The general thrust
- Ask yourself, 'what is God's message for my people through this text."
- Teach as one heralding what God has done and is doing, rather than as one simply explaining a text.
- Explain and proclaim the key point and sub-points of the text, taking the hearer through it so they both understand and feel its significance.
- Wherever possible, without distorting meaning, use illustrations and illustrative language.
- Appy in a manner consistent with the original intent of the text, appealing to people's wills to respond with firmer belief and submission of life.
- Say nothing that doesn't contribute to the purpose of the sermon.
- Focus on how the glory of God in Christ as pointed to by the text.
- Word everything in a way that regularly hooks and engages the thoughts and lives of your hearers.
- Explain a key doctrine the text alludes to by way of instruction on issues of salvation.
- Show how a truth may be practiced by way of training in righteousness.
- Diagnose the primary error the text confronts in your hearers, and outline its causes, symptoms and cure from scripture.
- Encourage the congregation where possible.
- Dwell on one key biblical illustration that ensures the main point is grasped.
