Easy to use schematics
A good rule of thumb is to create and develop outline points that the listener could understand if all they had was a Bible and the written outline. As he or she reads the passage and notes the sermon points, it should be obvious how the selected text dramatically relates to your Christian journey. The outline should not simply inform the reader of a “premise” or a “promise”, but help them to do an examination of conscience that can lead to a transformed life.
Donald Hamilton outlined the following guidelines to help the preacher write significant sermon points:
1. Each main point will be based on a part of the text characterized by a keyword (unifying plural).
2. Main points should generally be expressed in the preacher’s own words rather than the words of Scripture.
3. The number of main points will vary from sermon to sermon…the number depends on the number of parallel ideas in the text.
4. Main points should be expressed as complete sentences, not single words or phrases. (Underlining added by the author for emphasis).
5. The main points should be expressed as simple sentences.
6. Main points must be fresh – “tailor-made” – for the specific sermon.
7. Vague words, abstractions and figurative language should be avoided unless deliberately chosen for effect.
8. The main points should be stated as briefly as possible.
9. As far as possible, each main point of a given sermon should be set up parallel to the other main points. (See the example of Philippians 4 above).
Example of Psalm 71:1-6
The psalmist shows that…
1. We can express an unshakeable trust in God (1-2)
2. We can focus on God’s unchanging stability (3)
3. We can trust our petitions to God without hindrance (4-6)
Return to proposal and poll question
Effective and meaningful outline points will support the proposal and answer the probing question. Going back to the example of Mark 1:1-8, notice the following:
Proposition: I want my listeners to understand that the modern Christian must recognize that God wants to use each of us effectively for his purposes as he used John the Baptist.
Probing Question: What specifically does this narrative reveal to the modern Christian about being an effective servant for God’s purposes?
Notice how the following outline supports the proposal and answers the probing question:
1. Effective/Meaningful ministry is connected to the awesome power of God (1-5)
2. Effective/meaningful ministry is complemented by sincere humility (6-8)
This proposal reveals the preacher’s desire that his listeners have an effective ministry. The chart above relates directly to that desire, as it suggests two aspects of effectiveness in ministry. Most obviously, however, the outline answers the probing question very specifically. The outline reveals two aspects of effectiveness in ministry. This standard of support for the proposal and response to the probing question must never be compromised.
Notice the following example from Philippians 4:4-7:
Proposition: I want my listeners to consider the seriousness of our citizenship and therefore learn to live in peace to protect our testimony.
Probing question: “What specifically does this passage reveal about Christians avoiding arguing with each other?”
I. He decides to remain happy in the Lord (v. 4)
II. Show a right attitude for the Lord (vs. 5)
third Discuss your real concerns with the Lord (vss. 6-7)
Again, notice how the outline supports the proposal and answers the probing question. And for emphasis, notice how these points come from the selected text and not from another part of the Bible.
When it comes to outlining, as Hamilton pointed out, never, ever, EVER use the phraseology of the biblical passage as an outline. For example, in the above passage from Philippians the outline is not:
I. Rejoice always (v. 4)
II. Let your quiet spirit be known (v. 5)
third Be anxious for nothing (vss. 6-7)
The reason to avoid this approach is quite simple. By using the phraseology of the passage we are doing nothing more than reading what the text says to our listeners. If they can read, they just won’t need you. But by formulating the points with the direct application approach, then you have the opportunity to show them even deeper implications of the text for their lives.
Looking at Philippians 4:1-7 you will see several references to the idea of being “in the Lord” (vv. 1, 2, 4 and 7). Therefore, the prudent preacher will want to convey this idea as a reminder of a Christian’s position and as a method of avoiding disputes. So the Christian is instructed in point 1 (I) to “decide to remain happy IN the Lord.” This carries far more weight than the mere exhortation to “rejoice always.” The Christian is encouraged to make a daily decision to joyfully represent Christ because of his position with the Lord. Going further, the idea of ”showing the right attitude FOR the Lord” carries a much deeper meaning and implication than simply letting a quiet spirit be known. And finally, the idea of “discussing our real concerns WITH the Lord” is more significant than the idea of being anxious about nothing. When one is bitter with a brother, one should not argue with him, but speak to the Lord in an attitude of petition and thanksgiving for that brother. In doing so, the Lord will remind the Christian that He loves the very person the praying Christian is angry with.
