C – collect & categorize
- Eccl. 12:9 (NLT) Because the Teacher was wise … He collected proverbs and classified them.
- Collect Bible verses, quotes, articles, books, sermon tapes, illustrations, etc. – even years in advance!
- Categorize them in a filing system – put something away each day
R – research & reflect
- Eccl. 12: 9 (NASB) The Preacher … pondered and searched out …
- Research is studying with my mind; reflection is listening with my heart (meditation).
A – apply & arrange
- Eccl. 12:11 (NLT) A wise teacher’s words spur students to action and emphasize important truths.
- Each sermon should answer three important questions:
o What?
o So what?
o Now what?
- Arrange your sermon in an outline:
- Keep it SIMPLE.
Haddon Robinson: “Television has destroyed linear thinking” - Get to the point QUICKLY.
- Make sure your points follow a logical PROGRESSION.
- Arrange your points to end with IMPACT.
“Your lesson must have movement to move people” - Arrange your points to use TENSION and RELEASE.
“Use humor, use emotion, use up and down” - Use a variety of teaching METHODS.
“People forget 90% of what they hear within 72 hours”
F – fashion & flavor
- Eccl. 12:10 (NASB) The Preacher sought to find delightful words …
- What is the most practical way to say it?
- What is the most positive way to say it?
- What is the most personal way to say it?
- What is the most interesting way to say it?
Illustrations are windows that let the light in!
- Matthew 13:34 (NLT) Jesus always used stories and illustrations like these when speaking to the crowds. In fact, he never spoke to them without using such parables.
- “If you think the gathering of biblical facts and standing up with a Bible in your hand will automatically equip you to communicate well, you are deeply mistaken. It will not. YOU MUST WORK AT BEING INTERESTING. Boredom is a gross violation, being dull is a grave offense, and irrelevance is a disgrace to the Gospel. Too often these three crimes go unpunished and we preachers are the criminals.”
• Flavor your lesson with illustrations and quotes, humor, and special features.
T – trim & tie together
• More does not mean better! Slower does not mean deeper!
• Confinement produces power!
• Tie the parts of your lesson together to …
o Connect with your students (relationship before response)
o Gain attention (brevity! variety!)
o Achieve excellence
o Answer their question: “Why should I listen?”
• Ways to conclude a lesson:
o Restate your main points forcefully and personally
o Use a compelling illustration
o Use a piercing question
o Introduce the next lesson using suspense
- 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV) Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.