Lesson 10 | Critical components
The five points
Remember...
a common introduction to exhortation in the Bible
Reminders in teaching preparation
How much better we could serve God if we only could remember the most important things when we needed them? On this step, I submit to you a list of five key components for writing an exegetical teaching that glorifies God and builds up the church.
1. The Word
Stick to the actual words of the text, and to its main point. We could spend all of our teachings angling toward the current issues in our church or culture, but that is not what we are called to do. The driver of our teaching should be the message of the text.
2. The Holy Spirit
If you are not filled by the Spirit, then just forget about it. Without him, you will neither glorify God nor build up his church. And this is not just an in-the-moment thing; it is a call upon our whole lives.
3. Holiness
Personal holiness outside of the pulpit directly impacts power in the pulpit. And of course we must be holy in our teaching.
4. Attention to Audience
Shape your teaching to the actual context. That is, speak to the people who are actually there. And love them!
5. Hard Work
God will not be mocked. A man will reap what he sows. The seed of laziness will not produce a crop of abundance. You need to follow all the rabbit trails in the text as you prepare. Many of them will not become central to your teaching and some will not even get mention (though they will affect your teaching). While others will prove to be diamonds and drastically increase the worth of what you have to say.
Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
2 Timothy 2:7