Sermons: Spoken Bible Messages that Explain, Interpret and Apply God's Word

A sermon is the moment in a church service when God's Word is opened, explained and applied to everyday life. This article looks at what sermons are, how they run throughout Scripture, and how to respond personally so that hearing becomes doing.

What Is a Sermon?

A church service typically includes worship (praising God and giving ourselves to Him), prayer (asking God to guide and minister into specific situations), and receiving from God (instruction from the Scriptures with a call to action). The message or sermon seeks to explain, interpret, and apply biblical texts to contemporary life. The most famous example is Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5-7), which contains foundational teachings on Christian ethics and discipleship.

All the teaching and instruction given to explain the Bible should bring about a change in lifestyle – to more closely resemble that which glorifies God, and which He can bless – rather than just to impart knowledge. All spiritual instruction should bring the hearers face-to-face with the Saviour and carry a practical challenge that addresses the ungodliness of sin and encourages righteous living.

Outwork the teachings in your life

What is the point of hearing a sermon if it makes no difference to how I live? James confronts this question directly, advising his readers not only to hear but to respond to Biblical instruction, for it is only by doing and applying the truth that we will be blessed (Jas 1:22-25). He compares the person who hears without doing to someone who looks in a mirror, walks away and immediately forgets what they saw – the truth was received but never put to work. The 'medicine' of God's Word is only of benefit when taken: a sermon that is heard but not acted upon leaves the hearer informed yet unchanged, while truth that is obeyed takes root, reshapes character and overflows into everyday conduct. Each message heard is therefore an invitation – not simply to know more about God, but to walk more closely with Him.

Sermons Throughout Scripture

Sermons throughout Scripture demonstrate various forms and purposes. Moses delivered extensive sermons in Deuteronomy, reviewing God's laws and covenant with Israel. The prophets preached sermons calling people to repentance and faithfulness to God's covenant. Jesus' teaching ministry consisted largely of sermons in synagogues and open-air settings (Mk 1:39). The apostles continued this tradition in the early church, with Peter's Pentecost sermon (Act 2:14-41) being a powerful example of proclamation that led to mass conversions.

Effective sermons throughout history have shared common characteristics: they are biblical (grounded in Scripture), theological (faithful to Christian doctrine), contextual (relevant to the audience), and practical (calling for response and application). Whether expository (working through a passage verse by verse), topical (addressing a specific theme), or textual (focusing on a particular passage to explore a topic), all faithful sermons point listeners to Christ and call them to deeper discipleship.

Whatever the form, the power of preaching lies not in the messenger but in the message itself – God's Word, faithfully delivered, that hearers must take up and live.

Sermons need applying

Personal Engagement with Scripture

Pray the Lord will open your spiritual eyes to see 'glorious truths' in His word which will set you free as you apply its message; however, do not just rely on preachers to feed your spirit – their insights should just supplement your own daily time with God in the Scriptures (Ps 119:18; Jn 6:63, 8:32,36). Do not blindly accept all that is spoken in 'Christ's name'; check it out from the Bible to ensure what has been said is truly from God (Act 17:11). The taking of notes is beneficial to retain thoughts and refresh the memory besides keeping the mind focused on what is being said – it may even prevent sleep overcoming the hearers (Act 20:7-11)!

The lives of Christians are the only 'sermons' some non-believers will come into contact with. What is the message they receive from you? Your life as a believer is a 'living epistle, known and read by all men' (2 Cor 3:2-3). Paul wrote that a time is coming when people will not accept sound doctrine that requires a heart response, but instead turn to myths that only tickle their ears (2 Tim 4:3-4). Those who God has called to share the Word of God are to do so with conviction, faithfully and clearly.

When people “read” my life, do they see a clear reflection of Christ?

Reflection and Application:

Before you hear a sermon, ask God to open your spiritual eyes.
Take notes during the message to stay focused and remember what was said.
Check everything that is spoken against the Bible.
After church, share one takeaway with a friend and plan how to live it out this week.