Sermon Extra Outlines - Scripture Union

Sermon Extra
Outlines

a BiBle Reading PuBlication

Extra SERMON OUTLINES

Using Discovery with Your Congregation

SU’s Discovery Bible Reading guide follows a carefully prepared reading schedule that will take people in your
congregation through representative portions of every Bible book in four years, reading 10-20 verses per day.
That means that if your congregation uses Discovery over any four year period, they’ll cover the entire Bible in
depth.

Of course, using Discovery for a four year cycle has distinct advantages for your congregation, but the reading
schedule (and sermon outlines) are set up so that both congregations and individual readers can start (or stop)
at any time and use it at any and all times of the year. Readings always take note of major days on the Chris-
tian calendar such as Christmas, Easter and Pentecost.

Studies have shown that reading and studying the Bible in a community setting such as a church or small group
greatly aids and motivates people in establishing a pattern of reading and living by God’s Word. The Discovery
Extra Sermon Outlines which follow are part of an integrated package which also includes the Discovery daily
readings and commentary and the weekend Discovery Extra group discussion questions. This package offers
a church-wide program in which your people can read the same Bible passages, discuss and share about them
in small groups and hear sermons based on these passages, too. It’s a great way to get your entire church en-
gaged together and growing in God’s Word.

Extra SERMON OUTLINES

Using the Discovery Extra Sermon Outlines

The Discovery Extra Sermon Outlines are just that…outlines. They give you a basic structure on which to build
your sermon. They’re developed from carefully chosen passages taken from the prior week’s readings in
Discovery.

The outlines are intentionally brief. Why? Because the most important component is what you add, that is, your
own insights, stories and applications. That’s what will make your sermon come alive for your people. Each of
The Discovery Extra Sermon Outlines uses the following structure:

Title: The sermon title is meant to indicate the theme of the outline and grab your people’s
attention, too. Of course, you should feel free to establish your own title if you wish.

Text: This is a passage or passages from the prior weeks’ reading in Discovery chosen as
the basis for the sermon.

Key Thought: This is a statement for you, the pastor. It summarizes the main idea on which the
outline is built.

Sermon Outline: This is a brief set of key points you can use to create your sermon.
Again, the most important part of the outline is what you will add. Feel free to
customize the outlines by cutting and pasting them into your sermon document.
You can do this by using the “text” tool in Adobe® Acrobat® Reader.

Challenge: This is a statement intended for your congregation. It attempts to summarize a
key application point in a memorable way.

Extra SERMON OUTLINE #1

The Return of Servants?

Text: Mark 10:32–45 and also Philippians 2:1–11

Key Thought: In contrast to the world around us, Jesus calls us to practice a life of
servanthood.

Sermon Outline: 1. James’ and John’s request.
a. A request for honor and “first place” (37).
b. It’s “self-seeking.”

2. Jesus’ reply.
a. He rejects and denounces their request.
b. Such self-seeking attitudes are common among non-believers but
inappropriate for Jesus’ disciples (43).

3. There is a proper way to seek “first place.”
a. Be a servant, a “slave” to all.

4. Servanthood is the example Jesus set for us.
a. He took on the nature of a servant and humbled himself (Phil. 2:7,8).
b. He came to serve and give his life for us (45).

5. How can you practice such servanthood today?
a. Discuss practical ways within the church, family and workplace.
b. Discuss obstacles to practicing Christ-like servanthood.

Challenge: The way to the top is by going to the bottom—just like Jesus!

Extra Sermon Outline #2

Which Way Is Right?

Text: 1 Timothy 2:1-15

Key Thought: God has made a way—one way—to life with him: Jesus.

Sermon Outline: 1. God’s pleasure.
a. That all believers pray for each other and especially those in authority (1).
b. That we live “in all godliness and holiness” (2).
c. That all people be “saved” (3).
i. Is this Universalism? (You may refer to Rob Bell’s book “God Wins”).
d. That all come to a knowledge of the Truth (3).
i. Jesus is the “Truth” (John 14:6; Col. 1:15-20).

