5-Day Devotional Guide: Embracing the Call to Share God’s Word

 

Based on “Developing Sermon Skills” Teaching

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Day 1: The Call to Share – Don’t Run, Embrace It

Opening Reflection

“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” — 1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)

Have you ever been asked to speak, share, or preach and felt your heart sink? That familiar knot in your stomach, the urge to make excuses, the hope that someone else will step forward? Our teacher reminds us: “If you’re asked to share or speak anywhere, don’t run from it, but embrace it because it’s an opportunity for everybody to grow when you’re invited to share and speak about something.”

Today, we begin a journey to understand that God doesn’t call the qualified—He qualifies the called. Your willingness to step forward, even with trembling knees, opens the door for divine transformation—in you and in those who hear.

Key Scripture

Exodus 4:10-12 — “But Moses said to the Lord, ‘Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.’ Then the Lord said to him, ‘Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.'”

Devotional Thought

Moses had every excuse ready. He knew his limitations. But God didn’t ask for Moses’ eloquence; He asked for Moses’ availability. The same is true for you. When we run from opportunities to share, we run from the very growth God intends for us. Every time you’re invited to speak, you’re being handed an invitation to:

• Grow deeper in God’s Word — Preparation forces us to study, to dig, to discover

• Develop new gifts — Abilities you never knew you had often emerge when you step out in faith

• Impact others — Your obedience becomes a blessing to those who need to hear

• Meet God afresh — There’s no intimacy quite like wrestling with Scripture to share it with others

Questions for Reflection

1. What fears or excuses have held you back from speaking opportunities?

2. Can you recall a time when you stepped forward despite fear and saw God work through you?

3. What would change if you viewed every invitation to speak as God’s personal invitation to grow?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I’ve run from opportunities to share Your Word. Today, I ask for the courage to embrace every invitation as a divine appointment. Teach me, guide me, and use me—despite my limitations. I know that the one who called me will equip me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Today’s Challenge

Write down one speaking invitation you’ve declined or avoided. Pray about it specifically, asking God to either open that door again or show you why He allowed it to pass. Then, commit to saying “yes” next time, trusting that growth happens in the “yes.”

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Day 2: Understanding the Three Sermon Types

Opening Reflection

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” — 2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV)

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” — 2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV)

As we prepare to share God’s Word, we need a framework. Our teacher introduced three basic kinds of sermons: Topical, Exegetical, and Narrative. Each has its place, each serves a purpose, and understanding them helps us know how to prepare when we’re called.

Think of these as different tools in a toolbox. You wouldn’t use a hammer to paint a wall, and you wouldn’t use a narrative sermon when a congregation desperately needs clear doctrine. Learning to distinguish between these types will make you a more effective communicator of God’s truth.

Key Scripture

Nehemiah 8:8 — “They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.”

Understanding the Three Types

1. Topical Sermons

• What it is: Addresses a specific topic or life experience (doctrine, depression, grief, anxiety, stewardship)

• Structure: Introduction → A → B → C → Conclusion (the “triple-decker”)

• Most common: This is the most common sermon type in America today

• Approach: Can be inductive (starting with a question, jumping from A to B to C to reach conclusions) or deductive

• Best for: Addressing specific needs, applying biblical truth to current situations

2. Exegetical Sermons

• What it is: Works verse by verse through a passage

• Key questions asked: Who wrote this? To whom was it written? Why was it written? What was actually written? How would they have understood it? How do we understand it today?

• Approach: Takes time to unpack the meaning in its original context

• Best for: In-depth study of books like Romans or Psalms, when people need to understand the original meaning

Example: Mark’s gospel structure—Mark 1 (Jesus’ arrival), Mark 2-9 (Galilean ministry), Mark 9-10 (journey to Jerusalem), Mark 11-15 (passion week), Mark 16 (resurrection). Half the gospel focuses on the last week—showing what Mark considered most important.

3. Narrative Sermons

• What it is: Follows someone through a story in the Bible

• Approach: Follows a biblical character through their journey, asking what lessons they learned at each stage

• By implication: If you find yourself on a similar journey, what is God doing in your life?

