How Does John MacArthur Build His Sermons?

Through more than 50 years of preaching verse-by-verse week-after-week, John MacArthur has preached thousands of sermons. He's spent countless hours studying, taking notes, drafting sermons, and delivering them. In this video, John describes his process for building every sermon. He takes you into his study, shows you how he meditates on the text, traces the key themes, builds an argument, organizes his notes, and prepares to preach. This is practical, invaluable insight from a world-class expositor.
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The Master’s Seminary exists to train men for pastoral ministry-to preach the Word of God, reach the world for Christ, and teach others to do the same. The Master's Seminary was founded in 1986 by John MacArthur, who now serves as chancellor of TMUS.
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[@rosierawlley543]

Grace Community Church's members obediently going through their Bible along with their Pastor is always one of the sweetest sounds to hear. 🤗

[@creationhappened3746]

Priceless insight into the mind of the greatest Bible teacher of our time. May God continue to bless you Pastor John.

[@bobreese4807]

John MacArthur builds his sermons by going to other bible commentaries and picking and choosing what he feels he likes. The other commentaries are written by bible warping heretics like himself. Poor guy...may GOD have mercy on his soul.

[@jasonsamuel600]

Pastor John I thank the Lord for you & your ministry. Your clarity & bold presentation of the word of God is a great blessing . Scriptures flow Out of your heart &mouth as rivers of Living water . Pray you & your family and the ministry continue till our Lord’s Return. Jason

[@Eduardo_Lutz92]

"You have a present problem, here is a past revelation that answers it" ...mindblown.

[@Christm57]

Pastor Johnny MAC is the top notch preacher of our day by far. God has used this man to bring many to The Lord. Meditation is powerful and God reveals so much to him. Thank you Pastor John for your powerful ministry that God led me to your teaching 2013 and for 7 years I was listening to 3-4 sermons in one day and this has formed my foundation, doctrine theology and most important Foundation Truth of God. So blessed to be under your teaching ! May you and your family be protected and take you to new height soaring with the Lord!

[@margcarter9244]

I absolutely love this man of God, who teaches the living Word without compromise.

[@bobreese4807]

John MacArthur Jr. does NOT support ALL 10 commandments.. from his own mouth at Grace Community Church.. September 20, 2009 “It’s important to notice that just as He obliterated the sacrificial system, He obliterated the Sabbath system.” “Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven..” MATT 15:9 .”making the word of God of no effect through your tradition (SUNday) which you have handed down.” Mk 7:13 John MacArthur Jr..is a 21st century Pharisee.

[@gracenmercy579]

He is a huge blessing to our household. We had the opportunity to meet him in person and hear him preaches at the Spurgeon Library up in Kansas City Mo He is a rare Pastor.

[@Ray_Mott]

I've been listening to McArthur for over 20 years. Basically followed his ministry throughout my time in service to the Air Force, at home and abroad. I'm in Arizona, but born and raised in Kansas City.

[@peterlai6292]

Oh there is a Spurgeon Library at Kansas City. That's good.

[@mybelovedisjesuschrist5591]

I love Pastor John MacArthur. He has helped me a lot.

[@kimberleerivera1483]

Glory To GOD!!!

[@moerivera6659]

Same here

[@Gerardclaudio]

Me too! ❤️

[@thomasdeangelo1655]

The greatest Bible teacher of our time! May the Lord be glorified by Dr. MacArthur.

[@abrahamaguilar4960]

No he is not you want to listen to a Bible teacher listen to David Pawson!

[@apilkey]

The worst Bible teacher of our time. He preaches the false gospel of Calvinism which is the spirit of the antichrist and completely opposite to the Christ of scripture who gave His life for all humanity without exception.

[@zedexer]

@@apilkey don't be a silly goose

[@apilkey]

@@zedexer Christ dying for all of humanity and extending a genuine offer of salvation is not silly. It’s truth.

[@apilkey]

@@zedexer No it’s not “my” truth. It’s the Biblical truth. If Christ died for all of humanity without exception (which He did), and you are against that you are against Christ and an antichrist.

[@williamhenderson2408]

In my lifetime( 1955) John McArthur is by far America's best, theological teacher, that is biblical grounded and thorough in each text of scripture. ✝

[@annetteeliew9449]

R. C. Sproul also gives edifying messages of the Gospel. Praise the Lord.

[@jtfairchild3838]

They were great together ... Iron sharpens Iron

[@williamhenderson2408]

Yes!!! RC Sproul and John are neck to neck as the best in my lifetime. ✝🙏🙇😀

[@JK-fe7bi]

Yes expect infant baptism and few more shortcomings were there.

