It is okay to get inspiration from another pastor’s sermon to convey the message that God lays on your heart. Since there is nothing new under the sun, there is not a message that has not been duplicated somewhere along the line. So, if God has given you a message and you use parts of other people’s material, you are okay as long as you are true to the God’s message, and you do not pass the work off as your own.
1. Don’t Let the Material “Use” You
Before you use someone else’s sermon, you should pray that you remain true to what God would have you say. When using someone else’s material, it is easy to get off subject and go in a direction you had not intended. You can hear things that sound good and “touch” your heart, but it might not even be close to what you have been moved to say. The Devil would have you off subject or become a reactionary instead of being proactive. Pray that you use the material and the material does not use you.
2. Check the Scripture and Doctrine
When looking for appropriate material to use, it is most important that you look for the scripture the material evokes. They may be using Scripture unjustly to support their religious hobby horse. Or they may be using a Scripture that is out of context to the doctrine.
Doctrine is important. You must be careful when using someone else’s material that you don’t preach anything contrary to good doctrine. You know how the Devil works. He puts in a little bit of leaven to corrupt the whole lump.
3. Only Use Illustrations You Understand
When using illustrations from someone else, you must be sure to read every bit of them to be sure you understand them correctly. If you do not get it, then the hearers certainly will not get it as well. If they are historical illustrations, you should be reasonably sure they are accurate. Verify them, or use them in the area of subjectivism.
4. Write Your Own Conclusion
It is always a good idea to write out your own conclusion because it should be tailored to the needs of the people in your church. It does no good to conclude with a message all about young people if your church is filled with old saints.
Your conclusion should also include an invitation to accept Christ as Saviour, get baptized, or be prayed over. Review the invitation from the material you are using. If it asks who wants to be baptized with the Holy Ghost and speak in tongues, then you better change it. It is better to correct doctrine than it is to deal with confusion.