HOMILETICS MANUAL
Good Professor, Ph.D.
Professor
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COURSE SYLLABUS
Course : Bachelor of Science in Theology (BST) 3rd year
Bachelor of Science in Christian Education (BSCE)
Subject : Homiletics
Code : TH 175
Units : 3
Schedule : Wednesday 1:00-4:00 PM
School Year : 1st Semester 2021-2022
Professor :
E-mail :
Phone :
I. Course Description
This course provides a balanced presentation of the background,
theological framework and guiding principles in homiletics.
II. Objective
1. To lay the Theological foundation, Biblical Framework and Guiding
Principles in Homiletics.
2. To introduce the students to the basic elements of good sermon
construction.
3. To initiate practice in the skills of preparing sermons.
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4. To increase awareness of delivery and language skills in preaching.
5. To provide an opportunity to test preaching skills.
III. Course Requirements
1. Preach two (2) expository sermons and submit a sermon outline in
PowerPoint for each sermon.
2. Submit three (3) sermon analysis
3. Submit a 1 year preaching calendar
4. Evaluate classmates preaching
5. Attendance
6. Quizzes
7. Mid-Term and Final Exams
IV. Grading System
1. Attendance 15%
2. Participation 15%
3. Assignment 20%
4. Examination 20%
5. Preaching 30%
Notes: Each student will be expected to preach one full sermon in the class. The
sermon must not be less than 20 minutes but not more than 40 minutes.
Each student shall submit his complete sermon manuscript to the
professor before the delivery. Speakers for the day should wear proper
attire. (Polo Barong, Barong, or Long or Short Sleeves with necktie.)
Seven hundred pages of reading with notes from any of the
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textbooks/references given by the professor are required. The notes shall
be submitted two weeks before the end of the semester.
V. Policy On Attendance
1. All Students must attend all the scheduled classes
2. No make-up classes/special quiz/exam shall be given to absentee students
3. Three absences = failed grade
4. 3 X 15 minutes late = 1 absent
Notes: There is no credit for attendance. Students pay for the privilege to attend
college and, therefore, are not rewarded just for showing up. The
professor will call the roll before class starts. Coming to class 10 minutes
after the roll call is considered late. If you are absent, it is your
responsibility to obtain class notes from a classmate. Understand that a
missed class activity and interaction cannot be replicated.
VI. Students’ Responsibilities
1. Come to class on time
2. Attend all classes and participate in the class discussions
3. Listen attentively to the class lectures and always take notes
4. Observe courtesy and respect to the views and opinions of the
professor and classmates
5. Meet seat works and assignment deadlines
6. Cell phones must be in silent mode during class sessions
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VII. Text Books / References
1. Biblical Preaching – Haddon W. Robinson
2. Preaching and Preachers – D. Martin Lloyd Jones
3. Biblical Preaching for Today’s World – Lloyd M. Perry
VIII. Recommended Readings
• Biblical Hermeneutics for Effective Preaching – AnacletoCarag
• Christ Centered Preaching – Bryan Chapell
• The Supremacy of God in Preaching – John Piper
• Preach the Word – Dennis Lane
• The Preacher and His Preaching – Alfred P. Gibbs
• Handbook of Preaching – N.M. Van Cleave
• Step by Step – Cary Perdue
• Preaching with Purpose – Jay E. Adams
• A Practical Guide to Sermon Preparation – Jerry Vines
IX. Course Syllabus
A. Introduction 7
B. How to be effective 8
C. Areas of Homiletics 13
D. Homiletical structure 20
I. Text 20
II. Subject/Topic 23
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III. Title 24
IV. Theme 26
V. Introduction 29
VI. Proposition 31
VII. Discussion 32
a. Divisions 33
b. Sub-divisions
. Explanation 41
. Argumentation 42
. Illustration 43
. Quotation - Rhetorical processes 42
. Application 44
VIII. Conclusion 46
IX. The Preacher 73
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A. Introduction
Preaching the word of God is among the greatest privileges entrusted to
man. It is also one of his greatest responsibilities.
