HOMI 601
Oral Presentation Template
Text: Philippians 1:12-18
Make sure sermon ideas are clear and well
worded.
Plan with the dynamics of oral communication.
Design the presentation to follow the text.
Design the presentation to engage the audience.
Balance development for the whole man.
Plan for the audience and for the occasion.
This exercise involves planning the design of your sermon for an oral presentation. This form follows the
motivated sequence outline combined with the traditional introduction-body-conclusion format.
Introduction Attention
Have you ever faced a hard season and thought it was slowing you down, only to realize later
that God was actually moving His plan forward through it?
Need
Many of us feel discouraged when trials come. We wonder: “Why is this happening? Is this
setting me back?” Paul’s imprisonment seemed like a setback, but God was using it to
advance the gospel.
BRIDGING SENTENCES
Today, let’s see from Paul’s example how God can use our struggles for His glory and the
spread of the gospel.
[Subject: Modifier:]
The gospel. Advances Through Hardship.
Textual Idea:
Paul teaches that his imprisonment and circumstances actually serve to advance the gospel.
Sermon Idea:
God uses trials to advance His purposes and spread His message.
Interrogative:
How does God use hardship to advance the gospel?
Transition:
Let’s walk through Paul’s perspective to discover three ways hardship became a platform
for God’s mission.
Body Satisfaction
DIVISION 1 STATEMENT
Hardship opens unexpected doors for the gospel (vv. 12–13).
Explanation
Paul’s chains gave him access to guards and officials who otherwise may not have heard
the gospel.
Illustration
A missionary once shared Christ with hospital staff after an accident landed him in the ER.
Argumentation
God is sovereign. What looks like confinement is really opportunity.
Application
When difficulties arise, ask, “How can I honor Christ here?”
Transition (Div. 1 to Div. 2)
Not only does hardship create new opportunities, it also strengthens others’ faith.
DIVISION 2 STATEMENT
Hardship encourages other believers to be bold (v. 14).
Explanation
Seeing Paul’s courage in chains gave other Christians confidence to speak the word of God
without fear.
12 Essential Skills for Great Preaching / Wayne McDill / 2006 / B&H Used by Permission
The purpose of this exercise is to develop skill at preparing an
oral presentation plan that engages the audience and faithfully
presents the text message.
HOMI 601
Illustration
Like when one person stands strong in school or at work, others find the courage to stand
too.
Argumentation
Courage is contagious. Fear loses power when we see faith lived out.
Application
Your faith in hard times may be the spark that ignites boldness in others.
Transition (Div. 2 to Div. 3)
Yet, not everyone’s motives are pure when preaching the gospel.
DIVISION 3 STATEMENT
Hardship reveals true motives, but Christ is still preached (vv. 15–18).
Explanation
Some preached out of envy and rivalry, others from goodwill. But Paul rejoiced because
Christ was proclaimed.
Illustration
Even when preachers disagree or compete, God can still use their message to save lives.
Argumentation
The gospel’s power doesn’t depend on the preacher’s motives but on God’s truth.
Application
Don’t let imperfect messengers discourage you. Rejoice that the gospel is being
proclaimed.
Transition (Div 3 to Div 4)
So how do we respond when motives are mixed?
DIVISION 4 STATEMENT
Rejoice, because Christ is being preached! (v.18)
Explanation
Paul chose joy, knowing that regardless of motives, Christ’s name was being proclaimed.
Illustration
A sick person doesn’t care who delivers the medicine, as long as the cure arrives.
Argumentation
The focus must remain on Christ, not on us. Even when others act wrongly, God’s Word
does not return void (Isaiah 55:11).
Application
Instead of being discouraged by others motives or methods, rejoice that the gospel is still
being shared.
Transition (Div. 4 to Div. 5)
Paul’s perspective teaches us how to live with kingdom vision.
DIVISION 5 STATEMENT
Christ’s sovereignty gives us confidence no matter the situation. (v.18b)
Explanation
Paul declares, “Yes, and I will rejoice” not just because Christ is preached, but because he
trusts God’s plan even in prison. His joy is rooted in Christ, not circumstances.
Illustration
A ship in a storm stays steady because its anchor holds firm beneath the waves. Paul’s
anchor was Christ’s sovereignty.
Argumentation
Romans 8:28 affirms that God works all things together for good for those who love Him.
Paul believed this truth, so he could rejoice in every situation.
Application
Anchor your joy in Christ, not in changing circumstances. When things seem out of
control, remember God is always in control.
Transition (Div. 5 to Concl.)
With this confidence in God’s sovereignty, Paul shows us how to live with unshakable joy,
which brings us to the conclusion of his teaching.
Conclusion Visualization
12 Essential Skills for Great Preaching / Wayne McDill / 2006 / B&H Used by Permission
HOMI 601
Picture Paul, chained in prison, yet smiling with joy because Christ’s name was going forth.
Imagine how different our lives would be if we viewed hardship the same way.
Reiteration
The gospel advances through hardship, inspires others through testimony, challenges us to
examine our motives, and gives us reason to rejoice.
Action
This week, look at your challenges as opportunities for Christ, encourage someone else with
your faith, check your motives, and above all, rejoice, because Christ is being proclaimed!
12 Essential Skills for Great Preaching / Wayne McDill / 2006 / B&H Used by Permission