2. God’s Truth.
a. There is only one God.
b. There is only one mediator (Jesus) (1 John 2:1).

3. God’s Way.
a. Sending Jesus as a ransom for us (5).

4. The lure of other “ways.”
a. Other “ways” that people seek God?
b. How to defend Jesus as the “way” in a pluralistic world?

Challenge: If you want to get right with God, you have to do it the right way: Jesus.

Extra Sermon Outline #3

“I Just Can’t Help Worrying”

Text: Luke 12:22–34
Key Thought: Worrying about things we can’t control takes our focus off the most vital “thing”:

Jesus.
Sermon Outline: 1. Jesus tells us not to “worry” about having what we need (22,23,29).

a. Worrying does no good anyway (25,26).
2. God provides for all his creatures, especially you and me (28).

a. For example, the birds of the sky (24).
b. Another example: the lilies of the field (27).
3. Jesus admonishes us to “worry” about (focus on) the really vital things.
a. His Kingdom (31).
b. Treasure in heaven (33).
4. Important questions:
a. What does Jesus mean by “worry”?
b. What is the difference between “worry” and prudent planning for the

future (insurance, retirement funds, etc)?
c. How can one resist the temptation to “worry”?
d. How can one keep focused on the really vital things?

Challenge: Don’t waste your time worrying. Focus on Jesus. He’ll take care of you.

Extra Sermon Outline #4

Keeping Focused, Keeping On!

Text: 2 Timothy 2:1–26
Key Thought: Growing in Christ requires hard work and a sharp, clear focus.
Sermon Outline: 1. “Keeping on” for Christ isn’t easy.

a. Requires willingness to endure hardships (3).
b. Requires hard work, discipline and sacrifice (see 3 examples given) (4-6).
2. “Keeping on” means keeping focused.
a. On the simple message of the Gospel (8,11-13).
b. Without being distracted by useless quarrels and “godless chatter”

(14,16,24).
c. Without being distracted by the “evil desires of youth” (22).
3. “Keeping on” means striving to grow in Christ.
a. Growing in the knowledge of Scripture (15).
b. Pursuing “righteousness, faith, love and peace” (15).
c. Being kind to all, even those who “quarrel” or are unkind (24).
4. Everyday “distractions” we face.
5. How to keep focused and growing:
a. Regular Bible reading and prayer.
b. Other means/spiritual disciplines.

Challenge: It takes focus and hard work to grow in Christ. Just “keep on keeping on” and
you will.

Extra Sermon Outline #5

Why Is the Bible So Special?

Text: 2 Timothy 3:10–17
Key Thought: There are some very good reasons to regard the Bible as vital to the Christian

life.
Sermon Outline: 1. The Bible comes with attestation (14).

a. The Bible is attested by eyewitnesses (1 John 1:1; Luke 1:2).
b. The accounts were often carefully investigated (Luke 1:2).
2. The Bible “makes us wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus”
(15).
a. It is the “Word of God,” the means by which God has spoken to us (Heb.
1:1).
b. The Bible was written so that we might believe in Christ and have eternal
life

(1 John 5:13).
. 3. The Bible is inspired by God (16).

a. It is literally “God-breathed” (16), inspired by God’s Holy Spirit.
b. Discuss biblical “inspiration” here.
4. The Bible is used by God to help us grow in Christ (16).
a. It’s useful for teaching us, correcting us and rebuking us (16).
b. It’s useful for training us in righteousness and equipping us for serving

Christ (16,17).
5. How is or should/could the Bible be “special” in your life?

Challenge: Take advantage of God's special offer—his Word, the Bible.

Extra Sermon Outline #6

Living the “Good Life”

Text: Titus 3:1-15

Key Thought: God’s idea of the “good life” is radically different from that of most people.

Sermon Outline: 1. The “good life” according to many people.

a. Health and wealth.
b. Popularity/fame.
c. Getting what I want when I want it.
d. Other.
2. The “good life” from God’s perspective.

a. Being a good citizen (1).
b. Eager to do good (1).
c. Being peaceable and considerate to all (2).
d. Showing humility to all (2).
e. Showing the “fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22,23).
3. The way we were.

a. “Foolish, disobedient, deceived” (3).
b. Enslaved by passions and pleasures (3).
c. Living in malice and envy, hating and being hatred (3).
d. Give contemporary examples of these lives.
4. The way we are different now.
a. We are saved by God’s mercy (4).
b. We’ve generously received the Holy Spirit within us (6).
c. We have the hope of eternal life (7).
d. We devote ourselves to doing what is good and avoiding what isn’t (8,9).

