INTRODUCTION
Outline.
2. The Art of Presentation
Remarks.
1. This is lesson two, in the sermon-series: "The Art of Preaching." This lesson reviews the need for the church of Christ, to identify sound; capable, and faithful men, to be taught the "art of preaching" of the word of God. This lesson establishes that preaching is an art, that this skill can be taught, learned, developed and perfected. Paul wrote: "But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child...that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works," 2 Timothy 3:14-17.
2. We will discuss the "art of presentation" in the man of God's preaching and teaching, of the word of God. We will review the need and reason for a "sermon outline." It will guide the minister through the lesson presentation. We will also look at three biblical illustrations of the "art of preaching." First, we will outline Nehemiah's reading and delivery of the word of the law. Second, we will note Jesus' presentation of the words of Elias, in the synagogue at Nazareth. Lastly, we will describe the presentation skills of Apollos, when he spoke in the synagogue, in the city of Ephesus. With this introduction, let's consider the second lesson, in this sermon-series: "The Art of Presentation."
BODY OF LESSON
II THE ART OF PRESENTATION
A. The art of presentation. We will now begin our discussion on the delivery of the sermon. The building of a bible-based lesson has been described with great clarity. I want to be plain; that, the lesson must originate from the text.
1. Therefore, the start of the presentation should also begin, with the reading of the text. It should be read with reverence, respect, and solemnity.
2. The power of the word. Paul wrote: "The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and the joints and marrow, and is the discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart," Hebrews 4:12. Observe—
a. The word "quick" in Gr., is zao or zä'-o, which means to live (literally or figuratively):—life (-time), (a-) live (-ly), quick.
b. And the word "powerful" in Gr., is energes or en-er-ga's, which means active, operative:—effectual, powerful.
c. Conclusion: The word of God is life-giving and when preached; opens a great and effectual door of salvation, to both the Jews and the Gentiles, 1 Corinthians 16:9; Philemon 1:5-6; Hebrews 4:12; John 6:63.
NOTE: Illustrate, Peter's declares Jesus has the words of eternal life, John 6:66-68; John 14:6. He said: Lord to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life.
3. David wrote:
a. One, "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple," Psalms 19:7; Psalms 119:160.
b. Two, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path," Psalms 119:105; Proverbs 4:18. Christ is the light of the world, John 8:12.
c. Three, "The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple," Psalms 119:130; Psalms 119:104.
4. Solomon wrote: "For the commandment is a lamp, and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life," Proverbs 6:23.
5. Isaiah wrote: "To the law and the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them," Isaiah 8:20; Matthew 6:23; Matthew 15:14; 2 Corinthians 4:1-7.
6. Conclusion: We shall use this quick survey of the scriptures concerning the word of God, to form the foundation of Paul's Solemn Charge to Timothy, to preach the word, and make full proof of his ministry. Consider--
B. Paul's solemn charge. We will now begin our address to the presentation, by reviewing Paul's solemn charge to Timothy. In his final message, he gives him a solemn charge before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ to: "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine," 2 Timothy 4:2. In this verse, he provides Timothy with the authority, urgency, substance, duration, and vigilance, for his ministry. Observe—
1. Authority. Preach the word, 2 Timothy 4:2a. Timothy was urged to limit his message to the word of God. Recall,
a. That from a child thou hast: "Known the holy scriptures, which were able to make you wise unto salvation through the faith which is in Christ Jesus," 2 Timothy 3:15-17.
b. As an evangelist, "preach the word" and "make full proof of thy ministry," 2 Timothy 4:5.
c. Timothy was commanded by Paul to:
1) First, "Charge some that they teach no other doctrine," 1 Timothy 1:3.
2) Second, "Put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained," 1 Timothy 4:6.
3) Third, "Hold fast the form of sound words," 2 Timothy 1:14.
4) Fourth, "Take heed unto thyself and the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee," 1 Timothy 4:16.
