Preaching Through Daniel (part 3): Choose an Applicational Theme

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I was hoping these posts on preaching apocalyptic books like Daniel would relate to preaching other books. So far, so good.

Post #1 showed how the beginning and ending of Daniel provide clues to its message to the Church. Often, the Author/authors of the books of the Bible signal their intention at the beginning and end of a book (try this with Revelation).

Post #2 showed how the narrative of Daniel (chapters 1-6) leads the way for interpreting the visions (chapters 7-12). Again, the same goes for the early chapters of Revelation that contain the letters to the seven churches.

Now, before you begin preaching a series through any book of the Bible, select an applicational theme for the book. Let that theme provide continuity for the series. Let that theme be the focus for the series.

For my series on Daniel I selected: Remaining Godly in an Ungodly World.

If you decide to use a theme for your series through a book of the Bible, consider the value of an applicational theme. Every Sunday parishioners will hear how Daniel, for instance, functions for the Church. They will hear how Daniel’s theology affects them.

This will be especially important by the time you arrive at the visionary material. The tendency is to get lost in the impossible-to-interpret material. Keeping the applicational theme in focus will keep the sermon aimed at worship, not speculation.

The other alternative–doctrinal themes–have less impact. They provide information only. In many cases the title of your sermon series is the first exposure to your sermon. Better to lead them immediately to an act of worship than to pieces of solitary doctrine.

Before Sunday, even if you aren’t preaching through a book of the Bible, see if your sermon title is aimed at application, not simply information.

And preach a good sermon, will ya, so God’s reputation grows in the Church and in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 3:21).

Randal

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Categories: apocalyptic, application, purpose
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Your thoughts?

2 thoughts on “Preaching Through Daniel (part 3): Choose an Applicational Theme”

  1. Good word Prof! Preachers/Communicators of the word can often get lost in trying to be “relevant” to the culture instead of honoring the timeless relevancy and reliability of Scripture to the Church. Having a central biblical focus in a series certainly guards against our falling into the trap of being “culturally acceptable” at the expense of being theologically accurate, honoring the reputation of God whom we serve. Thank you for this reminder.

    Brian

    Reply

    • It’s good to hear from you, Brian. Thank you for reading the blog. I hope you and your family are doing well. You are missed. I’m glad we could study preaching together. Keep up the good work of faith.

      Reply