How to Find a Theme for a Sermon

Prayer and good research are essential in finding a good theme for your sermon.

As a pastor, you want to deliver sermons that are Biblically accurate, that will encourage your congregation members to grow spiritually in their walks with God, and that will challenge them to change areas of their lives that are not in conformity with the Scriptures and with God's will for their lives. Before preparing your sermon, pray and ask God for wisdom in determining the theme upon which your next sermon will be based. Then spend a few days studying and making notes on the theme you've chosen.

Instructions

1. Search for ideas for your sermon in current events. For example, if a nearby city just experienced devastating rainstorms that led to the loss of lives and property, look for a way to prepare a sermon that deals with how God views suffering in the lives of Christians and how Christians should spiritually respond when they encounter various types of suffering in their lives. Locate different Bible passages that could be the key Scriptures of the sermon.

2. Use your personal experiences to find a theme for a sermon. If, for instance, your older daughter is currently recovering from years of drug addiction and homelessness and recently became a Christian in the process, use this situation to preach a sermon about the hope that exists in a relationship with Christ. Reveal how people's lives can be transformed for the better because of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

3. Find themes from the lives of certain Biblical characters. For example, if you admire the life of the apostle Paul because of his courage and commitment to preach the gospel of Christ to others, think about preparing a sermon in which you discuss the importance of servanthood and of obedience to God's commands, no matter how unpopular these traits are within society in general.

References

• Choosing a Sermon by Jack Hyles
• Expository Sermon Preparation