If your sermon is feeling a bit too long... There are three ways to shorten it that will simplify prep, focus the message, and maximize redemptive impact. 1️⃣ 𝗦𝗲𝘁 𝗮 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝘁. Pick a target. 3,200 words, 2,500, even 1,500. Whatever your delivery, pace, and timeframe allow. Then hold the line. Don't view word count as a master as much as a firm decision made ahead of time, or else you'll start negotiating with yourself on Saturday night. When the manuscript won't fit, the count forces the cut, making every word earn its place. 2️⃣ 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗺𝘂𝗺 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲. I borrowed this from medicine. If 200mg of ibuprofen gets the desired result, there's no reason to take 800mg. It’s the same for sermons. If two sentences prove the point, a third sentence, or worse an extra paragraph, won't help. More actually risks confusing your listeners. Start asking, "What's the simplest, most basic way to say this?" 3️⃣ 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝘅𝗵𝗮𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲. Fun fact. You cannot “exhaustively” explain the text. Not in 40 minutes, not in a full commentary, not ever. So you don't need to say everything you possibly could say. You just need to say enough. We’re talking "as simple as possible" (not simplistic, but understandable). Simple tends to be focused, which leads to clarity. And clarity is what makes communication effective (especially verbal communication). 𝗪𝗿𝗮𝗽-𝗨𝗽 With the PPGR framework, you get to say something that is true, confess our resistance, show how Jesus restores, and describe what new life looks like in view of the cross. So, keep it as simple and focused as possible so you can be as clear and helpful as possible. The sermon will be shorter, and the impact deeper. Hope this helps!