I think my sermon is complete. I’m ready to pack up and head home to rest before tomorrow comes and I must open my Bible and speak.

Not so fast! Here are six final questions to ask myself before I’m truly done with my sermon preparation.

Question #1 — What is the problem I raise?

Every sermon should pose a question, surface a problem, set out an issue that demands an answer. What is mine? Is it the same as the one the Scripture passage raises?

Question #2 — How is Jesus the answer?

No matter which Testament I am preaching from, Jesus is the ultimate answer to the problem that has been raised. How do I set this forth?

Question #3 — Where is the cross/gospel?

As I set out the question and ultimately point to Jesus as its answer, where and how do I hold forth work of the cross and the call of the gospel?

Question #4 — What am I calling/asking for?

What response am I asking for from the listeners? Is it realistic? Is it inviting?

Question #5 — Can I say this more simply?

The path of profundity is marked by the sign of simplicity. Am I following the signs?

Question #6 — Can I say this more succinctly?

“The more the words, the less the meaning, and how does that profit anyone?” (Eccl. 6:11, NIV)