Are you going to preach for the first time and don’t know where to start? Don’t worry. All great preachers started with fear and trembling.
Preaching is not simply public speaking: it is being a spokesperson for the Word of God. That’s why I’m sharing with you 7 biblical and practical steps to prepare your first sermon with confidence and anointing.
1. Pray before everything (James 1:5)
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Before opening your Bible or thinking about topics, stop and pray sincerely. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. Preaching is not an intellectual exercise; it is a spiritual work.
2. Choose a clear and purposeful Bible passage
Start with just one main text. Don’t try to cover the entire Bible. A good starting passage is Psalm 23, John 3:16, or Matthew 5:13-16. Choose something that touches your heart first, because you can’t preach what you haven’t lived.
3. Research the context of the text (2 Timothy 2:15)
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Read the entire chapter. Who is speaking? Who is being addressed? What is the central message? Researching the context avoids mistakes and shows respect for the Word of God.
4. Define one main message
Your audience should leave with one clear truth in their heart. Don’t ramble. Ask yourself:
“What truth from this passage does the church need to hear today?”
For example, if you preach on John 3:16, the main message could be:
“God loves the world and wants to save it.”
5. Write a simple structure: introduction, body, conclusion
Avoid improvising. Use this basic guide:
- Introduction: present the topic with a question, story, or current situation.
- Body: develop your message in 2 or 3 key points.
- Conclusion: repeat the main idea and call for reflection or decision.
6. Illustrate with real-life examples (Mark 4:2)
And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,
Jesus used parables. You can also use everyday examples, testimonies, or metaphors. Illustrations connect the message to real life and help the sermon be remembered.
7. Preach with humility, not fear (1 Corinthians 2:4)
And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
You don’t need to be a professional speaker. Just be genuine, clear, and full of the Holy Spirit. Preach as someone who has been touched by God and wants to share that truth.
✅ Conclusion: Your first sermon doesn’t have to be perfect, just faithful
God is not looking for experts, He’s looking for available hearts. Trust that He will use your words, even with nerves and weaknesses.
Are you going to preach soon? Save this post and share it with someone else who’s just starting out.
What Bible text do you feel God is leading you to preach? Leave it in the comments.
