How to write a 3 point sermon? There are different ways to present God’s word to God’s people. However, the three point sermon has been a favorite for many ministers and lay people over the years. In fact, the three point sermon is a favorite of many congregations because they expand and explain one topic, they are progressive and they are easy to follow.

As someone who writes two to three sermons per week (which I have done over thirty or so years of ministry) and as someone who teaches students how to write sermons, I find the 3 point sermon a good place to start if you are wanting to survive the rigors of ministry.

How To Write A 3 Point Sermon?

Writing a three point sermon is a science and an art. For me the science is the structure behind the three point sermon and the art is the creative application of that structure to a passage of Scripture (expository or textual sermon outlines) or verses of Scripture (topical sermon outlines).

Once I understood the science behind 3 point sermons, I soon developed the ability and creativity needed to write 3 points with ease (see example sermon outlines below).

The 3 point sermon usually follows the structure of sermon introduction, sermon body and sermon conclusion. Let’s look at this in more depth!

1. The Three Parts To the Sermon

I know this is a given but often preachers forget that there are three parts to a sermon regardless of how many points you preach.

The three parts of a sermon are: introduction, body and conclusion. The introduction introduces your main preaching point. The body of the sermon (this is your 3 point sermon) expands and explains your main preaching point. The conclusion sums up your main preaching with a specific application.

2. The Body of the Sermon

The body of your sermon is your sermon outline. Your sermon outline should have three parts also. Your sermon outline should have a main preaching point, sub-points and incidental points. Because we are writing a 3 point sermon, then you should have three sub-points.

For example, you may decide to write a sermon from James 1:12-18. When you do your research of this passage of Scripture, you will find that the subject matter is related to temptation and how we can resist it.

Therefore, I decided to form the main preaching point and sub-points as follows: There are three ways to resist deadly temptation. They involve understanding the source of temptation, the steps in temptation and the solution for temptation.

How to write a 3 point sermon

Here is the basic outline of my 3 point sermon.

Introduction:

Three ways to resist deadly temptation

1. Understand the source of temptation
2. Understand the steps in temptation
3. Understand the solution for temptation

Conclusion:

Using this same outlining method, you can also expand and explain one of your sub-points. In James 1:12-18, the second sub-point needs to be expanded into three incidental points in order to cover what was taught in that passage of Scripture. The sermon outline would like this:

Introduction:

Three ways to resist deadly temptation

1. Understand the source of temptation
2. Understand the steps in temptation

Three steps in temptation.

• Entertaining Sin
• Yielding to Sin
• Reaping the consequences of sin
3. Understand the solution for temptation

Conclusion:

3. The Three Point Sermon Manuscript

Now that I have my 3 point sermon outline, I then begin the process of writing content to the sermon outline with illustrations and application. Once I have finished writing the content, I usually write the introduction first and then the conclusion.

I find if you can master the science and art of writing three point sermons, then you are on your way to preaching great sermons to your congregation.

How to write a 3 point sermon can be found in many books on homiletics. You can find a couple of those books in the resource material below.

4. Three Examples of 3 Point Sermons

3 POINT SERMON OUTLINE FROM EPHESIANS 1:1-7

Introduction:

There are three REASONS why we worship a gracious God. They are…

1. God has BLESSED us (1:3a)

• God has blessed us in Christ Jesus (1:3c)
• God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing (1:3b)

2. God has CHOSEN us (1:4a)

• God chose us before creation (1:4b)
• God chose us for a purpose (1:5)

3. God has ACCEPTED us (1:6a)

• We are accepted in Christ Jesus (1:6b)
• We are forgiven in Christ Jesus (1:7)

Conclusion:

3 POINT SERMON OUTLINE FROM 2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17

Introduction:

There are three REASONS why we need to embrace the power of God’s word. They are…

1. God’s word is inspired (2 Timothy 3:16a)

• It pierces the heart (Acts 2:37)
• It reveals the heart (Hebrews 4:12)

2. God’s word is profitable (2 Timothy 3:16b)

• It establishes a right belief
• It establishes a right behavior

3. God’s word is dependable (2 Timothy 3:17)

• It brings you to maturity (3:17a)
• It equips you for ministry (3:17b)

Conclusion:

3 POINT SERMON OUTLINE FROM VARIOUS SCRIPTURE VERSES

Introduction:

There are three INSIGHTS we must grasp to win the spiritual battles in life. They are…

1. We have three enemies

• The Devil (1 Peter 5:8)
• The World (1 John 2:15-17)
• The Flesh (1 Peter 2:11)

2. We have two battle fronts

• Personal holiness (1 Peter 1:13-16)
• Personal witness (Matthew 28:19-20)

3. We have two weapons

• The Armor of God (Ephesians 6:11, 13)
• The Word of God (Ephesians 6:17)

Conclusion:

5. The Challenge of the 3 Point Sermon

Do you want to master the art of preaching? Well, these twelve books will help you master the art of preaching.

Reference Material For How To Write a 3 Point Sermon

Biblical Preaching by Haddon Robinson (Check it out at Amazon Books)

Christ-Centered Preaching: Redeeming the Expository Sermon by Bryan Chapell (Check it out at Amazon Books)

How To Preach Without Notes by Charles Koller (Check it out at Amazon Books)

How To Prepare Bible Messages by James Braga (Check it out at Amazon Books)