[@DD-ks9tl]

Amazing how the Lord has given him the ability to preach the word of God like he does. What a blessing to have such a faithful teacher who speaks with such clarity in our generation.

[@alrite52]

Pastor John, I thank God that He keep you in His blessing for teaching His word faithfully and seeing you truly honor, but more than that, love His word. May The Lord do so more and more, for His glory! Amen.

[@jbenoithhh]

Pastor John MacArthur in his ministry of preaching and teaching God's word is a such a blessing to the body of Christ. Best Bible teacher in our time. Thankful to God for blessing the body church with faithful men who are committed in preaching the true Gospel. Thier commitment in teaching God's Word is an encouragement to many. 🙏🙏🙏🇨🇩

[@angelaarmstrong6405]

He always has one glorious sermon after another. 🎚🙏😍

[@erniemiller3618]

This is my third time listening to this teaching. I am so amazed and blessed to have discovered men of God like you, Lawson, the late R.C, and HB, just to name a few;and countless others who walk with the scriptures every time they preach the Word. Thanks for sharing

[@bobreese4807]

John MacArthur Jr. does NOT support ALL 10 commandments.. from his own mouth at Grace Community Church.. September 20, 2009 “It’s important to notice that just as He obliterated the sacrificial system, He obliterated the Sabbath system.” “Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven..” MATT 15:9 .”making the word of God of no effect through your tradition (SUNday) which you have handed down.” Mk 7:13 John MacArthur Jr..is a 21st century Pharisee.

[@alrite52]

Love the room ^_^

[@gracenmercy579]

Yes, I do too.

[@rpireland6131]

Yes, first impression!

[@rosierawlley543]

@@akashhh_b Thanks,I checked and it's a ram's horn. Baphomet is a goat.

[@annetteeliew9449]

We don't have preacher like John MacArthur in Malaysia. I love to listen to Pr John sermons because he preaches the Truth only base on the Bible, indeed edifying. Thank God for providing us with faithful preachers in this new age generation.

[@mybelovedisjesuschrist5591]

Also look up Voddie Bauchman and Dr. James White. And Dr. Michael Brown.

[@TheJpep2424]

Michael brown endorses word of faith heretics like Benny Hinn and Kenneth Copeland.

[@annetteeliew9449]

Yes, I also listen to Pr Voddie, James and Michael sermons and many others Paul Washer and Justin Peters. Really thank God for His people continue preaching the Truth.

[@eufrasiaraiani4681]

Pastor Gino Jennings.....

[@Michelle-pc4wp]

This man of God has taught me more than anyone in my life about God, Christ Jesus and Holy Spirit. I am so thankful for his teachings.

[@annewhittingham8823]

Thank you for your ministry it is so needed in this day and generation

[@jtfairchild3838]

We gain this insight and wisdom from a man who shares all that he can for the right reasons...the Glory of God ...in his homily ... Very few men alive today that do this on such a grand scale .... May the Lord bless Dr. John MacArthur for being as clear and open about these truths and may he remain aware and cautious from all the snares that comes to him and all of us that have gotten used by the enemy of our souls ....May Christ work in us and through us for His Good pleasures and the continual work for the salvation of our souls.

[@timcummiskey1178]

A crucible of wisdom from the man of God! Glory to Jesus!

[@delano7685]

I grew up in the Charismatic movement. The Lord used Pastor John MacArthur to change me. I am a testament to the purity and grace of His ministry.

[@jowilliebear]

Of all the volumes and items surrounding the reading table, the most inspirational and symbolic may be the golden boxing gloves. Thank you for this word.

[@grittupfer7507]

What are the golden boxing gloves? I don't know....

[@grittupfer7507]

O, I've found ^^

[@loucontino4804]

The Commentary of past theologians is very valuable. And just what Pastor John said about corroboration of Scripture aligning with Scripture, is essential to understanding the changelessness of God.

[@holy2dalord498]

Thank you for that insight about past illumination of the holy Spirit in other believers!!!

[@leahgodson2319]

Between expositors: Same meaning (Authorial Intent) but different expression/illustration, and different connection (broaden, widen, deepen)/ cross references. Thank you Pastor John.

[@reomatodavich]

I love both of these godly men. Thank you Dr. Duncan and Dr. MacArthur.

