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In forming any sermon there are dozens of questions to ask about content: How do we choose supporting material? How much explanation of the text is enough? How much explanation is too much? How do we craft the specifics of the sermon so our listeners will understand the meaning of the passage, affirm the big idea, and apply the sermon's truth in their lives?

When we ask ourselves these questions, we're really asking, " What evidence will help my listeners accept the claim of this message? " This question quickly reveals that every sermon is, essentially, an argument, an attempt to convince others to believe or behave as the Word directs.

The third guideline for basic homiletical structure is to get into a good argument.

An argument seeks to advance a claim by supporting that claim with evidence. But what kind of evidence? Statistics? Stories? Facts and figures?

In seeing the sermon as an argument, we must go beyond thinking only in terms of logic. Most people do not accept claims based simply on the logical progression of argument. Most people accept claims based on anecdotal evidence or testimonials from credible sources. We must ask ourselves, " What will function as convincing evidence for my listeners? "

I may have some listeners who need a biblical illustration, others who need an applicable " success story, " and still others who will not accept the claim until I give evidence of how it works in my own life. I'd like to think that presenting the biblical data will suffice, but many people do not see the Bible as the authority it really is.

I need little else beyond the Word to convince me of the truth because I have a high view of Scripture. Often, however, when I listen to a sermon, I'm still wondering, " How does this show up in my life? " Thus, to help me translate the claim into obedience I want the preacher to supply an applicable " success story " that tells me about a real person (perhaps even the preacher) who has applied this truth in his or her life. The success story tells me, " Oh, so that's what the preacher means, " as well as, " Well, if he can do that, I can do that. "

Other people are far more cognitive. They demand facts and figures. By carefully developing relationships with our hearers and by thoughtful analysis we will be able to determine what types of proofs are necessary to convince our listeners.

Sermons make claims on our lives. The thoughtful preacher's preparation will include attention to what will help listeners " buy " the big idea.

The late Keith Willhite served as chairman and professor of pastoral ministries at Dallas Theological Seminary, and is author of Preaching with Relevance Without Dumbing-Down (Kregel).