Challenge: If you really want to live the “good life,” God’s Spirit will show you how!

Extra Sermon Outline #7

“Please, Lord, Help Us!”

Text: Daniel 9:1–19
Key Thought: Daniel’s prayer has much to teach us about “desperate” cries to God for help.
Sermon Outline: 1. Daniel’s people are in a desperate situation.

a. They’re in exile in Babylon.
b. They’re separated from the temple and their homeland.
2. Daniel prays desperately for his people.
a. He pleads with the Lord (3).
b. He prays in fasting and in “sackcloth and ashes” (3).
3. The outline of his “desperate” prayer.
a. He praises God and God’s character (4,7,9,14,18).
b. He identifies himself with the sins of the entire people (“we,” 5).
c. He is not shy about confessing the sin and sinfulness of them all (7-13).
d. He admits that God’s judgment is a righteous act, rightly deserved (11-14).
e. He pleads with God for help (16-18).
4. The basis of his desperate prayer.
a. He pleads, not on the basis of their righteousness, but God’s mercy (18).
b. He pleads for help on the basis of upholding God’s good name (15-17,19).
5. How can Daniel’s prayer shape ours?
a. Do we begin with praise or petition?
b. Do we readily confess our sinfulness and God’s righteousness?

Challenge: Desperate situations call for “desperate” prayers. Ordinary ones just won’t do.

Extra Sermon Outline #8

“Don’t Shoot the Messenger”

Text: Ezekiel 2:1—3:15

Key Thought: When God calls us to speak out for him, all he asks is that we be faithful.

Sermon Outline: 1. God sent Ezekiel to speak to his people, Israel (3).
. a. God gave him the message he was to carry (3:1-3).

2. Ezekiel could expect an indifferent, even hostile reception.
a. They are stubborn and obstinate in matters of faith (2:4).
b. They are a rebellious people regarding God (2:3,5).
c. They wouldn’t listen to him since they wouldn’t listen to God (3:7).
d. God urges Ezekiel not to be afraid of them (6).

3. He is to speak God’s message regardless of whether they listen (2:5,7).

a. Obedience is God’s measure of faithfulness, not “success.”
4. Has God called you to speak his message:

a. To whom (family, coworkers, church)?
b. What is the message he’s given you? (How does it square with the Gospel?)
c. Will you be faithful despite indifference or hostility?
d. How can you “speak” most effectively for God in our culture today?

Challenge: When God calls us to speak out for him, all he asks is that we obey. The rest is up
to him.

Extra Sermon Outline #9

How’s Your Shepherd?

Text: Ezekiel 34:1–16 and also John 10:1–18
Key Thought: Our religious leaders can fail to “shepherd” us, but Jesus is the “Good Shepherd.”
Sermon Outline: 1. Ezekiel pronounces God’s “woe” on the religious leaders of Israel.

a. They are selfish, not caring for the people they lead (2,3,8).
b. They’ve not cared for the sick or spiritually “lost” (4).
c. They’ve misused their authority (5).
d. They misled the people and “scattered” them spiritually (6).
e. They’ve failed miserably as spiritual “shepherds” and are judged (10).
2. God, himself, will become their shepherd.
a. He will rescue them from the oppression of their current “shepherds” (10).
b. He will rescue them from their spiritual “darkness” and tend them as a

shepherd should (12,15,16).
3. Jesus is the highest fulfillment of this promise.

a. He says he is the “Good Shepherd” (John 10:11).
b. Unlike the shepherds of Israel, Jesus brings blessings and abundant life

(John 10:8-10).
c. Unlike the shepherds of Israel, Jesus is not selfish, but self-sacrificing

(John 10:14), giving his life for “the sheep.”

Challenge: Don’t be a foolish sheep. Be sure to follow only the “Good Shepherd.”

