Here’s an eight step process I created for developing and delivering an expository message:
- Decide. First, you prayerfully decide what passage you’ll preach on.
- Dig. Second, you study (dig) like crazy!
- Discover. Third, you discover the big idea (what’s this passage about in one sentence).
- Divide. Fourth, you divide the passage into points (when applicable).
- Develop. Fifth, you develop each point by explaining it, illustrating it, and then applying it.
- Detail. Sixth, you detail the sermon with complimentary quotes, videos, testimonies, etc.
- Drill. Seventh, you practice your sermon over and over and over and over.
- Deliver. Finally, after having studied to “shew thyself approved” (2 Timothy 2:15, KJV) and having practiced over and over, you deliver the message in the power of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:4).
Having a step by step guide keeps me busy working on the sermon vs constantly asking myself “What do I do next?”
When preaching a one point message I use a different approach, which I’ll cover in my next post.