Shape of the Sermon
A Lecture on Sermon Structure
Scripture
Sermon Description
The shape of the sermon should reflect the goal of any sermon. The shape is to show the original context, the meaning of a passage, and apply it to life today. In this sermon titled “Shape of the Sermon,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones discusses outlines, the main points of a sermon, the place and importance of headings, and the balance between the written and extemporaneous sermon. First, he warns against professionalism. Too many sermons have been ruined by one’s vain attempt to manipulate ideas to fit a clever sermon outline. Form is important, but it must never become more important than the sermon itself. Each point must inevitably arise out of the text. Dr. Lloyd-Jones then addresses the tradition of writing out a sermon, addressing its benefits and its dangers. Finally, he deals with the topic of using quotations in sermons. His concern lies in the motivation behind such a practice. Never should the preacher’s concern be an appearance of scholarship or intellectualism. The sermon must always be prepared for a mixed group of people, helping everyone in the congregation. Overly academic notions should, therefore, be avoided. Listen in as Dr. Lloyd-Jones instructs his students on the importance of the sermon’s shape, content, and structure.
Sermon Breakdown
- Pray for God's blessing and guidance before beginning the sermon preparation process. Ask for wisdom, clarity and the ability to communicate truth.
- Determine the main message or theme of the passage. Identify the key verse that captures the primary point.
- Explain the original context and application of the passage. Show how it applied to the initial audience. Then demonstrate how it contains timeless principles that apply today.
- Provide cross-references from other parts of Scripture that reinforce the main message. This shows that the message is consistent throughout the Bible.
- Decide on the structure and form of the sermon. Determine how to best organize the material to communicate with the congregation. Take time to think it through.
- Check commentaries to ensure the interpretation of the passage and main message are accurate. Get input from other sources.
- Divide the content up into main points that flow in a logical progression. The points should arise naturally from the text. Don't force artificial divisions.
- Determine whether to write out the entire sermon or just prepare an outline. Consider your strengths and the needs of the congregation. A combination of both approaches can be effective.
- If writing the sermon, avoid an overly ornate style. Don't let the literary quality overshadow the message. The sermon should not be a work of art but a means of communicating truth.
- Be careful with the use of quotations. Only use them when they are the inevitable or perfect way to express something. Don't rely on them or use them to appear scholarly. They should support the overall message.
- Avoid reasoning that is too complex for a listening audience to follow. While logical flow and argumentation are important, don't make it so intricate that it becomes hard to track.
- Prepare thoroughly but avoid overpreparation. Remember that the sermon is for a diverse congregation, not just scholars. Keep the message practical and applicable.
Sermon Q&A
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones on Sermon Preparation: Questions and Answers
What are the key steps in preparing a sermon according to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones?
According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, the key steps in sermon preparation include: 1. Discovering the main message of the text 2. Stating this message in its original context and application 3. Showing that it contains a general principle that is always valid 4. Reinforcing this principle with parallel passages from Scripture 5. Showing its relevance for today and the immediate congregation 6. Dividing the message into propositions or headings 7. Clothing the "skeleton" with "flesh" - developing each point fully 8. Ensuring the sermon leads to a climax or application
As he states: "You must proceed to state this in the original context... But then go on to show that this is the statement at the same time of a general principle that is always valid... Then I always feel that having done that, it is good to enforce this or reinforce this by showing parallels in other places in the scriptures."
What warning does Lloyd-Jones give about sermon divisions or headings?
Lloyd-Jones warns against several pitfalls regarding sermon divisions: 1. Being slaves to numerical traditions (like always having three points) 2. Forcing divisions that aren't naturally in the text 3. Adding points just for the sake of completeness 4. Being too clever or smart with headings 5. Focusing too much on alliteration
He emphasizes: "The important thing about these heads is that they must be there in your text and they must arise naturally out of it... Never force, never force a division. This inevitability is the great thing." He also cautions: "Don't be too clever at this. Don't be too smart. This has been a real curse, I think, in preaching."
What does Lloyd-Jones teach about writing sermons versus preaching extemporaneously?
Lloyd-Jones presents a balanced view on writing sermons versus preaching extemporaneously:
- He doesn't believe in absolute rules about this matter
- He notes that great preachers in history had different approaches (Spurgeon didn't write sermons; Chalmers wrote them in full)
- He personally combined both methods, writing one sermon per week for his first ten years, typically his evangelistic sermon
- He believes the most important thing is preserving freedom while maintaining order
In his own words: "What I believe is always important, though, is that you preserve freedom. Freedom, this element of freedom is all important, yet at the same time you must have order, coherence and so on. You're always in this position between these two extremes."
What does Lloyd-Jones say about using quotations in sermons?
Lloyd-Jones gives strong warnings about the use of quotations in sermons:
- The purpose of quotations is not to display learning or call attention to oneself
- Preachers should not deliberately search for quotations to include
- Books of quotations should only be used to check accuracy, not as sources
- Only use quotations when they come naturally to mind and express something better than you can
- Too many quotations become wearisome to listeners and can be ridiculous
He states firmly: "People don't want to listen to a string of quotations. What other people have thought, they've come to listen to you. You're the men of God. You've been called to the ministry, you've been ordained, and they want to hear this great truth as it's coming through you, through the whole of your being."
What danger does Lloyd-Jones warn about regarding the literary style of sermons?
Lloyd-Jones warns against an over-ornate or too literary style in sermon preparation, noting:
- Too much attention to literary quality can conceal the truth rather than declare it
- The polishing of phrases and rewriting can become an obstacle to effective preaching
- An overly ornate style can make the sermon inaccessible to ordinary listeners
- The form should always serve the substance, not dominate it
He uses the example of Thomas Goodwin who struggled with this issue: "Thomas Goodwin now knew that he'd got to preach to those servant maids as well as to the others. And he knew that these purple patches would not only mean nothing to these ordinary people, but even might be a hindrance." Lloyd-Jones concludes: "Not with wisdom of words, says the apostle, not with enticing words of men's wisdom. How easily we go from one extreme to the other."
Sermons: Preaching and Preachers
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.