One of the goals of the outline is to convey the deeper implications of the text by showing listeners what they cannot normally see for themselves with a general reading of the text. Too often, preachers simply remind parishioners of what they already know or can see for themselves by reading the selected text. Therefore, the prudent preacher will delve into the text and draw out (exegesis) the implications intended by the Spirit. He will want to touch the listener’s emotions, psyche, and spirit with what he discovered while studying the passage. This is achieved much more effectively with well thought out and well considered life application outline points.
words of power
After I had been teaching for about five years, I found that my students’ sketches were generally well done and effective. But I also found that the contour points rarely pricked my heart or caused any stir in my spirit. This led me to revise my own general points. What I observed led me to the conclusion that the emotional/motivational aspects of the text were not always represented in the outline points. I had been teaching my students an approach that was truthful; but wooden, mechanical and, in some cases, lifeless. This reality led me to the use of what I now call “power words” within the outline points.
Let’s go back to the example of Mark 1:1-8. Let me demonstrate what I mean. Notice the general points I provided above:
1. His (John’s) ministry was connected with the power of God (1-5)
2. His (John’s) ministry was complemented with humility (6-8)
For many preachers this outline would seem sufficient. It is important to note, however, some serious weaknesses in this approach. First, the points in the outline are about the ministry of John the Baptist. While there is nothing inherently wrong with talking about John, the approach assumes that the listener is interested in John. However, a study of human nature reveals that people are more concerned with themselves than with others. This is why most listeners want to know how a sermon relates to them and why they should bother to listen to it. Furthermore, the above outline simply tells you how and why John was effective in ministry. Second, as claimed, it simply does not move the emotions or the heart, nor does it reflect the motivational emphases of the narrative.
Many talented presenters, perhaps even most, rarely consider structuring points in a way that John gets the emphasis to be a weakness. They assume that since John is the star of the passage, this is acceptable. And while I will agree that it is not “sinful” or “wrong” to structure the points in this way, in my opinion there is a much more robust and meaningful way to develop the outline. The goal should be to connect the text with the listener emotionally and spiritually. Therefore, the outline points must be written in the present tense and addressed to the listener. As I will demonstrate, this will not take any of the glory away from John.
When the preacher writes the points towards the listener, they become:
1. Effective ministry is connected with the power of God (1-5)
2. Effective ministry is complemented by humility (6-8)
Once again, for many preachers this approach would suffice. And while I will agree that it is not wrong or sinful, I will still maintain that this approach does not cause the listener to do any soul-searching or reflection. The reason is because the points are expressed as simple informational reality.
But notice what happens when points are made with emphasis honoring the text or powerful words:
1. Effective/Meaningful ministry is connected to the awesome power of God (1-5)
2. Effective/meaningful ministry is complemented by sincere humility
(6-8)
These added words may not make much of a visual difference when one reads them, but they do give the preacher an opportunity to expound on the motivational aspects of the text. John’s ministry was effective and powerful because he was connected with a wonderful God who foretold the coming of his Son. This God also provided the only message that saves lost people from their sins. It is clear that John the Baptist did not have an average or typical relationship with God. He clearly was broken and moved by the wonder of Who he was and who God is. As the preacher preaches this reality, he can emphasize that an awesome God wants to use every Christian the same way he used John. That kind of effectiveness is only realized when God’s people come to understand whom they serve.
Furthermore, when one looks at John’s life, it is easy to see that his humility was not just a human attribute. John humbled himself from the heart. He did not want to put on performances that would bring him any personal recognition. He wanted, from the bottom of his heart, to see all the glory go to Jesus. The preacher can remind his hearers that they do not serve out of mere humility, but out of a heart that has been humbled by Whom they serve and how they compare to Him! This is the difference between preaching the general truth and preaching the truth that transforms lives! People will become emotionally involved as this type of preaching will force them to examine themselves to see if they see God in the greatness of him and if they truly feel humbled at heart.