“How To Write a 3-Point Sermon for Beginners” explains how to select one main topic from the passage and expand it with three supporting points. This structure helps beginners present Scripture with order, clarity, and purpose so listeners can follow the message and apply the truth to daily life.
How To Write a 3-Point Sermon For Beginners
I’ve been writing weekly sermons for about thirty-three years or so, and I’ve learned that the three-point sermon is one of the best ways to present God’s truth clearly and simply.
Here are a few reasons why this structure works so well:
- A three-point sermon lets you expand and explain one main topic.
- A three-point sermon is easy for people to follow.
- A three-point sermon has a natural flow that moves from one thought to the next.
The real key to writing any sermon—especially a three-point one—is understanding the structure. Once you know how to arrange your message for clear delivery, writing a strong three-point sermon becomes much easier.
1. What is a Sermon? A Simple Explanation For Beginners
I teach homiletics to Bible college students, and I always remind them that a sermon has three key parts: the introduction, the body (or sermon outline), and the conclusion. This sounds simple, but many students start writing their sermons without first shaping the body of the message for clear delivery.
The body of the sermon carries most of your message. The introduction only sets up the main preaching point, which comes from the body. The conclusion wraps everything up by repeating that main point and calling people to respond.
This is why you should always begin with the body of your sermon. And in a 3-point sermon, the body is your sermon outline.
2. What Is the Sermon Outline? A Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s walk through the basic parts of a 3-point sermon outline.
A. The Topic
Every sermon needs one clear topic. You cannot build a 3-point sermon without an overarching theme.
In Colossians 1:1–8, Paul talks about thanksgiving as he reflects on how the believers in Colossae received the gospel. Because of this, I shaped the sermon topic around the idea: “Why Paul gave thanks to God for the Colossians (3 Reasons).”
B. The Main Points
Once you have your main topic, you expand and explain it with your main points—three points in this case.
I often develop my main points by asking simple questions like why, what, where, when, or how about the preaching point.
For this sermon, I asked the “why” question: Why did Paul give thanks to God for the Colossians?
After studying the passage, I found three clear reasons:
- They received the gospel (1:3–5)
- They shared the gospel (1:6)
- They taught the gospel (1:7–8)
This gives you a clean 3-point sermon outline—a road map for your message.
Your listeners now know exactly where you are going:
Three reasons Paul thanked God for the Colossians.
They also know what you will say about the topic:
They received the gospel, they shared the gospel, and they taught the gospel.
A 3-point sermon is easy to follow because it flows in a natural, logical order.
C. The Sub-Points
It often helps to expand your main points with sub-points. In this sermon, I added three sub-points under the first main point and two under the second and third main points.
Here is the completed 3-point sermon outline for Colossians 1:1–8:
Introduction:
(Your introduction to the sermon goes here.)
There are three reasons Paul gave thanks to God for the Colossians:
- They received the gospel (1:3–5)
- They showed true faith (1:4a)
- They shared genuine love (1:4b)
- They stood in living hope (1:5)
- They shared the gospel (1:6)
- They remembered its beginning (1:6a)
- They witnessed its growing fruit (1:6b)
- They taught the gospel (1:7–8)
- They learned with passion (1:7)
- They lived with God’s love (1:8)
Conclusion:
(Your final summary and application go here.)
3. What is a Sermon Manuscript? A Beginner-Friendly Guide
A. Manuscript Content
Once you finish your 3-point sermon outline, the next step is to write the content that goes with it. This is where you add helpful illustrations and real-life applications.
After the body of the sermon is written, you then write the introduction and the conclusion.
I often remind myself that a sermon is like an airplane flight. The take-off is the introduction, the flight is the body of the sermon, and the landing is the conclusion.
B. Manuscript Markup
I usually write a full manuscript so I have both a printed and digital record of my sermon.
But a sermon manuscript is not the same as a school paper. I format it in point form so I can mark it up and use it as a road map while preaching.
I keep the content in short form—both the outline and the introduction and conclusion. When I preach, I simply expand each point in my own words. I do not read the manuscript word for word.
I encourage you to do the same. Write your manuscript in short, clear notes, and grow in the confidence to preach in your own voice. This may take time, but your preaching will grow quickly when you learn to speak from your heart instead of reading everything aloud.
C. Manuscript Practice
When I write a three-point sermon like this, I usually know the manuscript very well. I remember the main point, the sub-points, and the smaller details. In fact, I could preach it without the manuscript if needed.
Still, I always bring my manuscript into the pulpit because it helps me stay on track.
Before I preach, I practice by talking through the manuscript out loud. This helps me follow the transitions, understand the flow, and remember my illustrations and applications. I don’t want to second-guess myself during the sermon.
It usually takes me about an hour to talk through the whole message. This also gives me time to make small changes or add new ideas.
By practicing the manuscript, I give the Holy Spirit room to guide me. Sometimes He leads me to add something while preaching, and other times He helps me leave something out.
How To Preach Without Notes by Charles W. Koller
Bonus: How Long Should A Sermon Be?
A good sermon should be long enough to explain God’s Word with clarity but short enough to keep the listener’s attention. Many pastors aim for twenty five to thirty five minutes because people can follow the message without feeling rushed. Jesus taught with purpose and focus, and His clear teaching shows that strong preaching depends on clarity, not length.
Your sermon should feel like a well guided walk through Scripture. You take people by the hand, show them the truth, and help them see how to obey it. A clear outline, strong transitions, and meaningful applications create a message that stays with them. When God’s Word shapes the heart, the time spent in it becomes a blessing.
Bonus: What Makes A Good Sermon Outline?
A good sermon outline begins with one clear topic that rises from the passage. It expands that topic with simple main points that follow a natural flow. These points answer basic questions like why, what, or how. Your outline becomes a road map that guides people through God’s truth with clarity. It works like a well marked path that helps listeners stay focused.
Strong sermon outlines also use short sub points that explain and apply the main ideas. These show what the text teaches and how believers live it. Real life examples and biblical stories help the message come alive. When the outline is clear, the preacher speaks with confidence, and the listener follows with joy. A well shaped outline helps God’s Word reach the heart.
Bonus: How Do Beginners Start Writing Sermons?
Beginners start writing sermons by choosing one clear topic from the passage and shaping a simple outline that supports it. The outline becomes the body of the message and gives direction. New preachers then expand each point with short explanations, illustrations, and applications. This turns the outline into a living guide that helps people see God’s truth with clarity and joy.
After the body is formed, beginners write the introduction and conclusion. The introduction sets the path, and the conclusion brings the message home. Many pastors practice by talking through the manuscript until the flow feels natural. It works like walking a familiar trail. Each step builds confidence as the Holy Spirit guides the heart and prepares the preacher to speak God’s Word with grace.
Bonus: Do Pastors Still Use Manuscripts?
Many pastors still use manuscripts because they help keep the message clear and focused. A manuscript works as a faithful record of the sermon and gives the preacher a road map in the pulpit. Some write a full draft, and others use short notes. Both methods allow the pastor to stay anchored in the passage while speaking with confidence and purpose.
Pastors often practice by talking through the manuscript before they preach. This helps the transitions feel natural and opens the heart to the Spirit’s guidance. It works like walking through a flight plan before takeoff. The pastor knows where the message begins, how it moves, and where it lands. With this preparation, the sermon flows with clarity and grace.