Extra Sermon Outline #10

The Secret to a “Care-free” Life

Text: Psalm 91
Key Thought: When the going gets tough, we can trust in God’s promises and give our worries

to him.

Sermon Outline: 1. God’s promises:
a. They will “rest” in his “shadow” (protection) (1).
b. God will be their “refuge” and “fortress” in time of trouble (2,4).
c. There will be no need to be afraid (5,6).
d. God will charge his angels to guard you (11).
e. God will answer us when we call on him (15).
f. God will be with us in trouble, and deliver and honor us (15).
g. God will grant long life and his salvation (16).

2. These are realities for those who trust God.
a. “If you make the Most High your dwelling” (9).
b. “If he acknowledges my name” (14).
c. “Because he loves me” (14).
d. “Cast all your anxieties on him because he cares for you” (1 Pet. 5:7),
“Cast all your cares” (Psa. 55:22).

3. Pertinent questions:
a. What does it mean to “dwell in the shadow of the Most High”?
b. Can/should we take these promises literally?
c. How do you cope with the inevitable dangers and worries of life?

Challenge: Don’t carry around all those heavy worries. Give them to God. He can handle them.

Extra Sermon Outline #11

Can You Really Know God?

Text: Psalm 76 and also John 14:1–14
Key Thought: God wants to be known and has revealed himself most especially through his

Son, Jesus.
Sermon Outline: 1. God was “known” to his people in Judah (1).

a. The people experienced his presence among them (2).
2. What was known about God then?

a. God is “resplendent” and “majestic” (4).
b. God is mighty and his power is to be feared (5,6).
c. God is the judge of all evil and oppression (8,9).
d. God is worthy of honor and reverence by all the rulers of the earth (11,12).
3. How can we know God now?
a. We know God through knowing Jesus (John 14:7–10).
b. Jesus is the “image of the invisible God” (Col. 1:15).
c. The fullness of God lives in Christ in bodily form (Col. 2:9).
4. How well do you know God?
a. How well do you know Jesus?
b. What have you learned of God from knowing Jesus?
c. How can you get to know God, through Jesus, better?

Challenge: If you really want to know God, get to know Jesus!

Extra Sermon Outline #12

In the Hands of an Angry God

Text: Psalm 79
Key Thought: When we face trouble, even of our own making, we can call on God for help.
Sermon Outline: 1. The background:

a. The psalmist laments the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians (1-4).
b. This is the divine punishment foretold by the prophets.
2. The psalmist decides it is vital to:
a. To cry to the Lord for help (5,9).
b. To confess their sin and plead for mercy (8,9).
c. To ask God to uphold justice against their enemies (6,7,10-12).
d. To plead for God’s glory to be seen as a result (9,10).
e. To vow to praise God for his actions on their behalf (13).
3. When you face trouble and feel God is angry with you:
a. follow the psalmist’s pattern of prayer.
b. trust in God’s unfailing love and ability to work trouble for your good

(Rom. 8:28).

Challenge: When the situation is dire, don’t despair. God is there! Call and he’ll answer!

Extra Sermon Outline #13

Preparing for Judgment Day

Text: Revelation 20:7–15 and also Matthew 25:31—36
Key Thought: Jesus has made a way for us to be free of fear of the judgment day.
Sermon Outline: 1. There will be a judgment day.

a. Revelation speaks of the judgment of the dead (12).
b. There is a “book of life” in which our deeds are recorded (12,13).
c. It is crucial to be found in the “book of life” (15).
2. On judgment day, Jesus will be the judge.
a. He is seated on the throne to judge (Matt. 25:31).
b. He will separate the “sheep” from the “goats” (Matt. 25:32,33).
c. The “sheep” will “take their inheritance” with Jesus and the “goats” will

receive their punishment (34,41).
3. It is not God’s will that any be lost as “goats.”

a. God sent his Son for all who would believe (John 3:16; 6:39,40).
b. He sent Jesus, not to condemn but to save (John 3:17).
c. Whoever believes in Jesus is not condemned but has eternal life

(John 3:18; 5:24).
4. Are you prepared for the judgment day?

a. Issue the challenge.
b. Explain how to be prepared.

Challenge: There will be a judgment day. The only question is “will you be prepared?”