When we break down the 3 Parts of a Sermon With Examples, we see how a strong introduction, body, and conclusion work together to deliver God’s truth effectively.
3 Parts of a Sermon With Examples
Preaching isn’t just about talking; it’s about delivering God’s truth in a way that connects, convicts, and changes lives. A well-structured sermon isn’t complicated, but it does require intentionality. If we ramble, we lose people. If we rush, we miss depth. That’s why understanding the three key parts of a sermon—introduction, body, and conclusion—matters. Each section serves a purpose, building toward a response.
Today, we’ll break down these three parts with examples to help sharpen our preaching. Whether you’re a seasoned preacher or just starting out, structure strengthens impact. Let’s dive in!
1. Introduction to the Sermon
The introduction is where you capture attention, set the stage, and create anticipation for the message. There are several ways to introduce a sermon:
A. Personal Story
A personal story grabs attention and builds connection. People relate to real-life experiences, especially when they see how God worked in them. If you’re preaching on faith, share a time when you had no answers, but God provided. Authenticity matters more than perfection—people remember honesty.
Jesus often used personal experiences to connect with His audience. In John 9, the blind man’s testimony was simple yet powerful: “I was blind, but now I see.” Your story doesn’t have to be dramatic—just real. Share what God has done in your life and let it speak.
B. Scripture Reading
Sometimes, the best introduction is letting Scripture speak first. Reading a key passage sets the tone, grounds the message in God’s Word, and commands attention. For example, if preaching on love, start with 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and let it sink in.
Jesus modeled this in Luke 4:16-21 when He read from Isaiah and simply declared, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled.” A well-read passage invites people to listen expectantly. Read it with passion, pause for effect, and let God’s Word do the heavy lifting.
C. Question
A good question makes people think. It pulls them in and invites self-examination. If you’re preaching on forgiveness, ask, “Who’s the hardest person in your life to forgive?” Suddenly, the sermon isn’t just theory—it’s personal. Questions create engagement before the message even begins.
Jesus used this method often. In Matthew 16:15, He asked, “But who do you say that I am?” That question forced His disciples to wrestle with their beliefs. A well-placed question can stir hearts, break defenses, and prepare minds for truth.
D. Shocking Statement or Statistic
People remember what surprises them. If you start with, “Over 150,000 people step into eternity daily,” it immediately creates urgency. If your sermon is about eternity, that one fact makes it real. Shocking statements wake people up and force them to pay attention.
Jesus often used startling statements to challenge people. In Matthew 5:29, He said, “If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out.” He wasn’t promoting self-harm, but He was making sin’s seriousness undeniable. A bold opening can set the stage for deep truth.
E. Quotation
A strong quote reinforces your message and adds credibility. If preaching on perseverance, quoting Winston Churchill—“Never, never, never give up”—instantly grabs attention. A well-placed quote can inspire, challenge, or clarify the theme before you even begin unpacking Scripture.
Paul himself used external sources when preaching. In Acts 17:28, he quoted Greek poets to connect with his audience. If a secular quote aligns with biblical truth, use it as a bridge to point people toward God’s wisdom. Just make sure it serves the message.
F. Illustration or Object Lesson
A visual or relatable story makes truth tangible. If you’re preaching on sin, take a white cloth and stain it with ink, showing how sin corrupts. People remember what they see, and an object lesson makes a spiritual reality more concrete.
Jesus mastered this method. In Matthew 13, He compared the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed, leaven, and hidden treasure. Simple, everyday images carried deep truth. A well-chosen illustration helps people grasp the message and apply it to their lives.
2. Body of the Sermon
This is the heart of the message where the main point is developed with supporting sub-points and illustrations.
A. Explain the Main Point Clearly
The body of a sermon builds on the introduction and unpacks the central message. Clarity matters. If people don’t understand, they won’t apply it. Use simple, direct language. Preaching isn’t about impressing—it’s about making truth accessible and actionable.
Jesus modeled this in Matthew 13, using parables to explain deep truths in everyday terms. People don’t need a lecture; they need a clear path to understanding. Take the main point of your sermon and break it down into manageable, memorable sections.
B. Support with Scripture
God’s Word—not our opinions—carries authority. Scripture must be the foundation of every sermon. Quoting one verse is good, but weaving Scripture throughout is better. A strong message connects biblical passages to reinforce and deepen understanding.
For example, if preaching on faith, use Hebrews 11:1 to define it, then illustrate it with Abraham’s journey in Genesis 12. Let Scripture explain Scripture. The more the Bible speaks in a sermon, the more powerfully God’s voice is heard.
C. Develop Sub-points for Clarity
Breaking a sermon into sub-points keeps it structured and digestible. Think of them as stepping stones that lead listeners toward a full understanding of the main message. Without clear sub-points, people may get lost or disengaged.
Jesus used this method in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), where He introduced a topic, then expanded it with supporting truths. Whether it’s three points or five, each one should build on the last, leading toward practical application.
D. Illustrate the Truth
Stories and examples make sermons memorable. A well-placed illustration helps people see the truth in action. Jesus constantly used stories—like the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)—to bring concepts to life. People may forget words, but they remember images.
Think about real-life moments. If preaching on trust, tell about a child jumping into a father’s arms. If speaking on endurance, use the image of a marathon runner. Illustrations move sermons from abstract ideas to relatable, life-changing truth.