2. Urgency. "Be instant in season, out of season," 2 Timothy 4:2a. He must be ready to preach in any season and, under every condition the word of truth. His message must be timeless. It must be delivered with urgency. In the next two verses, Paul explains why:
a. First, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears," 2 Timothy 4:3; 1 Timothy 4:1-6. These members are no longer interested in truth; but, desire to be tickled and teased regarding their misguided faith.
b. Finally, "They shall turn away their ears from the truth and shall be turned unto fables," 2 Timothy 4:4.
3. Substance. "Reprove, rebuke, and exhort, in his preaching," 2 Timothy 4:2c.
a. First, the word reprove, in the Gr., is elegcho or e-le'n-kho, which means to confute, admonish:—convict, convince, tell a fault, rebuke, reprove. There will be those who must be chastened, Titus 1:9-10; Galatians 2:11.
b. Further, the word rebuke, in the Gr., is epitimao or e-pe-te-mä'-o, which means to tax upon, i.e. censure or admonish; by implication, to forbid :—( straitly) charge, rebuke. He was told to admonish or charge the opposition sharply.
c. Finally, the word exhort, in the Gr., is parakaleo or pä-rä-kä-le'-o, which means to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, or consolation):—beseech, call for, (be of good) comfort, desire, (give) exhort (-ation), intreat, pray. This is the softest word in his charge. Paul uses each of these words, in 1 Thessalonians 5:11-14.
4. Duration. "Preach with all longsuffering and doctrine," 2 Timothy 4:2d. Preach tirelessly with patience and with the teaching, given to you. Paul wrote earlier: "But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them," 2 Timothy 3:14; 2 Timothy 2:2.
5. Vigilance. "But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry," 2 Timothy 4:5.
6. Conclusion: This solemn charge given to Timothy was to preach the word, and remain firm to the doctrine. He was to do this in the sight of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. This is something we might want to remember; God and the Lord are taking care to review our labor of love in this work of faith. Paul wrote: "Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do," Hebrews 4:13. Moving forward, we will review three examples in the "art of preaching." Consider--
C. Nehemiah's style of preaching: "So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading," Nehemiah 8:8. This pattern of preaching has three steps. Observe--
1. Observe his pattern of teaching:
a. Readout of the book, the law of God distinctly (clearly).
b. Gave the sense (explained the text).
c. Caused them to understand the reading (the doctrine).
2. First, "So...read in the book distinctly," Nehemiah 8:8a. They read from the text clearly; with reverence and respect for the word of God. Observe the people--
a. The people gathered: "And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel," Nehemiah 8:1.
b. Ezra brought the law: "And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month," Nehemiah 8:2.
c. Ezra, "Read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law," Nehemiah 8:3.
3. Further, "So... they gave the sense," Nehemiah 8:8b. He explained the reading. Consider Ezra's explanation--
a. Ezra blessed the Lord. "And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God."
b. People answered: "And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground."
c. People stood: "And the people stood in their place," Nehemiah 8:6-7.
4. Finally, "So...they caused them to understand the reading," Nehemiah 8:8c. These were chief leaders of the children of Israel. Today’s ministers, evangelists, preachers and elders of the people; should teach and preach in a manner that causes the people, to understand the text before them. Consider--
a. Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, etc., and the Levites: "Caused the people to understand the law." These leaders caused the people to understand the law of God. They did this through their explanation of the Law of God.
b. Nehemiah the Tirshatha – or governor, Nehemiah 10:1.
c. Tirshatha was of foreign derivation; for the title of a Persian deputy or governor. It was these leaders that read the law and taught the people.
1) First, "Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest, scribe, and the Levites that taught the people."
2) Second, "They said unto all the people, this day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep."
3) Third, "For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law," Nehemiah 8:9.
5. Conclusion: There was a time in our preaching of the word of God; that those who heard it and determined they were not in fellowship with God, would do as these people, "mourn and weep." And as a result of such, they would repent and be reconciled unto God. That is: "Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of their sins; that they might receive the gift of the Holy Ghost," Acts 2:38.
D. Jesus' style of preaching: "And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day." Observe the Lord's pattern of teaching:
1. Jesus stood up: "And He stood up to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias." Bible-based sermons begin with the reading of the scriptures to form the basis of the lesson. I wish I had some help!
