I enjoy speaking and preaching in our church. Honestly, though, for years it was difficult to get ahead in thought and stay focused with a simple plan for each sermon.

Yeah, I know, I took homiletics too. However, I’m a very simple guy who needs a simple but effective thought process that allows me to pray and study through a subject and stay on point all the way through.

A couple of years ago I “discovered” (only by God’s mercy on a simple-minded leader) a process I have found to be very powerful.

Understanding all great sermons need a great story, intro and powerful closing, the body of the sermon is where these points are indispensable to me.

1. Head

What’s the wrong thinking on this subject? We first need to address the thought process of those that are listening. Acknowledge your understanding of how some listening may have a twisted understanding or misunderstanding of what the truth really is. What they believe in their head, if it isn’t biblical, is wrong. Address what the common wrong ideas are. That sets you up for people to listen to what the Bible has to say about it.

2. Heart

What does the Bible say is the truth on this matter? We must speak to people's hearts. This is where we bring home the truth of Scripture. Begin to shed light on the correct way of thinking—the godly way of thinking.

You see, in the heart is where we develop what we truly believe. In our heads, we hold information and ideas, but as we develop our beliefs, it is in the heart that beliefs become a part of who we are. So we must address the head first, the place where ideas and beliefs are birthed, then reveal the real truth about what we should begin to think and believe about a issue.

3. Hand

What should someone do if they understand the real truth about this? This is the action step. The application. We challenge others in not only the right thinking and right belief but also what they should do in light of the real truth. A good sermon moves people to do something. What should they do now that they know their previous thinking was flawed and the Bible gives a better truth about it?

So, in summary ... 

1. Address and point out a common misunderstanding on your subject. (Head)
2. Show in Scripture what they should really believe. (Heart)
3. Introduce a challenging action step that would demonstrate someone believes what God has said about your subject. (Hand)

Artie Davis is the pastor at Cornerstone Community Church in Orangeburg, S.C. He heads the Comb Network and the Sticks Conference. He speaks and writes about leadership, ministry, church planting and cultural diversity in the church. You can find his blog at ArtieDavis.com or catch him on Twitter @artiedavis.

For the original article, visit artiedavis.com.

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