(Part 1)

JBTM Paul D. Wegner
101
states as precisely as possible the meaning of the text. If you cannot capture the meaning of
the passage in one summary sentence, then you probably need to narrow it down further.
Use this summary sentence as a basis for the most important contemporary applications
from the timeless principle(s) developed in your sermon. In preparing your sermon, think
of as many practical applications of the central theme as you can, but use only the best
ones for your sermon. G. Campbell Morgan captures the challenge and aim of this part of
the sermon:
An English preacher of the last generation used to say that he cared very little what
he said the first half hour, but he cared a very great deal what he said the last fifteen
minutes. . . . Henry Ward Beecher . . . says that in the elaborated doctrinal part of Jonathan
Edwards’ sermon the great preacher was only getting his guns into position, but that in
his applications he opened fire on the enemy. There are too many of us, I am afraid, who
take so much time getting our guns into position that we have to finish without firing a
shot. 17
Conclusion
God has given us one of the most important jobs in his kingdom—to train his people to
understand and follow his word. Ezekiel warns the “watchman” to be diligent and proclaim
God’s message to his people; if he fails not only will harm come to his people, but he will
be held responsible as well. God uses capable Bible expositors who are willing to be his
“watchmen.” It is a difficult job that requires hard work, but the rewards are amazing.
17
G. Campbell Morgan, Preaching (New York: Fleming H. Revell, 1937), 87.