Writing the main points of a sermon is about organizing the truth of a Bible passage into a logical flow that your audience can follow and remember. Instead of just sharing a list of random facts, your main points should act as the skeletal structure that supports your “Big Idea.” When done well, these points don’t just explain what the Bible says; they show your listeners how that truth fits into their everyday lives.
Let the Text Dictate the Points
The most important rule for writing main points is that they must come directly from the Scripture passage you’re teaching. We aren’t looking for clever ideas and then searching for verses to “prove” them. Instead, we look at the natural breaks and themes within the text itself. If you’re teaching through a story, your points might follow the plot. If you’re teaching a letter from an apostle, your points should follow the logic of his argument.
When you let the Bible set the agenda, your points carry the authority of God’s Word rather than your own opinion. As you study your passage, look for repeated words, transition phrases, or shifts in tone. These are often the “seams” of the text where a new main point begins. By following the author’s original flow, you ensure that you’re teaching the Bible accurately and not just using it as a prop for your own ideas.
2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.
Make Them Simple and Parallel
If you want people to remember your points, you have to make them “sticky.” One of the best ways to do this is to keep them short and use parallel structure. This means if your first point starts with a verb, your second and third points should probably start with a verb too. For example, if you’re preaching on prayer, your points might be: 1. Approach God with Confidence, 2. Ask God with Persistence, and 3. Trust God with the Results.
Parallelism creates a rhythm that helps the brain categorize information. Avoid long, winding sentences for your headings. You want something that can fit easily on a projector screen or in the margin of a notebook. Think of your main points as the “hooks” where people can hang the rest of the information you share during the sermon. If the hook is too complicated, the information will just fall off and be forgotten by lunchtime.
Move from Truth to Application
Main points shouldn’t just be “theological “information; they should be “transformational” instructions. A common mistake is writing points that only describe what happened in the past. For instance, saying “David picked up five stones” is a fact, but “Trust God in the face of giants” is a point. Your points should bridge the gap between the ancient world and the modern world.
Try to write your points in the “you” or “we” form. This helps the listener realize that the Bible isn’t just an old history book—it’s a living document that speaks to them today. Every time you move to a new point, the listener should feel the weight of how that truth affects their marriage, their job, or their secret struggles. You’re not just giving a lecture; you’re guiding them toward a response to Jesus.
James 1:22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.
Connect Every Point to the Big Idea
As you write, keep your “Big Idea” in front of you like a North Star. Every main point you develop must serve that one central theme. If you have a point that is biblically true but doesn’t actually support your Big Idea for that specific day, save it for another sermon. Having a “stray” point is like adding a random ingredient to a recipe; it might be good on its own, but it ruins the overall dish.
Think of your points as the “legs” that hold up the table of your Big Idea. If one leg is too short or pointing in the wrong direction, the whole message becomes unstable. This focus prevents you from chasing “rabbit trails” that distract the audience. When your points are unified, the message feels like a journey with a clear destination, leading everyone closer to a deeper understanding of Christ.
The Takeaway
Writing the main points of a sermon is the art of organizing biblical truth for maximum impact. By letting the text dictate your structure, keeping your language simple and parallel, and focusing on practical application, you help your audience digest the Word of God. When your points are clear and centered on the Big Idea, you provide a roadmap that leads people directly to the heart of the Gospel.
