Talk 11: Shape of the Sermon

Preaching and Preachers by Martyn Lloyd-Jones

The shape of the sermon should reflect the goal of any sermon. That is, to show the original context, the meaning of a passage, and apply it to life today. In this lecture, 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.