The MacArthur Masterclass

Austin Duncan, chair of the pastoral studies department at The Master’s Seminary, teaches you how to prepare and preach any expository sermon. Anyone, from experienced pastors to aspiring students of the craft, will benefit from this free masterclass.

Learn how John MacArthur Preaches

For more than a half-century, John MacArthur has preached thousands of expositional sermons. These 10 lectures examine how he builds his messages and what any preacher must do to preach a God-honoring, expository sermon.

Instructor: Austin Duncan
Class Length: 10 video lessons (2 hours 7 minutes)

Episode Overview

Below is a description of all 10 episodes of the MacArthur Masterclass. Together, they walk you through the sermon building process, from exegesis to exposition. Each episode includes a series of application questions to help you apply the lesson and practice the sermon building process.

1. What is Expository Preaching?

In this first episode, Austin Duncan explains what an expository sermon is and how it’s distinct from other kinds of preaching. You’ll also learn why it is the premier form of preaching.

2. Who Can Be an Expositor?

God reserves the high privilege of expository preaching for those with the right character. This episode outlines what the Bible says, particularly in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, is the necessary character and requirements of those who would be expositors.

3. Analyze the Text

What is the text saying? That’s the first question every preacher must ask as he sets out to craft an expository sermon. This episode shows you what you’re looking for, and what you need to accomplish, during the first step of the sermon building process.

4. Structuring the Sermon

You may understand every detail of the text and say true and helpful things about the Christian life, but if your sermon has no structure, your audience will struggle to understand the meaning of God’s perfect Word. This episode shows you the key tenets of sermon structure.

5. Gettting the Meaning Right

John MacArthur often says “the meaning of Scripture is Scripture.” In other words, God’s Word is found in a true understanding of what God’s Word means. This episode shows you how John MacArthur makes sure he understands the text’s meaning and how you can be confident you’re getting the meaning right as you prepare your sermon.

6. The Sermon's Intent

Once you understand the text’s meaning, you next need to figure out what your sermon is about. Only then can you show your audience what the Bible’s timeless truth is and what it means for their lives.

7. Outlining the Sermon

To make sure your audience understands Scripture’s timeless truth, you need a clear, effective outline. Learn how John MacArthur outlines his sermons and find out how you can organize your sermon’s content.

8. Introductions and Conclusions

All sermons have a beginning, middle, and end. Not all have an intentionally crafted start and finish. This episode helps you grab your audience’s attention, understand them importance of your sermon, then help them remember it long after it’s finished.

9. Illustrations

Every sermon, no matter the text or content, needs illustrations. They serve a critical function in the message, bringing light and clarity on God’s truth. This lecture shows you what an illustration is, along with why and how expositors must use them.

10. Application

The last step of the sermon building process is applying God’s truth to God’s people. This episode examines Pastor John’s approach to application and shows you how to apply truth the right way.

In this Masterclass You’ll Learn How To...

Exegete the Text

A sermon may be clear, well-organized, and compelling, but if it doesn’t explain the meaning of a text of Scripture, it’s not an expository sermon. This class will show you how to get the meaning right every time you prepare to preach.

Exposit the Truth

The preacher’s primary job is to explain the text’s true meaning to the audience. These 10 lectures will help you clearly and accurately proclaim the truth you learned during the exegetical process.

Organize Your Sermon

Every exegetical sermon needs structure. In these classes, you’ll learn how to organize your content in a way that is engaging to your audience while remaining faithful to the text’s original meaning.

Access the Masterclass Free of Charge

This Masterclass is free of charge. Fill out the brief registration form and you’ll have access to all 10 lectures.