[@TransplantHelper]

What he said in the beginning was so true. As an expositor myself after getting to know the text I’ve had my best sermons develop at red lights or in the bed while falling asleep. Excellent advice

[@majorintherepublick5862]

Thank you Lord for JM!!! True blessing

[@michelewoods1950]

Our Lord Jesus knew we would need a solid rock of faith in these times and i know we can all agree John MacAurthur is along the best, i give all Glory to Our Lord Jesus for bringing us to John and how Jesus has groomed John by and through the Holy Spirit, proving just how much Jesus loves us - and how much John loves Jesus - How much Our King our God Jesus and Pastor John loves us - PRAISE JESUS! COME QUICKLY OUR LORD, OUR GOD AMEN AMEN🙏

[@dsotojr04]

Great video. I had to see it again because I was trying to figure out what books and commentary sets are in that study!! Just wish I had that same library of books! I started mine a few years back, with my biggest investment so far on MacArthur 's complete NT Commentary set.

[@arepadetrigo]

Very refreshing to hear someone discuss not only the importance of preparing but the importance of delivering a true sermon so that the focus is not on the preacher, or the screen, or the music, or the "stage set" or the "fill-in-the-blank" but on the WORD. So much of what happens in churches today is little more than stage-management, play acting, light-show, and entertainment. Sometimes, there is a real message presented. To hear JMac comment about the importance of having an open Bible on his pulpit, not reading his sermon notes but rather using them as "landing lights", having an appropriate sized pulpit in the first place so that he doesn't become a talking plant, and speaking to be heard and understood rather than seen and admired is frightening when compared to many modern "preachers" who sit at coffee tables or stand at the front of the "stage" as if they are delivering Hamlet and are projected on huge screens under a spotlight so that everything they say or do is dramatized for effect. To be sure, not everyone is the same; but it's not really difficult to see the difference between the preachers who preach and the ones who act, strut, mug, and "perform".

[@deallenge320]

I wish you would asked how many sermons does Ptr John make every week. I'm super excited to learn from him. How amazing he is. Glory to God 🙏

[@tonyrosa4750]

I've received much of my love of my Lord and savior in and though this man of GOD. I must give and shear my love with my neighbors and flaude and weak as I am, God's word and this man has given me and my family's blessing beyond words through the Holly spirit. Thank you JOHNNY MAC.

[@steveinspokane3096]

Another solid answer from our dear brother. Thank you

[@robertbattikha547]

thank you for the interview, enjoyed it very much

[@maryevebambico5602]

Reading one of your books right now Dr. MacArthur. May God continue to bless you in every way possible to further His Kingdom, and may all that blessing overflow to us who depend on your preaching, writing and interviews. Also blessed by your subtle humor.

[@mattcraig4601]

If you listen really closely to a John MacArthur sermon, you'll hear the congregation at Grace Community turn their individual pages in the Bible as they follow him. I'm convinced: thousands of individual pages of the Bible being turned is a glorious sound to the Lord.

[@deloresmartel2962]

Pastor John is truly the only Pastor that I trust. I've only known of him for 3 years, and I regret not hearing him earlier in my life. There was probably not the technology cuz I live in Canada.

[@geraldpolmateer3255]

I hope you practice Acts 17:11, "Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so." This is a case of trust but verify.

[@robrashiv]

Thank you pastor John for sharing your wisdom and passing this on to faithful men.

[@pastorchuckbrooks]

Very helpful interview. Thank you.

[@wewaiwiwa1548]

Thank you Pastor John😭

[@rpireland6131]

You teach me so much just from this session. I ask the Lord to grant me this favor - Illumination of the Word of God, and time to be patient while sitting with the Word of God. Thank you so much.

[@jenica6381]

My favourite preacher🙏🙏🙏

[@mybelovedisjesuschrist5591]

Nice!

[@markmadrid5104]

I loved this video, not just the content but it is visually stunning like a painting

[@Solangelima-yj1ye]

Great time with thee man of God...many tips for preachers usually in the pulpit every weekends.

[@RicardoDaglio]

Thank you Austin and pastor MacArthur for this encouraging resource about your personal experience and process of sermon preparation, but also for the friendly way to share it with us. From the Patagonia, Argentina. Pastor John, you have a woodcraft I gave as a present to you years ago at 2016 Shepherd's Conference: Feed my flock.

[@devotionaltreasures2208]

Great word on our Great Shepherd 🙏

[@kathya8421]

So helpful for evening personal bible study!

[@kathya8421]

I mean 'even,' not 'evening.'

[@Justifiedsinner]

Your mind has been opened so that you can understand scripture for church edification Thank you for your obedience, praise God!

[@estievorster2065]

What a great servant of God.... May the God that you love and respect so dearly bless you with many more years of bringing His Word to the world.. Luv you Dr John MacArthur.