Through the foolishness of preaching (I Cor. 1:21), God has chosen to
reveal Himself to men. This knowledge of God, conveyed through preaching, is
able to lead men to eternal salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
It is also able to transform them into the image and likeness of God. (II
Cor. 3:18)
The art of preaching is called “HOMILETICS,” derived from the Greek
word homileo and homilia, which men to be in company with, i.e., to converse
and communicate.
.Acts 20:11 – is based on homileo (preached – homileo)
.Rev. 1:3 – blessing of teaching and hearing.
.Homiletics
- Involves the study of everything related to the art of preaching sermons.
Good sermons (communication) are birth out of good communion
(companionship) and fellowship.
- The art (requires skill, ability, knowledge) and science (systematic
formula) of preaching.
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.Two (2) Divine aspects involved in preaching:
1. Divine – you are to communicate divine truth. (God)
2. Human – used as instrument in communicating divine truth.
Note: Homiletics is the study of the human aspects.
Preaching - is the art of communicating divine truth through human
personality.
B. How to be effective.
- He receives truth from God and communicates it effectively to
men.
- God gives the revelation and men provides the presentation
1. Wait on God.
- He must learn bow to wait on God.
- The preacher must learn how to be still in the presence of God, and discern
the voice of the Lord speaking within his own spirit.
- Every worthwhile sermon begins in the heart and mind of God, who is the
source of all truth.
- He is the fountain of all knowledge.
- The effective preacher’s first task is to learn to receive the thoughts of God.
- Rarely will he ever hear an audible voice of God.
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- Divine truth will distill quietly in his spirit like the morning dew.
- The prospective preacher must wait patiently in the presence of God.
- There he will receive the precious thought and truths that God is always
willing to share with those who seek Him diligently.
- It is good to make a habit of spending time in God’s presence.
- Set aside some portion of everyday to enter the presence of God and wait
patiently on Him.
- You will soon learn how to perceive the voice of God speaking quietly in
your spirit.
- We should not enter God’s presence with the sole idea of getting a sermon.
- We need to enter God’s presence firstly to expose ourselves regularly to the
scrutiny and counsel of God.
- We should allow truth an opportunity to have its effect on us before we
endeavor to share it with others.
Note: Wait on God through prayer, fasting and quiet time.
2. Study the Bible.
- Ideally, the preacher should come before God with his Bible in hand.
- Make time to sit quietly and patiently before God in this way.
- Ask for illumination and inspiration n His word.
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- Prayerfully seeks out the counsel, wisdom and instructions of the Lord in
His word.
- Spread out the Bible before you and read it in His presence.
3. Keep a notebook
- A notebook in which to record the thoughts and ideas that come to your
mind in these times of quiet waiting is essential.
- It is amazing how quickly one may forget the most wonderful truth, if the
thought is not recorded while it is fresh in your mind.
- Practice writing down every significant thought which comes to mind as
you prayerfully read the scriptures.
- If a theme suggests itself to you, follow it through as far as you can, and jot
down everything you can on the subject.
- In this way, you will soon develop a good source of sermon material.
- Read through the notebook every once in a while.
- The thoughts will begin to expand in your heart.
- You will find that some themes will occupy your mind for weeks,
expanding continually as you meditate on them.
- Get the habit of talking to the Lord about His Word.
- Eph. 1:17 – Ask the Holy Spirit of revelation.
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4. Be cleansed by the Word.
- Try to avoid the attitude that seeks a word from God so that you can preach
about it on Sunday morning.
- So not always be looking for spiritual bullets that you can fire at someone.
- Recognize the primary need of your heart and let God deal with that need.
- One of the traps that preachers can fall into is this: they are so intent on
finding food for their congregation that there own spiritual welfare is
neglected. (Songs of Solomon 1:6)
- II Tim. 2:6
B. Two (2) false ideas about Homiletics
1. Preparation unnecessary.
- The first mistaken idea is that preparation is unnecessary and
indicates a lack of faith.
