HOMILETICS 8 (EXAMPLE OF A BIOGRAPHICAL SERMON).

Image Source: s3.amazonaws.com

HOMILETICS 8 (EXAMPLE OF A BIOGRAPHICAL SERMON).

1. THE LIFE OF DAVID.

Let us look briefly into the life of David to give a simple example of a biographical sermon.
David a man after God’s heart (acts 13:22)

INTRODUCTION.

His name means “beloved of God” He is called a man after God’s heart. Why did God call him this? What was it that appealed to God’s heart? There is obviously much we can learn from this man.

A. A MAN AFTER GOD'S HEART.

1. David had a special place in God’s heart.

2. It is wonderful that God finds such delight in human being.

B. WAS NOT A PERFECT MAN.

1. His weakness became known to all. Yet this did not alter God’s feeling about him.

2. We too are far from perfect. Yet God can find delight in us.

C. WAS A VERY "HUMAN" PERSON.

1. Typical mixture of strengths and weaknesses.

2. Longed to please God, yet so often grieved Him.

3. Longed for God’ rule in his life, yet did his own thing.

4. Ascended to great heights, descended to sad depths.

5. David was not a superman. He was truly human as we are.

D. CHOSEN FOR SPECIAL TASK.

God chose him from among his older, outwardly more impressive brothers
to lead His people Israel.

E. HE HAD TO BE TESTED.

1. Every man called of God must be tested and proven.

2. Jesus was tested in the wilderness (Matt. 4:1-11).

3. “Don’t think it strange when you are tested” (1 Pet. 4:12).

4. “After you have suffered a while, God will make you perfect, stable, strengthen, and settle you” (1 Pet.5:10).

F. WHEN HE WAS TESTED WITH BATH-SHEBA (2 SAM.11.

1. He was not spiritually alert. And the devil took advantage of him.
   He was fifty years old then, and had been king for 20 years. This shows that there is no time we can think we have out grown temptation.

2. He should have been at battle front; Satan takes advantage of idle time. Idle moments led to his downfall.

3. Material prosperity bred sensuousness. Paul disciplined his flesh to ensure he was not disapproved (1 Cor 9:27).

4. He failed to overcome temptation while it was still in mind. All temptation begins in thoughts. This is the easiest place to defeat it. Cast down thoughts and imaginations (2 Cor 10:5). Failure to do so may lead to disaster.

Image Source: churchleaders-eszuskq0bptlfh8awbb.stackpathdns.com

G. HIS REPENTANCE (PS 51:1-10).

It was David’s sincerity in repentance which endeared him to God.

1. He acknowledge his transgression and did not try to blame someone else.

2. Repented thoroughly of his iniquity.

3. Sincerely sought for forgiveness.

4. Cried out for cleansing.

5. Sought a clean heart and right spirit.

H. HIS SUFFERING (PS 32:3,4;77:2-6).

1. Heavy conviction day and night.

2. Tears of remorse.

3. Bones waxed old.

I. WHAT GOD SOUGHT TO ACCOMPLISH (PS 51:6,10,17).

1. Truth in the inward parts.

2. Clean heart and right spirit.

3. Broken spirit and contrite heart.

J. THAT HIS SERVANT MIGHT BE.

1. A meek and humble soul.

2. A truly joyful person.

3. Sustained by God’ free Spirit.

4. A man after God’s own heart.

This is a brief and simple example of a biographical sermon. Determine to spend some time studying some of the great characters of the Bible so that you can teach important truths from their lives.