[@ursulajenni6521]

HE LETS CHRIST STIMULATE HIS MIND INTO GREATER CREATIVITY! Although the body is doomed to decay, it is definitely not so with the mind! I thank God continually for His most stimulating force in the universe through such disciplined, humble and faithful men like John MacArthur! Thank you AD for this excellent interview!🙏 💜

[@scout11238]

Yeah. Even though I don't agree with some of his sermons about the blood of Jesus and even though he's a Calvinist, I admire his passion to get the word as much as he can just to make it biblically sound. I agree with the past illumination that may help us better understand the context especially the writings of the original writers of the bible. It makes sense when you get your bible up then open some scripture and then you try to base your argument with the context, it will help you to better understand the concept and the whole idea of the writings. Bible is an intricate writings and we should know he whole Context regrading the cultural backgrounds of he recipient of the original manuscript. Thanks for sharing this to us. God bless.

[@reymilynzulueta9167]

Wow! Amen!

[@faithlee5035]

Thank You God for You so loved Pastor John and You have been so faithful to him that You have richly blessed him with ALL Your Wisdom, Your Clarity and Your Discernment that You want him to have to teach Your True sheep. Praise You God! Everyone of Your true sheep praise You! God keep our beloved Pastor John safe and sound and strong and well and whole so that he can keep doing Your calling for him - Preaching Your Words One Verse At A Time! Hallelujah. Amen.

[@pastorpeterakanji]

Fantastic Bible Thinker and Theological Philosopher. We see the richness of the Divine hand on a human mind that is wholly submitted to the sanctity of Holy Scriptures and deep love for the Lordship of our Saviour Jesus Christ. When you listen to Pastor John, you feel the depth of God's unending wisdom, love, care and affection for His creation and His people in Christ. Oh, how your heart is so filled with the freshness of understanding and illumination which can only be by the breath of the Holy Spirit, the Blessed Third Person of the Trinity - God the Holy Spirit. We praise God for His servant, Pastor John MacArthur.

[@havardteron9961]

This was such a wonderful conversation. thank you pastor John for sharing the process. I look forward to integrate some the methods in my own study as well. God bless you.

[@firingallcylinders2949]

Man I'm gonna miss him when he's gone. I would argue he's the most solid preacher of the last 100 years.

[@Iknowaboutroaches3350]

You must lose lots of debates.

[@HOEA-WAKA]

Meditating on the text. Mac daddy 🙏🏼

[@mskimrn9636]

I love his teaching.

[@TheThinkInstitute]

Wow, what an aesthetic. Is this somewhere at the seminary?

[@timothyromang9837]

MacArthur always can count on him, to help you understand God and His word better. How epic is that setup btw, I wanna sit in there and read all day.

[@jasonbrandtcomposer]

Does anyone happen to know what MacArthur's favorite commentaries are? He said there's maybe a dozen commentaries he uses. Thanks!

[@Eternityawaits3579]

❤️

[@ssm1732]

He is the Paul of our times. May God bless him to continue with his teaching. Amen

[@Iknowaboutroaches3350]

What? Are you crazy? Are you Seriously comparing this man who lives a life of comfort in a million dollar California mansion to the Apostle Paul, who was beaten and suffered so much for Jesus? Are you seriously doing that?

[@Dewdaahman]

Inspiration is first..

[@UCGC]

How can anyone downvote this? This is good!!

[@apilkey]

All I heard at the start was, “I, I, I, I, I.” No mention of prayer at all. @1:54 to help him to know what the text means he goes straight to fallen man instead of the Holy Spirit. Not even a mention of him spending time in prayer and asking God to show him His truth. Wow.

[@gracenmercy579]

Who are you to judge?

[@apilkey]

@@gracenmercy579 I’m not not judging I’m making a truth statement. That’s like me stating, “that car is blue” and you coming a long and saying, “who are you to judge..” 🤦‍♂️

[@Kman.]

@@gracenmercy579 Johnnie Mac spoke of MEDITATION, sure...but NOT a/thing about prayer. *EDIT...* You can't say, "It's a given and it's understood that prayer is involved". Hey...I'm sure he DOES pray, yet would you not mention that, ESPECIALLY since this is what the interview was all about?

[@saved6655]

Do you think you need to pray to have the spirit? Or do we walk in the spirit (gal 5:17). If you are a true Christian that statement is a ignorant one. Let’s be kind men of God. Mcarther has walked with the lord for a long time and is a beautiful expositor and it’s obvious he has the gift of teaching. Wether he believes in spiritual gifts still existing or not. God is bigger than that.

[@apilkey]

@@saved6655 He’s not a beautiful expositor of the word. He’s mishandled and perverted the word leading others astray for years in the false gospel of Calvinism. There’s nothing beautiful about Calvinism. It’s a withered tulip that’s rooted in men instead of Christ.