2. He opened the book: "And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord."
3. He closed the book: "And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him." Jesus followed the custom; that was to set down and teach.
4. He gave the sense: "And he began to say unto them, this day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." He explained the text.
5. He caused them to understand: "And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son?" Luke 4:16-22. They understood the message. Jesus' explanation of the text; caused the hearers to gain an understanding, of its true meaning. Finally, we will study Apollos' presentation skills, while delivering the word of the Lord.
E. Apollos' style of preaching. We can observe in this man, some stellar presentation techniques; that this rabbi used, in his delivery of the word of the Lord. He was not a Christian at the time of his arrival, to Ephesus. However, Luke gave us a great look at this man's learning, bible education; and, finally his ability in delivering the word of the Lord, with great skill. Observe--
1. Apollos' presentation skills. Luke wrote: "And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man...came to Ephesus," Acts 18:24. Luke reveals the good and bad, of this rabbi's resume. And was very impressive indeed!
a. His origin and education. He was a Jew, born and educated at Alexandria, in Egypt. Born of Jewish parents; for there was an abundance of Jews in that city, since the dispersion of the people, as it was foretold, by Moses.
b. He was a capable teacher when: "He came to Ephesus," Acts 18:24. Let speak first to his delivery skills. Luke speaks first of him as an eloquent man.
c. He had a great command of the Greek and Hebrew languages: he was an eloquent man; a learned man, perhaps -- a good historian, which are excellent quality for public speaking; especially for one that is in the ministry.
1) He could speak well, so this properly signifies; he was a great orator of the word; he was capable of speaking concisely, and fluently: upon any of the Old Testament scriptures.
2) He was an outstanding communicator; in his speaking and teaching, of the things of the Lord.
3) He was skilled in the "art of preaching," before he came to Ephesus. This was the results, of divine providence! The Lord had sent him there for hands-on training. He learned his presentation skills in the school of Alexandria. He was brought to Ephesus, to learn “the way of God more perfectly.”
2. Mighty in the scriptures. Luke continued: "He was mighty in the scriptures." He had a great command of the Hebrew text; regarding his subject. He could expound upon the scriptures. He came to Ephesus and sought out the place of Hebrew worship, at the synagogue.
a. He was able not only to read the scriptures; but, quotes the text off-hand, and direct you where to find them: being mighty in the scriptures.
b. He understood their sense and meaning; how to make use of them, and to apply them. He could reason out of the scriptures, strongly. He had a convincing, commanding, confirming message; of the scriptures, that he knew of the Lord.
c. We should keep in mind; that, all of this was being directed by the will of God.
d. Apollos made a profound impression upon the church; once converted himself, to Christ. You see, one might know the scriptures; be able to present it reasonably; and yet, not ever experiencing, the grace of God themselves. This is Apollos' condition, at his arrival in Ephesus.
3. Instructed in the way. Luke further penned: "This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John," Acts 18:24.
a. He was instructed in the way of the Lord. He was instructed, either by his parents or by teachers, in the School of Alexandria (for Rabbis).
b. This school instructed him regarding, John the Baptist as a prophet; and announcer of the Messiah's coming; and, as being the "way of salvation to God."
c. There was a similar School in Ephesus, the "school of Tyrannus," Acts 19:9.
4. Fervent in the spirit. Luke further informs us: "This man...was fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord," Acts 18:25b; Romans 12:11. He began to speak boldly, in the synagogue, Acts 18:26a.
a. This man had plenty of fire in his lesson. Apollos, spake and taught fervently, regarding the things of the Lord. The pieces he knew; he was powerful in the delivery of them!
NOTE: Illustration: "Put some fire in that lesson." Jim H. Warren.
b. There was a sense of urgency in his preaching. Jeremiah wrote: "Then I said: I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay (contain)," Jeremiah 20:9.
c. He was a lively affectionate preacher; fervent in Spirit. He had in him a great deal of divine fire; as well as divine light that was burning, as well as shining. He was a bold fearless preacher.
d. He was a man that God could use; having been brought to Ephesus, to learn of Christ and to get his lesson together. At this time; he lacked a clear understanding, regarding "the way of the Lord."
