Preachers, turn your points into applications

A number of years ago, I was given a piece of advice which has proven very helpful in my own sermon preparation. The advice was this: turn your ‘points’ into applications.

Let me explain what I mean.

Many preachers, myself included, use some sort of structure to shape our sermons – we often refer to these as our ‘points’ or ‘headings.’ While I’m not a great fan of having three points that all begin with ‘P’ every week, I confess my brain is easily drawn towards this sort of outline (pray for my poor congregation!).

Whether or not you do this, it can be a useful exercise during your preparation to think about forming those ‘big headlines’ as applications, rather than indicative ‘points’. I’ve found this process helps me to clarify exactly what it is I’m trying to get across or communicate.

For example, let’s imagine preparing a sermon on Romans 8:1-4. We might, if we’re so inclined, structure our sermon around the following indicative headings/points:

• You are forgiven in Christ
• You are free from the law of sin and death
• You are led, not by the flesh, but by the Spirit

All of those headings are fine and arguably good descriptions of Paul’s argument in this short section. Yet, they are not very engaging, and as a preacher I want my hearers to consider how these wonderful truths shape and inform their lives. I need to consider what it is I’m actually trying to convey, and the outcome I would love to see in the hearts, minds and lives of my hearers.

And so, if I were to change the above headings into imperatives or applications, they could look something like the following:

• Rejoice in the assurance of forgiveness
• Live as someone who has been freed to serve
• Fight the flesh and be led by His Spirit

I’m not saying these are perfect – far from it, but can you see how it begins to shape and inform my own thinking as a communicator? I want the message to hit more than the intellect. I want my hearers to live out these wonderful truths and for them be shaped and transformed by these things in their daily lives.

Arguably these headings could do with being a little pithier too, and therefore more impactful and memorable, but hopefully you can begin to see the benefit of trying to think in this way.

As preachers we are not lecturers. We are not simply conveying interesting or even important information. We are trusting, praying and hoping that God, by his Spirit, would transform the people sat in front of us through the preaching of His word.

I’ve found that this simple little process often takes me a bit of time, but it also brings me fresh clarity as to the aim or goal of my communication.

Why don’t you give it a go and see if it helps you preach in a way that is more direct, applied and engaging.