In his book Preaching: How to Preach Biblically, John MacArthur discusses how he writes the main ideas of his sermons. He says, “I often state my main idea in the form of a question and then show how the passage answers it.”[i] He does this because he has discovered that if he raises a question that is critical to their spiritual lives, they will stick with him to get the full answer.
Presenting the main idea as a question is a compelling preaching strategy that can engage the audience and create a sense of anticipation. It mirrors the natural flow of conversation and inquiry, inviting listeners to think deeply and seek answers alongside the preacher.
Note that questions aren’t always immediately followed by answers. Sometimes, the writer/preacher may address something first, such as why the question is important to consider before answering it. In a sermon or lecture, the author may first address alternative answers and show how they don’t adequately answer the question before introducing his answer to the question.
Why This Approach Works:
- Engagement: A question naturally draws people in because it sparks curiosity.
- Clarity: It frames the sermon around a central idea, making it easier for the audience to follow the message.
- Relevance: When well-crafted, the question often reflects the congregation’s felt needs or struggles, making the sermon more relatable.
- Focus: It keeps the preacher centered on addressing the primary point, avoiding tangents.
Example Framework:
- State the Question: Present the question explicitly, tying it to the text or topic. For example:
- Text: Romans 8:1–4
- Question: “What does it mean to live free from condemnation in Christ Jesus?”
- Set Up the Tension: Briefly explain why the question matters:
- “Many of us struggle with feelings of guilt or doubt. This passage addresses how we can truly live in the freedom Christ provides.”
- Answer the Question: Use the body of the sermon to systematically explore answers:
- Exposition: Explain the biblical text in its context.
- Illustration: Use stories or examples to clarify the point.
- Application: Show how the answer applies to daily life.
- Restate the Question and Answer: Conclude by reinforcing the clarity of the answer and its implications:
- “So, what does it mean to live free from condemnation? It means resting in Christ’s finished work, walking by the Spirit, and living in the assurance of God’s love.”
This method aligns with the principle of preaching problem-solution sermons, which many listeners find compelling and memorable.
[i] John MacArthur and Master’s Seminary Faculty, Preaching: How to Preach Biblically (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2005), 375-376. Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.”