5. He spoke and taught diligently. Luke mentioned: "He spoke and taught diligently, the things of the Lord," Acts 18:25b. The things of the Lord which he knew; he took careful notice, to speak the word accurately. This man had studied the scripture sufficient enough, to lay out his position in the text, as he knew it at this time.
a. The word "diligently" in Gr., is akribos or ä-kre-bo's, which means exactly:—circumspectly, diligently, perfect (-ly). He spoke and taught accurately the things he knew of the Lord. He was "spot on" in his message; about John's prophecies of the Messiah to come; and, his baptism, unto repentance.
b. He developed his points; then spoke of them from his heart; endeavoring to convince others of the importance of the prophecies.
c. He spoke, "fervently in the spirit." He used great zeal and effort to instruct others concerning the Messiah and the "baptism of John."
d. He taught diligently, accurately, exactly; the things of the Lord. However, there was a tremendous error with his message. Luke directs us to this deficiency.
6. Knew only the baptism of John. This was a critical deficiency first for his life; and then, in his preaching. Luke concluded: "He knew only the baptism of John." He had only a portion of the truth, concerning the things of the Lord. In other words, he was not instructed fully, "in the things of the Lord."
a. John's ministry brought us unto Christ. His work was preparatory. He instructed the people of the Messiah, which would come. He was that voice: "Of the Lord crying in the wilderness, to make his path straight," Matthew 3:1-3; Isaiah 40:3-5.
b. The mystery of the gospel was not fully uncovered; until the apostles of Christ; had received the "pouring out of the Holy Spirit upon them," Joel 2:28-29.
c. This "pouring out" occurred, on the day of Pentecost, Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-4; Acts 2:14-18.
d. Paul wrote of this mystery: "For this, cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles. If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery...which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit," Ephesians 3:1-6; 1 Timothy 3:16; Titus 1:1-3.
e. Conclusion: With all these great qualities and capabilities; he was not a Christian when he arrived at Ephesus. Like so many today who are preaching the things of the Lord; nearly all of them have not learned, the way of God more perfectly.
Illustrate: Denominational preachers, taught, capable; but, “not instructed in the way of the Lord.” They know: “Only the baptism of John.”
NOTE: For additional information; on Apollos deficiencies, download our lesson: "The Difference That Makes the Difference," on SermonCentral.com.
This concludes the second lesson, in this sermon-series: "The Art of Presentation.” Let me quickly review some key points. Recall we discussed--
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
2. The Art of Presentation
B. Summarize main points.
1. We discussed the "art of presentation" in the man of God's preaching and teaching, of the word of God. We reviewed the need and reason for a "sermon outline." It was used to guide the minister through the lesson presentation. We also looked at three biblical illustrations, in the "art of preaching."
2. First, we outlined Nehemiah's reading and delivery of the word of the law. Second, we noted Jesus' presentation of the words of Elias, in the synagogue at Nazareth. Lastly, we described the presentation skills of Apollos, when he spoke in the synagogue, in the city of Ephesus.
C. Invitation. Present the plan of salvation, H.B.R.C.B.
D. Exhortation.
E. Motivation.
References:
1. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible, by Matthew Henry, Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Grand Rapids, MI, 1706.
2. The People's New Testament, by B. W. Johnson, Christian Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1891.
3. The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament; United Bible Societies, Fourth, Corrected Edition, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL, 1990.
4. Textus Receptus, taken from the Greek Text of Stephens 1550, The Englishman’s Greek New Testament, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, First Zondervan Printing, 1970.
5. Clarke Commentary on the Bible, Eight Volumes, Published 1810-1826, New York, Published by J. Emory and B. Waugh, for the Methodist Episcopal Church, at the conference office, 13 Cosby-Street., J. Collord, Printed, 1831.
6. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, by W. E. Vine, Fleming H. Revell Company, Old Tappan, NJ, Copyright, 1981.
We thank these prolific writers for their wisdom and insight into the Holy Scriptures. We acknowledge here our consultation of their work, in this lesson.
