers of the Word but doers. The Word of God is active and powerful. We are called to the rightly divide the Word of Truth and present it clearly.

The Bible has many great themes and messages that the believer, the student, and the preacher can develop sermons from and through it for building up and edification. Each verse, texts, paragraphs, chapters and books are to be taken in context. Right exegesis or proper interpretation should always come out from the scripture and not the opposite. We do not put our thoughts into the scripture. To get the context the rule of the thumb is always get the immediate context above and below the text taken. Then go to the broader context which is the chapter and book were the verses were taken. We interpret Scriptures with Scriptures.

In writing a Sermon we can divide it into three parts. These are the Introduction, the Body and the Conclusion. How do we construct a sermon without compromising the main message of the writer? How can we uncover and unveil his intentions? How can we outline the message with clarity, order and ease? We should first get to know the intended purpose and meaning of the writer. Why is he writing the message? What is his purpose? To whom he is writing? Plotting out (see diagram below) the main parts of the message will help us find the context and intention of the author. Take Note: We have to start with finding the key verses first. From the key verses and the big picture we shall develop the main parts of the body of the message. The main points and sub-points of the body or message should be in context and flow from the verses therein and choosing the key words from them is the guide. The author has a specific central message in his writing. Next, as we see the big picture and intention of the writer we can now have a title. Titles should make the believers think and stimulate their attention to hear the message. And from thereon we can build up a good introduction. Finally, we make the conclusion and apply its relevance to our present time and audience and that would build up and encourage the saints.

6 Easy Steps in Developing a Sermon

1. Choose the Context (the chapter or verses of Scripture) from which we shall build upon the Study. Get the Main Message of the Study by knowing the main point(s) of the writer. Pray and get insight. Look at the Big Picture of the message within the context. Pause and meditate. The Big Picture is the Core Message(s) the writer intends to convey to his recipients. 2. After having an insight and knowing the Big Picture get the Key verse(s). 3. Develop a good Title upon seeing the Big Picture that shall flow with the context or message. Titles can be relevant in our times so the hearers can identify themselves with but shall not compromise the main and original thought of the writer. 4. Develop an Introduction that will open the minds of the hearers why they have to give ear to the Message. 5. Develop the Body of the Message by dividing into three main points with sub-points the Big Picture of the Message. The main points and the sub-points should have a link with each other as the message in context progresses and develops. Have key words from the verses to develop the sub-points. The Body should be dependent in the flow of the context within the chapter and verses chosen. We put their thoughts and teachings in the outline. Also, do not forget to put some parallel verses in the message after finishing the outline. This shall give credence, depth and biblical harmony of the message. 6. Give the Conclusion and apply its relevance today. Note: As you practice you can easily fill up the pattern as long you already know the Big Picture of the Message.

PLOT a sermon outline for guidance. Make sure you start and begin with Knowing the Big Picture. Find the Key Verses and Intention of the Writer. Fill up the Outline.

EXPOSITORY SERMON OUTLINE Title: Context: (Starting point, Get the Big Picture, Meditate, Pause) Key Verse(s): Introduction: Body: Main Points with Sub-Points (Key Words from the verse) Conclusion:

Practice makes perfect. We have the whole Bible to build upon our Sermons. There are three Basic Types of Sermons Textual, Topical and Expository. The Textual Sermon is composed of one or two passages. The Topical Sermon is based on themes or subjects of the bible. The Expository Sermon is based on several passages in context. We shall dwell more on Expository Sermons. Why Expository Preaching? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. It is simple and direct. We get the core message of the writer. We let the Scripture speak for itself. We preach the Bible. We get acquainted and used to getting the original and intended meaning.

EXPOSITORY SERMON OUTLINES

1TI 4:13

Until I come, give attention to the PUBLIC READING OF SCRIPTURE, to exhortation and teaching.
2TI 4:2

PREACH THE WORD; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. 2TI 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, 2TI 4:4 and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.

DRILL # 1 1John 1 (GET THE BIG PICTURE)

1JN 1:1

What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life 1JN 1:2 and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us 1JN 1:3 what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. 1JN 1:4 These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete. 1JN 1:5 This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. 1JN 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; 1JN 1:7 but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 1JN 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. 1JN 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1JN 1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.

