How Structure Creates Anticipation

I love showing pastors the Bible’s built-in sermon outline.

It’s almost too good to be true.

“You mean, I don’t have to invent an outline from scratch every week?”

Nope. You basically just fill in the blanks.

But eventually, they ask another question.

"If I preach with the same structure every week, won't people get bored? Won't it feel formulaic?"

After all, you don't want Sunday to feel like a rerun.

𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆.

They all have the same four parts:
- The stage is set.
- The conflict is introduced.
- The hero is revealed.
- The new opportunity is experienced.

You know there'll be a dark moment. You already know the hero will face the villain. You know it'll resolve.

But you're not bored. You're locked in.

Why?

The uniqueness of the specific story. The parts are all there, but how they unfold is unique.

That's how our four sermonic movements work.

Your people may sense the rhythm, but in a way that creates anticipation for how the story will develop from the specific, unique text of the sermon.

A predictable frame actually frees you to be unpredictable where it counts.

For example:
- How will you explain the Principle?
- What's the heart-level diagnosis of the Problem?
- What specific picture of grace will you paint in the Gospel?
- What's the primary change that's now possible as a Response?

𝗟𝗲𝘁 𝗺𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆.

(𝟭) Write one sentence for each PPGR movement.

(𝟮) Then ask: "Where's the surprise? Where does this text say something my people won't see coming? How can I create tension and relief in the transitions?"

Put your energy into these questions.

If you need help, Preach360 will guide you through this process until the story is clear.

Rather than being predictable, this kind of preaching actually creates anticipation in both you and the listeners.

Try it and let me know what you think.