Thus, the primary purpose of a conclusion is motivation.

The goal is to sweep listeners up into the glory and the power of the Spirit’s revelation rather than have them worry about whether they have gotten all the points.

“all Scripture is God-breathed . . . so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16–17)

Preaching that remains true to this God-glorifying purpose specifies an FCF indicated by a text and addresses this aspect of our fallenness with the grace revealed by the text.

Determine when and where to use illustrations by assessing what will make a message’s application most effective. In some cases, this will mean that illustrations must focus on clarifying the exposition to allow sufficient understanding. In other instances, it is better to use illustrations to create deep feeling about a matter that is so familiar

Chief offenders. Two of the most commonly used but ineffective types of sermon introductions are historical and literary (or logical) recapitulation.

The Bible is not a self-help book. Scripture presents one, consistent, organic message. It tells us how we must seek Christ, who alone is our Savior and source of strength, to be and do what God requires. To preach what people should be and do and yet not mention him who enables their accomplishment warps the biblical message. God’s redemptive work

Note: These subpoints are worded so as to develop/support the main point’s principle. The facts of Joshua 6 will be cited to support/prove the subpoints as they are explained. Note that these “principleized” subpoints are based on the same facts as the merely descriptive subpoints in the example above.

Commonsense proposals. Applications should be relevant, realistic, and achievable. Applications lacking in common sense destroy the credibility of a preacher and impede the acceptance of scriptural truth.