E. Apply the Message Practically
People don’t need more information—they need transformation. A sermon without application is like a recipe with no instructions. Challenge listeners to take a specific step. If preaching on prayer, suggest they start each day with five focused minutes in conversation with God.
James 1:22 says, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” Application bridges the gap between knowing and living. The goal isn’t just to inspire—it’s to equip believers to walk out their faith in everyday life.
Preaching isn’t just about speaking; it’s about guiding people toward change. The body of the sermon does the heavy lifting, but it must always lead to action. Let’s preach in a way that moves people from hearing to doing!
F. Examples of the Body of the Sermon
Here are two examples of the body of the sermon!
Example 1: The Power of God’s Grace (Ephesians 2:8-9)
- Main Point: Discover the Key Message in the Passage
- Subpoints: Expanding the Main Point
1. The Power of God’s Grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us that salvation is purely by grace, not works. God’s grace is His unearned, undeserved favor, freely given to us.
A. Grace is a Gift (Ephesians 2:8a) – “For by Grace you have been saved through faith”
B. Grace requires Faith (Ephesians 2:8b) – “and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God.”
C. Grace eliminates Boasting (Ephesians 2:9) – “Not a result of works, so that on one may boast.”
Example 2: Overcoming Anxiety Through Prayer (Philippians 4:6-7)
- Main Point: Discover the Key Message in the Passage
- Sub-points: Expanding the Main Point
1. Overcoming Anxiety Through Prayer. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
A. A Command to Trust (Philippians 4:6a) – “Do not be anxious about anything.”
B. A Call to Prayer (Philippians 4:6b) – “But in everything by prayer and supplication.”
C. A Commitment of Peace (Philippians 4:7) – “And the peace of God…will guard your hearts and minds.”
3. Conclusion to the Sermon
The conclusion is where you reinforce the main point and call for response. Here are different ways to conclude a sermon:
A. Restate the Main Point
A strong conclusion reinforces the central message. People forget details, but they remember the main idea. Summarize it clearly, using fresh words. If your sermon was on faith, remind them, “Trusting God isn’t just for the easy days—it’s for every moment.”
Jesus often repeated key truths to drive them home. In John 14:27, He reassured His disciples about peace twice in one sentence. Repetition isn’t boring—it’s effective. Say it again, say it clearly, and let it stick.
B. Challenge to Apply
A sermon without application is like a computer with no keyboard. Give them something to do. If you preached on caring, challenge them: “This week, take time to care for someone. Watch how it changes your perspective.”
James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word… do what it says.” Application turns inspiration into transformation. People need practical steps, not just spiritual ideas. Make it doable, make it clear, and encourage them to take action.
C. Call to Action
Some messages require a direct challenge. If you preached on surrender, ask, “Who’s ready to trust God fully today?” A call to action moves the message from information to decision. It invites people to respond right then and there.
Jesus called for immediate action. In Matthew 4:19, He said, “Follow me,” and the disciples left everything. Sometimes, hesitation kills obedience. Give them the moment to respond, whether it’s a silent commitment or a step forward in faith.
D. Illustration or Story
A well-placed story makes truth unforgettable. If you preached on perseverance, share about a runner who barely finished a race but refused to quit. Stories stick. They make complex ideas relatable and leave a lasting emotional impact.
Jesus constantly used stories to drive home His teaching. In Luke 15, the prodigal son’s return wasn’t just a lesson—it was a powerful picture of grace. Find an illustration that ties everything together and let it bring the message to life.
E. Prayer & Invitation
Closing in prayer centers hearts and seals the message. Don’t just pray generally—pray specifically. If you preached on peace, pray, “Lord, help us surrender our anxieties and trust You with everything.” Prayer personalizes the message and creates space for God to move.
Jesus often prayed before key moments. In John 17, He prayed for His disciples and for those who would believe later. Prayer isn’t an afterthought—it’s the bridge between hearing the Word and living it out. Lead boldly, pray expectantly, and trust God to work.
F. Closing Scripture
Ending with Scripture leaves them with God’s final word. Choose a verse that reinforces the message. If you preached on courage, declare Joshua 1:9, “Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God is with you.” Let the last thing they hear be truth.
Jesus did this on the cross. In Luke 23:46, His final words were Scripture: “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When we close with God’s Word, we remind people that His truth—not ours—is what truly lasts.
Conclusion
Preaching isn’t just about delivering words—it’s about connecting hearts to God’s truth. When we structure our sermons with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion, we create space for the Holy Spirit to work. Clarity opens the door for conviction and transformation.
Let’s be intentional. Start strong with an engaging introduction, build depth in the body with Scripture and illustrations, and end with a conclusion that calls for action. Every part matters because every heart listening matters.
So, this week, as you prepare, ask yourself: Is my introduction grabbing attention? Is my body grounded in truth? Is my conclusion pushing for response? Let’s preach with purpose and passion, trusting God to use His Word to change lives!
Source Material
Biblical Preaching by Haddon Robinson
Christ-Centered Preaching by Bryan Chapell
Communicating For A Change by Andy Stanley
How To Preach Without Notes by Charles Koller
How To Prepare Bible Messages by James Braga
Preach and Deliver by Brandon Hilgemann
Preaching Nuts and Bolts by Brandon Hilgemann
Preaching Sticky Sermons by Brandon Kelley
The Homiletical Plot by Eugene Lowry