- People who take this view tend to feel that real faith disdains any
attempt to prepare the mind, and merely stands before the people
– believing that God will then supply the words to speak. (Ps.
81:10)
- There undoubtedly is a place for inspiration, but there is also a
valid place for preparation.
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2. Human ability is enough.
- The second mistake goes almost to the other extreme.
- In this instance, a complete confidence is placed in preparation and
ability.
- There is little or no dependence on the Holy Spirit, but a self confidence
which is the result of training and the development of natural ability.
- Such training can certainly produce a very interesting and convincing
talk.
- However, it is only the anointing of the Spirit on the message that can
Minister the life of God to the people.
- The truth is that an effective ministry needs both the divine and human
aspects.
- God can certainly bless and anoint thoughts, which have been diligently
prayed over and carefully considered.
- Let your preparation consist of thoughtful preparation and earnest
prayer.
- Determine to be the very best you can, but make sure your confidence is
in God and not yourself.
- Always trust Him for His essential anointing and blessing on your
preaching.
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C. Four (4) areas of Homiletics.
1. Concept
.This has to do with obtaining the original theme for the message.
.It is the art of knowing how to receive a message from God.
.It deals with how to vet the initial idea and theme for a sermon.
.A seed-thought is sown in the mind.
.As you meditate on the word, there comes an inner quickening
of a particular aspect.
.Something suddenly lights up for you.
.A sense of excitement is aroused with in you.
2. Composition
.Having received inspiration on a particular truth, you must now begin to
analyze it to discover all which that truth contains.
.Your notebook is important right here.
.As you prayerfully meditate, write down carefully every thought that
comes to mind.
.At this stage, you may simply make a list of every idea that your subject
suggests to you.
.You frequently need to write very quickly to keep abreast of the flow
of inspiration you are getting.
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.Just make sure you get everything down on paper.
.You can sort it all out later.
3. Construction
.Having exhaustively analyzed your subject material and listed every
aspect of truth you can find with in it, you must now begin to assemble
those thoughts in an orderly fashion.
.Getting the material into some proper sequence will help you enormously
in this regard.
.It will also assist you greatly in your presentation of the subject to others.
.If your presentation is all jumbled up, it makes it very difficult for people
to absorb your message.
.Sermon construction aims to make it as simple as possible for your
listeners to grasp.
.This is the essence of sermon construction.
4. Communication
.The presentation of the message.
.The clear ad effective communication of the truth.
- A preacher is a communicator.
.How to present your subject in a manner which will captivate the
minds of your hearers.
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.How to develop your thoughts in such an orderly manner that your
audience can easily follow the line of truth you are seeking to convey.
.How to motivate your listeners to appropriate actions, for we are to be
doers of the word and not hearers only. James 1:22
D. Three (3) types of sermon preparation.
1. The written sermon.
- This is a method, which demands a great deal of time in
preparation.
- It involves very copious notes.
- Sometimes the whole message is written out beforehand.
- The preachers know exactly what he wishes to say and how he
wants to say it.
- Every thought is written out in full.
2. Skeleton-type notes
* This is the most commonly used method, and the one which I
feel is the most effective.
- Notes are kept to a minimum, affording sufficient outline of the
message to prompt the memory.
- The brief notes form the skeleton of the messages.
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- They are the bones, which give shape and structure to what the
preacher desires to say.
- As he speaks, he puts flesh on the bones and a body to his
sermon.
- He amplifies the thoughts that his brief notes have stimulated.
- This method allows the preacher much more flexibility.
- He is not tied to his notes so much.
- He is more open to the inspiration that will often come to him
while he is actually preaching.
3. The extemporary sermon.
- This style of reaching is spontaneous, and usually presented without
notes at the time of delivery.
- The subject is often given a good deal of careful thought beforehand, and
the mind and heart are filled with the vital aspects of the message.
- This style is often used to deliver the more inspirational type of a
sermon.