Title: (Develop a title relevant to the Context) Context : 1Jn 1:1-10 (Starting Point, Get the Big Picture, Meditate, Pause) Key Verse: 1JN 1:2 and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us Introduction: (Develop the Introduction that shall open the study and why study) Apostle John wrote one of the four gospels. The Deity of our Lord Jesus Christ and His mission to bring eternal life were evident in his writings. In his epistle in 1 John we can see the same themes. What does the Apostle John want the early believers in the First Century to really have a good grasped of the truth concerning the Son of God. There were false teachings that arose in their times that attacked the Person of the Son of God and His real Purpose. And in this light what is it to us? How should we respond to these everlasting truths. Body: Main Points (Divide the Big Picture or the Message into three main points and sub-points. The key words and the key verse may help develop the Body) Three main points and sub-points: I. The Life 1. Origin of the Life 2. Coming of the Life (verse 1) (Have Key Words for sub-points) (verses 2-3) (verse 5) (verses 6-7) (verse 7) (verses 8-10)

II. The Light 1. God is Light 2. Saints in the Light III. The Love 1. His Shed Blood 2. His Faithfulness

Conclusion: (Give the application and relevance of the Study) Our Lord Jesus Christ the eternal life was manifested. He came and showed us the Light. We have come to God through His Son and now we have fellowship with Him. And true knowledge of God is seen in our walking with Him in the light. His blood cleanses us from all of our sins. He is faithful all the time we come to Him to receive grace and mercy. As children of Light we are to walk in Him and for Him. Our world today may seem to darken everything but knowing you are in the Light and having that Life makes our joy complete.

Parallel Passages: (These passages can be placed after the message has been done. Quotations or passages from the same author from the same book and or his other books are a good first choice of reference. Let the bible speak for itself. We just convey and preach what it says.)

(Choose parallel passages)

JN 1:1 JN 1:2

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.

JN 1:14

And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
JN 1:9

There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.

JN 8:12

Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.
JN 3:20

For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. JN 3:21 But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.
1PE 1:18

knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, 1PE 1:19 but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.
PS 32:5

I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I did not hide; I said, I will confess my transgressions to the LORD; And You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah. To have a more in-depth study and exposition: Consider: a) Context (Get the Immediate and Broader Context) b) Syntax (Consider the Language and Genre used) c) Etymology (Word meaning) d) Background (History and Condition)

OUR FINISHED SERMON:

Title: Context: 1John 1:1-10

The Life of God

Key Verse: 1JN 1:2 and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us Introduction: Apostle John wrote one of the four gospels. The Deity of our Lord Jesus Christ and His mission to bring eternal life were evident in his writings. In his epistle in 1 John we can see the same themes. What does the Apostle John want the early believers in the First Century to really have a good grasped of the truth concerning the Son of God. There were false teachings that arose in their times that attacked the Person of the Son of God and His real Purpose. And in this light what is it to us? How should we respond to these everlasting truths. Body: I. The Life 1. Origin of the Life 2. Coming of the Life (verse 1) Jn 1:1-2 (verses 2-3) Jn 1:14 (verse 5) Jn 1:9, 8:12 (verses 6-7) Jn 3:20-21 (verse 7) 1Pet 1:18-19 (verses 8-10) Ps 32:5

II. The Light 1. God is Light 2. Saints in the Light III. The Love 1. His Shed Blood 2. His Faithfulness Conclusion:

Our Lord Jesus Christ the eternal life was manifested. He came and showed us the Light. We have come to God through His Son and now we have fellowship with Him. And true knowledge of God is seen in our walking with Him in the light. His blood cleanses us from all of our sins. He is faithful all the time we come to Him to receive grace and mercy. As children of Light we are to walk in Him and for Him. Our world today may seem to darken everything but knowing you are in the Light and having that Life makes our joy complete.