• Best for: Making biblical stories come alive, showing how God works in human lives

Example: Joseph’s journey—down to Egypt as a slave, to prison as a criminal, to the palace as prime minister. Each stage reveals God’s working.

Questions for Reflection

1. Which sermon type comes most naturally to you? Which challenges you?

2. Why do you think topical sermons are most common in America today?

3. How might studying the structure of a biblical book help you preach it more effectively?

Practical Application

Take one of the following this week:

• If you have a study Bible, read the introduction to a book you’ve never studied

• Look at the structure of Matthew (five long sermons with miracles interspersed) and identify the five sermons

• Consider which sermon type you’d use if asked to speak about a difficult topic like grief

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the richness of Your Word and the many ways we can share it. Give me wisdom to know which approach to use for each opportunity. Help me rightly divide Your Word of truth. May I never treat Scripture carelessly, but always with the reverence it deserves. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Day 3: The Power of a Strong Introduction

Opening Reflection

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” — Psalm 19:14 (ESV)

“The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips.” — Proverbs 16:23 (ESV)

“The last thing you want to hear as an audience is ‘I was standing in the shower this morning asking myself, what am I going to preach about today?'” This powerful reminder from our teacher highlights something crucial: you lose people in the first 30 seconds or you keep them for the rest of the sermon.

The introduction is the gateway to everything else. If you don’t capture attention and establish relevance, nothing else matters—people may be physically present, but their minds are elsewhere. Today, we focus on crafting introductions that invite people into the message rather than giving them reasons to check out.

Key Scripture

Ecclesiastes 12:9-11 — “Besides being wise, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge, weighing and studying and arranging many proverbs with great care. The Preacher sought to find words of delight, and uprightly he wrote words of truth. The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings; they are given by one Shepherd.”

What Makes a Good Introduction?

Effective Opening Strategies:

1. A current news item — Connect to something happening now (e.g., “Did you see the footage of those skyscrapers collapsing in Venezuela? Does your world seem secure, or might this happen to you tomorrow?”)

2. A provocative question — Make people lean in (e.g., “Can Jimmy become Jane?” or “Is it morally okay to lie to save a life?”)

3. A relevant problem — Address something people are actually facing

4. Common ground — Start where your audience is, then lead them where they need to go

What to Avoid in Introductions:

• Never apologize — “I had a tough week, I didn’t have time to prepare…” (You’ve lost them immediately)

• Don’t use long, tear-jerking stories — Especially stories that don’t connect to Scripture

• Don’t wander aimlessly — Have a clear direction; don’t meander through multiple questions

• Don’t raise questions you won’t answer — Don’t create rabbit holes you never fill

The Danger of Poor Introductions:

• People mentally check out within 30 seconds

• They may remain physically present but their minds are elsewhere

• No matter how good the rest of your sermon is, they won’t hear it

• You’ve transferred authority from God’s Word to human experience

Understanding Your Audience

Remember: not everyone in the pews wants to be there. Spiritual things are spiritually discerned. People sit in church for many reasons:

• Some out of conviction

• Some out of convenience

• Some out of compulsion

• Some for a $50 Walmart card at the end of service

• Some because mommy told them to

Your introduction must reach the reluctant too.

Questions for Reflection

1. Think about the last sermon you heard. Did the introduction hook you or lose you?

2. What was the most effective introduction you’ve ever heard? Why did it work?

3. What introduction techniques do you tend to use? Which ones might you need to develop?

Practical Application

Write three different introductions for the same topic: One using a current news item, one using a provocative question, and one finding common ground with a specific audience. Notice which feels most effective and why.

Prayer

Lord, give me wisdom for the first words I speak. Help me craft introductions that draw people in, that show them the relevance of Your Word, and that honor You. Save me from lazy preparation and weak openings. Let every introduction prepare hearts to receive what You want to say. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Day 4: Preparing and Delivering with Excellence

Opening Reflection

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” — Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV)

“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” — Colossians 4:6 (ESV)

Today we focus on the practical side of sermon preparation and delivery. The way we prepare and present matters because we are ambassadors for Christ, not just filling time at the front of a room. Excellence in preparation shows respect for God’s Word and for the people who give their time to listen.

