Practicing the way of Jesus is more like learning a martial art than studying for a biology exam.

It’s more “wax on, wax off” and less PowerPoint presentation.

Yet, how often do we hear sermons that end like a lecture or TED Talk?

But the way you end your sermon matters. If your goal is to inspire people to be doers of the Word and not just hearers, to obey what Jesus commanded instead of merely memorizing it, then you need to understand how people change—and how to end your sermons accordingly.

So, how do people change?

Dallas Willard’s Renovation of the Heart offers a simple framework: VIM—which stands for Vision, Intention, and Means.

Let me break that down for you:

1. Vision

People first need a vision of what’s possible. They need to see what kind of person they can become, what kind of life Jesus invites them into. Without this vision, change feels distant and unattainable.

2. Intention

Once the vision is in place, there must be an intention to act. We can’t make that decision for them, but we can create space for the Holy Spirit to move and help people set their hearts on making a change.

3. Means

Finally, they need means—practical steps to follow through on their intentions. Whether it’s spiritual disciplines, small challenges, or simple action steps, people need a concrete way to apply the teaching to their lives.

Most sermons do a great job of providing the vision and inspiring the intention. But where many fall short is the means—giving people the practical, tangible steps they can take to live out the teaching.

This is where transformation happens.

Jesus understood this. In the Sermon on the Mount, He didn’t just lay out theology. He ended His teachings with what Glen Stassen calls “transforming initiatives”—small, practical steps for His listeners to act on.

For example, when Jesus teaches about anger, He doesn’t just unpack the issue. He gives a concrete next step: “If your brother has something against you, leave your gift at the altar, go and be reconciled.”

It’s a specific, doable step tied directly to the teaching. Jesus gives them the means to put His words into practice.

This is what we need to do in our sermons—move beyond just inspiration and give people practical, specific ways to apply the teaching.

So, as you prepare for your next sermon, don’t just aim to inform. Aim to transform.

What’s one practical step you can give your people?

It could be as simple as a conversation to have, a verse to memorize, or a challenge to take on during the week. The key is making it achievable and tied directly to the teaching. Without these steps, the world will provide its own agenda, and your congregation will be swept along by the currents of culture.

Paul’s words in Romans 12:2 remind us: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

This transformation doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when we replace worldly patterns with the practices of Jesus.

Your people are being formed every day by the world. If we don’t give them steps to practice the way of Jesus, they will default to the steps the world gives them.

So here’s your challenge:

As you craft your next sermon, think about how you can weave in vision, intention, and means. Give your congregation the tools they need to live out the message, not just hear it.

What if your sermons didn’t just inform minds but transformed hearts?

Imagine preaching a sermon where you see transformation happening in real time. Hearts softening, eyes opening, and lives changing—not just because of the words you say, but because of the power behind them.

It’s not just about delivering the right message; it’s about communicating with authority that stirs souls and moves people to action.

This kind of impact doesn’t happen by chance—it can be learned.