How to Preach a Topical Sermon

A topical sermon is a sermon based on a single topic rather than on a single passage of Scripture. In other words, both the message as well as the body of the message is taken from a chosen topic. Usually there are two or more passages used depending on the body of the message or the number of points used. But the introduction and conclusion to a Topical Sermon is basically the same as all other types of sermons.

• 1 IDENTIFY YOUR THEME AND TOPIC.

The theme is your general subject matter. For example, discipleship is a general theme. Your topic is the specific subject matter within that general subject matter. So possible topics might include the following (based on the theme of discipleship): what discipleship is, how discipleship is done, why discipleship is so hard, who should do the discipleship or who should be discipled, when is discipleship necessary, where can we do discipleship, etc. Sometimes the theme and topic are given to you before you preach (a blessing). Sometimes you have to come up with your own theme and topic based on the teaching/preaching situation. So you have to ask who is my audience, what is the occasion, what is their background, where will it be held, when, how much time do I have, what is the background of the audience, etc. In other words, your theme and topic must be relevant to your audience. You cannot just choose any theme or topic without considering the context.

• 2 RESEARCH YOUR THEME AND TOPIC.

If you’re familiar with the Bible, you can simply dive in and search the Scriptures to find the answers to your topic. It is more than just using the concordance to find passages that mention the topic. You need to know where in the Scriptures your topic is being discussed or touched upon. You may need to consult a systematic theology reference book to find out. Sometimes a book may focus on your topic, so consult that. Make sure that you study the Scriptures cited, because sometimes they are quoted out of context (or forced to talk about the topic by the author of the book). You may also listen to sermons about the topic, but be careful that you do not simply accept what is being said. Search the Scriptures that are being quoted to see if the meaning or implications are consistent with what is actually written. Be careful of inferences that are based on eisegesis (reading into the text). Try to narrow your research so that you can focus them on your specific topic. Avoid chasing rabbits. Your goal is to understand God’s answers to your question/topic. You must not be easily deceived by human interpretations. Don’t be lazy. Reflect and reason to understand God’s revelation.

• 3 NARROW YOUR FINDINGS.

You must resist the temptation of studying too much. You are not going to write a dissertation on the topic, so always focus your research. What exactly are you trying to find out from God’s word? Don’t just mimic what one author has to say about it. What do other authors say? Always go back to the Scriptures to make up your mind, especially if there are conflicting views. Remember, your goal is to speak the word of God (not the words of men). Read 1 Peter 4:11. Summarize your answers to the topical question. Don’t overdo it. Three or four or even five answers are already enough. More than that may be an overkill. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to fully expound on a point, so five may really be stretching it.

• 4 PREPARE YOUR TOPICAL SERMON.

Your topical sermon must be based on one message. Summarize it in one sentence. Make sure that it summarizes all that you intend to say in the body of the sermon. It should be short (about nine words or less). It should be fresh and memorable. Then add your main points, which are answers to your topical question. Each point must be expounded (i.e. restated, explained, proven and/or applied). When you actually preach it, you must start with a good INTRO (Interesting beginning, Need raised, Theme and topic, Revelation or relevance of the theme and topic, and Overview of your approach). Then expound on each point, citing Scriptural references for each, so that you can prove your point (the main burden of a topical sermon). Then END properly (Emphasize the one message, Nudge for application, and Direct initial response).