Our teacher reminds us: “You want the only thing that people remember to be what you said. You want people to remember the purity of your speech or the nobility of character or the power of God in the preaching.”

Key Scripture

2 Corinthians 5:18-20 — “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation… Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”

Preparation Principles

Writing Your Sermon

• Write it out: Nerves take over; having text helps

• Use a logical flow: A → B → C must hang together logically

• Maintain unity: People should feel the logical progression

• Balance your sections: A 30-minute first point with two 2-minute points feels unbalanced

• Know your conclusion: If you don’t know what response you want, your audience won’t know either

The Danger of Rabbit Trails

• Red herrings confuse people

• If people can’t follow you, they won’t listen

• The brain races ahead of the tongue; writing it out helps keep you on track

Key Delivery Truth:

“When you stand in the pulpit, you’re representing not the church, you’re representing Jesus Christ.”

Appearance and Presentation

For Men:

• Simple, single-tone clothing (black, gray, navy, white, light blue)

• Nothing that distracts (Mickey Mouse ties, political statements)

• People shouldn’t remember what you wore

For Women:

• Dress judiciously and cautiously

• Be careful of skirt length

• Nothing that distracts or causes people to look away

General Grooming:

• Teeth: Clean them—especially important with HD cameras

• Nails: Clean and cared for

• Hair: Clean (wash on Sabbath morning)

• Shoes: Polished

• Breath: Avoid garlic 24 hours before preaching

• Facial hair: Don’t decide to grow a beard that morning; do it on vacation first

Why These Details Matter:

• Bad breath, body odor, greasy hair, dirty collars, dirty fingernails

• These all become stumbling blocks for the congregation

• They give people reasons not to listen to your message

Delivery Tips

Eye Contact:

• Looking at people in the eyes makes a personal connection

• If nervous: Look at the bridge of people’s noses

• Or choose three bricks in the back row and focus there

• Protects you from both interpersonal connection and hostile reactions

The “Camera Game”:

• Don’t pace back and forth (makes online viewers seasick)

• Take occasional steps left and right

• This forces camera operators to go to wide-angle view

Video Yourself:

• Watch with a trusted friend who gives brutal feedback

• Identify your filler words (“um,” “like,” etc.)

• Identify your mannerisms (pushing up glasses, scratching ears)

• Once conscious of them, you can control them

Understanding Your Audience:

• Not everyone in the pews is a believer

• Some are seekers, some are driven by despair, some are just enduring

• Don’t assume people actually want to hear what you have to say

• But don’t let that discourage you—God uses even reluctant listeners

Questions for Reflection

1. What area of preparation do you most need to develop—writing, structure, or delivery?

2. What filler words or mannerisms do you need to be aware of?

3. How does your current appearance and presentation either help or hinder your message?

Practical Application

If possible, video yourself giving a short talk (5 minutes) this week. Watch it with a trusted friend and ask for honest feedback. Note three things to work on, and three things that worked well.

Prayer

Father, I am Your ambassador. Help me to represent You with excellence—in my preparation, my presentation, and my delivery. Cleanse me from distracting habits. Let my words, my appearance, and my manner all point to You. May people leave remembering not what I said, but what You said through me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Day 5: Finding Common Ground and Making the Appeal

Opening Reflection

“To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.” — 1 Corinthians 9:22-23 (ESV)

“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” — 2 Timothy 4:2 (ESV)

Today we focus on the finish—how to reach people where they are and how to call them to respond. Every sermon should aim for transformation, not just information. We preach not that people might have knowledge, but that people might have changed lives.

As our teacher said: “If you don’t know what kind of response you’re looking for, the audience will have no idea what kind of response you’re looking for from them.”

Key Scripture

Acts 17:22-23 — “So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: ‘Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: “To the unknown god.” What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.'”

Finding Common Ground

Paul at Mars Hill is our model. He found the starting point—the altar to “the unknown god”—and worked from there. This is the missional principle: meet people where they are, then lead them where they need to go.