DRILL # 2 John 10:1-21,24-30 (GET THE BIG PICTURE)

JN 10:1

Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbs up some other way, he is a thief and a robber. JN 10:2 But he who enters by the door is a shepherd of the sheep. JN 10:3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. JN 10:4 When he puts forth all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. JN 10:5 A stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers. JN 10:6 This figure of speech Jesus spoke to them, but they did not understand what those things were which He had been saying to them. JN 10:7 So Jesus said to them again, Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. JN 10:8 All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. JN 10:9 I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. JN 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. JN 10:11 I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. JN 10:12 He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. JN 10:13 He flees because he is a hired hand and is not concerned about the sheep. JN 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, JN 10:15 even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. JN 10:16 I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd. JN 10:17 For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again. JN 10:18 No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father. JN 10:19 A division occurred again among the Jews because of these words. JN 10:20 Many of them were saying, He has a demon and is insane. Why do you listen to Him? JN 10:21 Others were saying, These are not the sayings of one demon-possessed. A demon cannot open the eyes of the blind, can he?
JN 10:24

The Jews then gathered around Him, and were saying to Him, How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly. JN 10:25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Fathers name, these testify of Me. JN 10:26 But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep. JN 10:27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; JN 10:28 and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.

JN 10:29

My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Fathers hand. JN 10:30 I and the Father are one.

Title: (Develop a title relevant to the Context) Context: John 10:1-21, 24-30 (Starting Point, Get the Big Picture, Meditate, Pause) Key Verse: JN 10:11 I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. Introduction: (Develop the Introduction that shall open the study and why study) God has promised His people Israel that He shall send them a Shepherd that shall tend and care for them. When Jesus came the Jews who are supposed to be His sheep did not recognize their Him. Who are the sheep? What does it take really to be a sheep? How does our Lord Jesus shepherd His flock? What does the Shepherd give His sheep? Body: Main Points and Sub-points: (Divide the Big Picture or the Message into three main points and sub-points. The key words and the key verse may help develop the Body) I. The Door 1. No other Door 2. Entering the Door II. The Shepherd 1. The Shepherds Care 2. The Shepherds Life III. The Sheep 1. The Sheep Knows 2. The Sheep Follows (verses 1-2,7) (Have Key Words for the subpoints) (verses 3-5,24-26) (verse 9, 11-13, 28-29) (verses 10-13,15, 17-18) (verses 4-5, 14, 19) (verses 4-5, 16, 20-21, 27)

Conclusion: (Give the application and relevance of the Study) The Lord Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd. He came to bring ransom for His sheep. He gave His life so that they may have life and abundance of it. He cares and feeds them into greener pasture. The sheep knows, hears and follows the Great Shepherd and He knows them. They love each other. And He gives them eternal life and shall never perish.

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Parallel Passages:
EPH 3:6

to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel,
ISA 40:11

Like a shepherd he tends his flock; he gathers up the lambs with his arm; he carries them close to his heart; he leads the ewes along.
HEB 13:20

Now may the God of peace who by the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep, our Lord Jesus Christ, Then when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that never fades away.
1PET 5:4

OUR FINISHED SERMON:

Title: Context: John 10:1-21, 24-30

The Good Shepherd

Key Verse: JN 10:11 I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. Introduction: God has promised His people Israel that He shall send them a Shepherd that shall tend and care for them. When Jesus came the Jews who are supposed to be His sheep did not recognize their Him. Who are the sheep? What does it take really to be a sheep? How does our Lord Jesus shepherd His flock? What does the Shepherd give His sheep? Body: I. The Door 1. No other Door 2. Entering the Door (verses 1-2,7) (verses 3-5, 24-26) Eph 3:6 (verse 9, 11-13, 28-29) Isa 40:11 (verses 10-13,15, 17-18) Heb 13:20 (verses 4-5, 14, 19) (verses 4-5, 16, 20-21, 27)

II. The Shepherd 1. The Shepherds Care 2. The Shepherds Life III. The Sheep 1. The Sheep Knows 2. The Sheep Follows

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Conclusion: The Lord Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd. He came to bring ransom for His sheep. He gave His life so that they may have life and abundance of it. He cares and feeds them into greener pasture. The sheep knows, hears and follows the Great Shepherd and He knows them. They love each other. And He gives them eternal life and shall never perish. Then when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that never fades away. (1Pet 5:4)

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