[@Elmimah]

♥♥

[@malachi00000007]

John MacArthur....the best explaining the scriptures in our time!!.....The Charles Spurgeon of our time!!!....

[@apilkey]

That’s not a good thing.

[@gracenmercy579]

@@apilkey if you don’t have anything nice to say please don’t say it, keep your opinions to yourself

[@gracenmercy579]

I agree with Fidel Linares

[@malachi00000007]

Aaron...I've been a believer for over 33 years now ...never heard anyone ( in our time) explain the scriptures like John MacArthur... how could you not agree with this... unless you don't know and love Scripture ....

[@apilkey]

@@malachi00000007 You’ve been deceived for over 33 years if you think Mcarthur preaches the truth. He’s a Calvinist and nothing about Calvinism is true. If you knew and loved scripture you would know this.

[@Kman.]

I should have added this to my comment moments ago... It would be nice to know HOW MUCH SPECIFIC TIME he gives to sermon prep, be it sitting forward or back.

[@rpireland6131]

Loved the idea - "With Science -you lean forward with Art you lean backward."

[@M82400L]

Where is this place? Ill take the Beef Wellington and the first Vol. of Ante Nicene Fathers while I wait...

[@robertbird6387]

😂

[@Unvinrenefaw]

finding ways to understand the text.....that was what I took away from interview.

[@PilgrimInProgress]

That Pitt Minion tho.

[@dave.h4075]

This could probably be expressed a lot better but that background lighting is ninja!

[@marianng3920]

He is just “the best.”

[@jesusofafrica7284]

So how long does he spend preparing every week?

[@TheSalem1003]

Just build by the Holy Spirit! The letter kills, the Spirit gives life!

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

Absolutely !

[@angelaarmstrong6405]

I can never get enough of John MacArthur sermons and his books. I’ve learned so much from him…🙏😍🎚Because he is all about the word of our Lord. He’s in it for the truth. His sermons are not about him it’s all about what is written in the Bible. Thank you Mr MacArthur 🎚🙏😍

[@oterosocram25]

Very clever, Opening Thesis and Introduction should be the last thing created on sermon preparation.

[@msairhead9115]

So it is all about explaining the text?

[@apostlewilliam3012]

Isaiah 28:13 KJV But the word of the Lord was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

[@ShepherdMinistry]

Which commentary’s does he trust?

[@fallingcoconut9556]

Hi i need help if anyone can guide me just got a lot of questions about the university if anyone goes to the University please leave a comment

[@stephenfiore9960]

1x(6/26/21)... Done

[@bobreese4807]

Hey readers of this thread.., have you read the whole bible once in your life??

[@ashura3659]

How should young call elders ? In western or eastern culture

[@crosscarrierministries]

The Michael Jordan Of Preachers 🙏🏽

[@muddyboots7753]

Out of all the preachers out there I thank the Lord for introducing John MacArthur into my life. Thanks to him I am tracing back the roots of our Bible through Jones, Spurgeon, Edwards, Calvin and Paul.

[@courtneystandridge387]

I need someone to pray for me i have a addiction to cigarettes and I have a mental illness please pray for me 😭🙏

[@JeremyRichard82]

Through Gnosticism.

[@jesusislord7526]

Where is John?

[@steveh6367]

The first thing you should do is pray and ask God what He wants you to feed people with. What good is it, unless you teach the people, repentance and the fear of the Lord? Judgment at the door. Look at the world. Teach people to be ready for his return.

[@jtfairchild3838]

Precept upon precept...Line upon line ..here a little there a little

[@noepena8004]

Mas oh menos

[@waxworse]

Revelation 14: 9And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, 10The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: 11And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

[@kLb780]

I know it's just me... but I find it disrespectful hearing the interviewer referring to Pastor John as, "Mac". At least say John or something a bit more respectful. But it's just a personal preference thing; I have a weird high respect for all elders/senior people in the church.

[@robertbird6387]

The interviewer is a long time associate pastor and often times guest speaker at Grace Community Church where John MacArthur pastors. I think they’re probably old friends and that’s just his way of referring to him. I’ve even heard John say before that he doesn’t stand on ceremony. He says it’s why he doesn’t sit on the platform at his church, but in the congregation and why he prefers to be called ‘John’ instead of reverend, etc.

[@Iknowaboutroaches3350]

Oh get real.

[@jorgealberto1983a]

Anyone else writing ✍️ this down.. 🤣😂

[@angelaarmstrong6405]

Scripture interprets scripture! Wow!! ✍️ yes !🙏

[@immediatelyafterthetribula9574]

By mixing leaven with the dough every single time