Examples of Common Ground:

With Animists (Spirit Worshippers):

• We both believe spirits exist

• We both believe in good spirits and bad spirits

• We both believe evil spirits try to hurt us

• We both believe sacrifice must be made for deliverance

• From this shared ground, introduce the superior sacrifice of Christ

With the LGBTQ Movement:

• We both recognize life without God has no purpose

• We both see that searching for meaning through identity is part of the human experience

• From this shared ground, introduce the superior purpose found in Christ

Why Common Ground Matters:

• It provides a launching place for the sermon

• It shows respect for the audience

• It demonstrates understanding before expecting understanding

• It removes the defense that “this preacher doesn’t get me”

Anticipating Objections (Triple Think)

“Preachers should think about what they say. They should think about what people think about what they say. Then they should learn to answer those questions in the sermon.”

The Q&A Strategy:

1. Anticipate the objections people will have to your message

2. Near the end of your sermon, ask these questions yourself

3. Then give the biblical answers

Example format:

• “Some people may have questions about what we’re saying today…”

• Question 1 → Answer

• Question 2 → Answer

• Question 3 → Answer

Why This Works:

• Deals with objections before they derail the appeal

• Shows you’ve thought through the issues

• Demonstrates that the Bible addresses hard questions

• Removes barriers to commitment

The Conclusion and Appeal

Key Truths About Conclusions:

• Be definite: Know what you’re asking of people

• Be clear: If you don’t know the response you want, they won’t know either

• Make it count: “Don’t be afraid to ask people to make commitments”

• Watch the timing: Don’t say “and in conclusion” and then preach another 25 minutes

• Don’t spring surprises: The conclusion should feel like the natural destination

What You’re Aiming For:

• A positive choice for Christ

• Following one of His teachings more closely

• Greater obedience

• A change in life (forgiveness, reconciliation, new commitment)

• A mental commitment (even if no one comes forward)

The Conclusion Trap:

• “And in conclusion” triggers mental wrapping up

• If you say it too early, people check out

• If you say it and then add a D section, people feel cheated

• They’ve had A, B, and C—they’re not interested in the roast pig being brought out now

A Word on Illustrations:

• Use similes and metaphors—they’re effective and brief

• Avoid 15-minute tearjerking stories

• The illustration must illustrate Scripture, not replace it

• “If you’ve only got illustration and no biblical point, you’ve got no scripture left in your sermon”

• The authority must remain God’s Word, not human experience

Final Encouragement

“Don’t run away from if you’ve been invited to preach, don’t run away from that opportunity. Embrace it as an opportunity to go deeper into the word of God and for you to personally meet God afresh for yourself and for you to be filled with the joy of discovery. And when you’re filled with the joy of discovery, then you can preach to other people the good news of a coming savior and who Jesus is and what he means.”

The Gospels are the best place to start—the whole Bible points to Jesus.

Questions for Reflection

1. What audiences do you find hardest to connect with? How might common ground help?

2. What objections are you most likely to face in your context? How would you answer them?

3. When was the last time you clearly invited people to respond? Were you afraid to ask for commitment?

Practical Application

Write out the conclusion and appeal for a sermon you might preach. Include at least two objections you anticipate and answer them briefly. Practice delivering it to someone you trust.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, You are the reason we preach and share. Give me words that connect, that challenge, and that change. Help me find common ground with those who are far from You. Give me courage to make clear appeals for commitment. And above all, let Your Word be the authority in every message I share. Use me to bring others into deeper relationship with You. In Your precious name, Amen.

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Final Reflection: Your Sermon Is Your Journey

As our teacher reminded us, the first time he preached was at 13, and he thought, “I really like this.” That love for sharing God’s Word began somewhere small and grew into a lifelong calling.

Whether you’re a seasoned preacher or have never spoken publicly, remember:

• Your journey matters — Every sermon you preach shapes you and shapes others

• You will misspeak — And when you do, God is still faithful

• God qualifies the called — Your willingness matters more than your skill

• The joy of discovery — Preparation is where you’ll meet God afresh

• You are an ambassador — Representing not yourself, but Jesus Christ

Go and share. The harvest is ready, and He invites you to be part of it.

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Five-Day Recap

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“All right. So, I just want to encourage you again, if you’re asked to share or speak anywhere, don’t run from it, but embrace it because it’s an opportunity for everybody to grow.”