The Thematic Statement I. What is a thematic statement? A. A thematic statement is a succinct statement of the subject in sentence form. B. A thematic statement guides you in the selection of materials that will be included in your sermon.

C. A thematic statement provides the listener with a summary of your sermon. D. A thematic statement is the sermon in a nutshell.

“No sermon is ready for preaching, until we can express its theme in a short, pregnant sentence as clear as crystal. To compel oneself to fashion that sentence, to dismiss every word that is vague, ragged, ambiguous, to think oneself through to a form of words which defines the theme with scrupulous exactness—this is surely one of the most vital and essential factors in the making of a sermon.” --John Jowett

II. What is the purpose of the thematic statement? A. The thematic statement is helpful to the preacher. 1. It helps the preacher tell the people where he is going. 2. It helps the preacher go there. 3. It helps the preacher tell the people where you have been.

B. The thematic statement is helpful to the listener. 1. It helps the listener to get into the sermon quickly. 2. It helps the listener to follow the thought process throughout the whole message.

III. What are some keys to the construction of a functionally sound thematic statement? A. The thematic statement should be a simple sentence. B. The thematic statement should be a clear statement. C. The thematic statement should be a universal statement.

D. The thematic statement should be a summary statement. E. The thematic statement should be a challenging statement.

IV. What are the kinds of thematic statements? A. A thematic statement may be a statement of fact. 1. Its purpose is primarily to present some fact that you intend to prove, highlight or elaborate upon in your message. 2. It is done for the purpose of making a claim.

B. A thematic statement may be a statement of promise. 1. Its purpose is primarily to present a promise or a prediction based upon a biblical principle of life that you intend to prove and to encourage others to believe. 2. It is done for the purpose of making a prediction.

C. A thematic statement may be a statement of value. 1. Its purpose is primarily to present a value that you intend to impress upon the people’s minds and encouraged them to adopt. 2. It is done for the purpose of making an evaluative judgment.

D. A thematic statement may be a statement of a standard. 1. Its purpose is primarily to present a standard of Christian living to which you are going to challenge people to adhere. 2. It is done for the purpose of urging toward action.

V. How is the thematic statement to be used? The preacher will repeat the thematic statement often throughout the message. It will serve to keep the message focused. Each section of the message should tie in to the thematic statement by enforcing, explaining, proving or illuminating it in its deep significance.