2nd Commandment: Proper Planning and Preparation Prevent Poor Performance

2nd Commandment: Proper Planning and Preparation Prevent Poor Performance.

Introduction
Our preaching and teaching will never be perfect. But can we be effective? That’s a noble aim.

“At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed.” (Acts 14:1 NIV11)

Point of conviction
Preparation does not begin the moment you are asked to speak, given a preaching assignment or teaching opportunity. It starts as we carefully, deliberately, consistently study the Scriptures day by day by day. Regular study prepares us to teach a text because we are better able to put it into context with the rest of God’s Word.

How was Peter able to stand up and preach the first ‘Christian’ sermon in Acts 2 blending together his experiences of Jesus, prophecy from Joel and Psalms into a message that resulted in the baptism into Christ of at least 3,000 people? In part it was because of the 3 years of instruction by Jesus, including the 40 days of teaching immediately prior to the arrival of the Spirit (Acts 1:2-4).

Regular habits of study help with the tendency to procrastinate when a speaking project looms, because you will already have an ever-growing body of material to draw from. You are never starting from scratch.

5 Planning and Preparation Tips

Start early. If you are in charge of picking your text, do so well in advance. If you are asked to speak, request as much notice as possible. It helps if your lesson is part of a series since you will know what is coming up in the coming weeks.
Use a study and preparation process that works for you. Templates can help with this.
For example…

Pray through the scripture and topic.
Live it out during the week.
If you get stuck, recruit an advisor.

I would like to know what you think of these ‘commandments’. What is missing? Which ones interest you the most?

Conclusion
Next week: 3rd Commandment: Ohhh, Ahhh, Wow! Get and Hold.

Consider joining AIM UK&Ireland to develop your understanding of Scripture: https://aimukandireland.com/

Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.

Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.

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“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)

God bless, Malcolm