BIBLICAL PREACHING
Introduction Preaching is one of the main uses of Biblical interpretation The focus is on expository preaching, where the main idea of the sermon is derived from the meaning of the text The principles discussed are applicable to teaching as well
References: Haddon Robinson, Biblical Preaching This book is a thorough, step-by-step approach to developing an expository message Jonathan McClintock, Life Preaching This books is written by a UPCI minister which covers the topic in a more conversational style with interviews of well-known ministers of the organization
Stages
1. Choose the passage to be preached Thoughts may arise from: Reading or study of the Bible Reading other books (or sermons) Listening to preaching Prayer
Life experiences of the preacher E.g. Fred Hyde developed a message from receipt from a fast food restaurant: When your order is ready, your number will be called Life experiences of the congregation The Christian calendar or special days of the year
Thoughts will lead to the passage which aligns with the thought (if the thought does not arise from the passage in the first place). But this must be validated by study of the passage. Noticed a book title Surprised by Joy by C.S. Lewis. But thought that often in the Bible people are surprised by grace. In particular, John the Baptist was surprised (did not anticipate) the focus of the ministry of Jesus Christ (Luke 7:19f).
2. Study the passage The meaning of the words From the original language From the grammatical context as well as the use of the word in other passages From consideration of the genre The larger unit of text containing the passage The book containing the passage The historical, cultural and geographical context
The main tools: A lexicon (e.g. Mounce's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old & New Testament Words or Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words) A concordance (to search for the occurrence of the Greek or Hebrew word, e.g. Blue Letter Bible) Commentary (both for introduction to the book [for context] and for word meanings, syntax and relevant theological issues) Bible dictionary and Bible handbook (for introduction to book and for unfamiliar terms e.g. ephod)
3. Discover the main idea of the passage (the exegetical idea) Must include both a subject and a complement The subject answers the question: What am I talking about? (usually not one word) The complement answers the question: What am I saying about what I am talking about? The subject and complement together form the main idea
Examples: Rom 5:1 The consequence of being justified by faith (subject) is peace with God (complement) Jude 3 The faith that was once delivered to the saints (subject) must be earnestly contended for (complement) Acts 2:38 Obedience to the gospel (subject) includes repentance, water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and receiving the Holy Spirit (complement) John 10:2-5 By knowing the voice of the shepherd (subject) the sheep will not be lead astray by strangers
What is the subject and complement of the following passages? Matt 5:14-16 Gal 1:6-9
4. Develop the main idea One way to do this is to submit your passage idea to three developmental questions: What does it mean? Is it true? What difference does it make? Another is to ask: who, what, when, where and why
5. Formulate the main idea for the sermon (the homiletical idea) State the main idea of the passage in a way that communicates with your audience May be identical to the main idea of the passage if it a broad principle Otherwise should be state in words that are more familiar and applicable to a contemporary audience
For example: Rom 5:1 When we are considered right in God s eyes because of our faith in him, we will know what it is like to be a friend of God Jude 3 We must strive to hold on to the original preaching and teaching of the apostles Acts 2:38 (Same as the main point of the passage) John 10:2-5 When we develop a relationship with Jesus, we are able to discern when he is speaking to us through is Word and we will not be deceived by others with contrary ideas
What is the homiletical idea for the two passages discussed above? Matt 5:14-16 Gal 1:6-9
6. Determine the sermon s purpose What is the sermon intended to achieve (the end result)? What do you want your audience to do or know? understand a Biblical concept develop a closer walk with God repent be encouraged to trust God in a time of need
The purpose should guide the structure of the sermon and the conclusion The overall picture I keep in my mind when I m working on a sermon is what the end result of every sermon is: to elicit a response to get people to do something. When you keep this firmly in mind, it moves you toward that moment when you ask the audience to respond. (Interview with Jerry Jones in Life Preaching)
7. Outline the sermon The structure can either be deductive, inductive or a combination of both A deductive approach states the main idea in the introduction and expands on through each of the main points An inductive approach has each of the main points leading up to the main idea in the conclusion
From Biblical Preaching, p. 117
The structure should be chosen to best accomplish the purpose
8. Fill in the outline (including illustrations)
9. Prepare the introduction
10. Prepare the conclusion