In the first part of this study we discussed the three parts of a Christian sermon, the message, the response, and the exhortation. I alluded to the apostolic sermons in the book of Acts as the obvious solution to our problems in preaching. (To review click here.)
To provide a basis for this point I would like to review Peter’s sermon in Acts 2 as the outline for our preaching.
Many of you remember this famous story where the Holy Spirit comes upon the believers at Pentacost and flaming tongues rest on the heads of men as they speak in “other tongues.” This evangelistic gift reaches out to many Jews from “every nation under heaven” as they hear the tongue-speakers speaking in their own native languages. People all around them were amazed and asking, “What does this mean?” But, as always when something extraordinary happens, many began to mock and call them drunkards.
This is the backdrop for the first post-resurrection sermon.
1. The Message
Peter’s words begin with the explanation of this strange event. He explains that this is the fulfillment of the prophet Joel’s words that the day of the Lord has come and uses that explanation to reinforce the impact of the gospel.
This is Peter’s message:
- You crucified and killed Jesus.
- God raised him from the dead.
- Jesus has poured out his Spirit.
- Jesus is now Lord and Christ.
2. The Response
This message, the gospel, was so powerful that Peter did not need an altar call. The men came to the apostles and asked, “What should we do?” Their response was one of acceptance and humility. This response leads to Peter’s exhortation.
3. The Exhortation
“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Peter’s exhortation is what our exhortation should be every time we preach – “Repent from your sins and come to Jesus! He is the Son of God and no other.”
“And with many other words he continued to exhort them, saying, ‘Save yourself from this crooked generation.”
This model of preaching should be applied to our messages. In preparing our messages we should ask these questions:
- Where is the gospel in my message?
- How do I want my people to respond?
- What do I want my people to do?
These are the questions that will transform moralistic lessons into gospel-centered exhortations that your people will remember.
