How to Take Better Sermon Notes

How to Take Better 

Sermon Notes

I can't remember exactly how I came by this outline, but have used it for years and found it very helpful; especially since I tend to lean toward "Preoccupied Hearing".

19This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; 20for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. 21Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. 22But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. 23For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; 24for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. 25But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.  – James 1:19-25

Key Idea: Walking in the Word brings blessings to you today and hope for tomorrow

Goal or objective: I want us to see and experience the benefits of walking God’s way

Title: Bend Your Ear to Hear God’s Heart

Outline:

1.       Evaluate what kind of hearer you are

a.       Apathetic hearer  (v. 19)

b.      Superficial hearer (v. 20-21)

c.       Preoccupied Hearer (v.22)

d.      Reproducing hearer (v. 23)

2.       Be alert for a word from God (Jas. 1:19)

3.       Clear away all sin and pride so that the Word may be planted in your heart (Jas. 1:21)

4.       See your reflection in the mirror of God’s Word (Jas 1:23)

a.       Take notes

b.      Write the points of the message as they are presented

c.       Under each point write three things: explanation, illustrations, application.

d.      Write any specific statements that the Spirit impresses upon you.

e.      Summarize as soon as possible the main thing the speaker wants you to do, be, and or feel as a result of the sermon.

                                                               i.      Specific point God spoke to you

                                                             ii.      How does my life measure up to this word?

                                                            iii.      What specific actions will I take to bring my life into line with this word?

                                                           iv.      What truth do I need to study further?

5.       Do the Word, and you will be blessed in what you do (Jas. 1:25)

a.       Check yourself several times in the days to follow to see if you have incorporated the message into your life and have begun to bear fruit in relation to it.

Let me know if it helps!