Mini-Course on Academic Sermon Writing

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Mini-Course on Academic Sermon Writing

Understanding Topic, Theme, and Proposition

  • Topic: The broad subject or passage your sermon focuses on.
    Example: “The Forerunner of Christ” (Mark 1:1-8) or “The Word” (John 1:1-5).

  • Theme: The main biblical truth or idea the sermon teaches. It answers, “What is this passage about?”
    Example: “God prepared the way for Jesus Christ by sending John the Baptist to call people to repentance.”

  • Proposition: A clear, single sentence stating what you want your listeners to understand and do after hearing the sermon. It is the core argument or takeaway.
    Example: “God sends faithful messengers to prepare hearts for His redemptive work through Christ.”

Why These Matter

Having a clear topic, theme, and proposition helps you stay focused and ensures your sermon is biblically faithful and practically relevant. It avoids wandering or confusing your listeners.

Structure of a Good Sermon

  1. Introduction:

    • Capture attention
    • Introduce the topic and passage
    • Present the proposition or purpose of the sermon

  2. Body:

    • Organize the main points logically
    • Use clear divisions or subpoints based on the passage
    • Explain the biblical text carefully and accurately
    • Support with explanations, illustrations, and cross-references

  3. Conclusion:

    • Summarize the main points and proposition
    • Reinforce the central truth of the sermon
    • Prepare listeners for application

  4. Application:

    • Show how the truth applies to everyday life
    • Challenge and encourage listeners to respond
    • Make it clear and practical

  5. Outline:

    • Prepare a clear outline of the sermon points for clarity and flow
    • This helps both the preacher and the listeners follow the message

Additional Tips for Academic Sermon Writing

  • Use clear, concise language that communicates your message well.
  • Always base your sermon on Scripture, letting the Bible speak rather than personal opinions.
  • Avoid being too lengthy—keep sermons focused and manageable.
  • Cite Bible verses properly, preferably from the King James Version (KJV) if that is your class standard.
  • Incorporate exegesis: explain the meaning of the text in its original context.
  • Prepare sermon notes or manuscript for thorough study and clarity.
  • Practice delivery to engage your audience, even if only in written form for academic purposes.

Sermon Samples for Class Exercises

Sample Sermon 1: Mark 1:1–8

Topic: The Forerunner of Christ
Theme: God prepared the way for Jesus Christ by sending John the Baptist to call people to repentance.
Proposition: God sends faithful messengers to prepare hearts for His redemptive work through Christ.

Introduction:
Every great king sends a messenger ahead to prepare the way. So did God. Before Jesus Christ began His public ministry, a man named John was sent to prepare the people. His message was not entertainment—it was a call to repentance. And today, as then, God still calls hearts to be made ready for Christ.

Body:

  1. The Gospel Begins with Jesus Christ (v.1)

    • Mark begins with a bold claim: Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.
    • This is the central truth of the Gospel—Jesus is God’s promised Messiah and divine Son.

  2. John’s Coming Was Foretold (vv.2–3)

    • John’s role fulfilled Isaiah and Malachi’s prophecies.
    • God was not acting randomly—He was fulfilling His plan of redemption.

  3. John’s Ministry Called for Repentance (vv.4–5)

    • John preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
    • True preparation for Christ involves a turning away from sin.

  4. John Pointed Beyond Himself (vv.6–8)

    • Though admired, John pointed people to Christ, the One mightier than him.
    • He humbly recognized Christ’s superiority and mission.

Conclusion:
God calls us today to respond like the people in John’s time—with humble hearts ready to receive the Savior. Like John, we must point others to Jesus, not ourselves.

Application:

  • Is your heart prepared for Christ’s work in your life?
  • Are you calling others to repentance and faith?
  • Like John, be a faithful voice pointing to Jesus, not seeking your own fame.

Sample Sermon 2: John 1:1–5

Topic: The Word
Theme: Jesus Christ is the eternal Word, the source of all life and light, who overcomes darkness.
Proposition: Because Jesus is God and the giver of life and light, we must receive Him as Lord and walk in His truth.

Introduction:
In a world full of confusion, falsehood, and spiritual darkness, people search for light. John opens his Gospel not with Christ’s birth but with Christ’s divine identity—eternal, Creator, Light. These verses remind us that Jesus is not merely a prophet or teacher. He is God.

Body:

  1. Jesus Is the Eternal Word (v.1)

    • Jesus existed before creation and was with God—He is God.
    • The term “Word” (Logos) reveals Jesus as the full expression of God.

  2. Jesus Is the Creator (vv.2–3)

    • All things were made through Him—He is the source of creation.
    • Nothing exists apart from His power.

  3. Jesus Is the Life and Light of Men (v.4)

    • Life is not found in religion or success, but in Christ.
    • His light exposes sin and shows the path to God.

  4. Darkness Cannot Overcome the Light (v.5)

    • Though darkness opposes the light, it has not and cannot overcome it.
    • Christ’s victory over sin and death is secure.

Conclusion:
These verses demand a response. Jesus is not optional—He is the foundation of reality and salvation. Will you walk in His light?

Application:

  • Are you walking in the light of Christ, or in darkness?
  • Do you acknowledge Jesus not just as Savior, but as Creator and God?
  • Share this truth boldly with a world that’s stumbling in the dark.

By Kenneth

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