- Evangelistic messages can be presented very effectively in this way, the
sermon flows from the heart and often carries a strong emotional
involvement.
- This kind of preaching can be exciting and stimulating when presented
by a capable and experienced preacher.
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- The word “sermon” has its origin in a Latin word, which means a stab
or a thrust.
- This indicates the purpose of it – to pierce the hearer with “the sword
of the spirit which is the word of God (Eph. 6:17)
Sermon
– It is a form of discourse on scripture truth, designed to save or edify
the hearer.
- A speech spoken in behalf of, or in the name of God.
- An oral address to a general audience, with a view to unfolding,
elaborating and enforcing scriptural truth.
- It is an oral address to the popular mind, upon scriptural truth
contained in the Bible, elaborately treated and with a view to
persuasion.
Five (5) points:
1. It is an oral, or spoken address.
.It is not something to be read by an audience, but heard by it.
.This, of course, necessitates that it be spoken sufficiently loud and
enunciated so clearly that all can hear distinctly. (Neh. 8:8)
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2. It is to the popular mind.
.Therefore it should be couched in language which can be
understood by all present.
.”Words” easy to be understood should be used to convey the
message. I Cor. 14:9
3. It is upon scriptural truth contained in the Bible.
.The preacher has not been sent to reconstruct society, but to
regenerate it, and this can only be accomplished through the preaching
of the living Word.
4. It is elaborately treated.
.The scripture truth is closely examined in relation to its context, the
passage is carefully analyzed, and the real meaning of its words
explained, its truth illustrated and the lesson applied in a logical
intelligent and edifying manner.
5. It is a view to persuasion.
.The supreme goal of the preacher is to gain the attention and win the
hearer to an acceptance of, and obedience to the truth that has been
presented.
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.It should be the preacher’s aim to see that the hearer is not merely
almost persuaded but altogether persuaded to accept the truth.
(Acts 26:28-29). However eloquent, logical and orderly the sermon
may be, it has missed its mark if it fails to move the audience for God.
Someone has pointed out that if we remove the initial letter of the
word preach we have the word reach. If the initial letter this word is
removed, we have the word each.
.Preach
.Reach
.Each
.Thus to preach is to present the truth that it will reach each
person in the audience.
.The Structure of the Sermon:
.The sermon has been likened to a bridge which spans the gulf that
separates ignorance from knowledge indifference from knowledge unbelief from
faith and inaction from decision.
It is the preacher’s business to bridge this gulf by means of his sermon and
conduct the hearer safely across. The approach to the bridge, on the hearer’s side,
we may call the introduction. The body of the sermon, or the discussion, forms
the main structure of the bridge, with each division as a supporting column. The
near side of the bridge is the conclusion, or the application, by which the hearer
conducted to the ground on which the preacher stands.
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Homiletical Structure / Outlining:
1. Text - that is, the portion of scripture to be considered.
2. Subject/ Topic
3. Title
4. Theme - or the subject to be discuss
5. Introduction
6. Proposition
7. Discussions - the body of the address, consisting the main divisions or
points.
a. Body/Divisions
b. Sub-divisions
8. Conclusion
9. The Preacher
1. THE TEXT
- It is derived from the Latin “textus” which means something
woven.
- Scripture passages from which the sermon is taken.
- May consist of a verse or more.
• For instance, see the word texture.
• It denotes therefore the web of the discourse.
• We speak of the text of scripture.
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• By this we mean all the words of Holy Spirit.
• Thus any part of the Bible selected for exposition is called the text.
.The Interpretation of the text:
. The process of ascertaining the mind of the writer.
.What did the writer mean to convey?
• Once this has been discovered, the interpretation will be clear.
• One can therefore easily realize how vitally important it is to
discover the true interpretation of the text.
• A sermon may be homiletically correct, but if its interpretation
is wrong, it is not only failure, but becomes a menace to the
hearer.
Your approach to the Text:
1. Thoroughly digest its words.
- Read the text many times. Ponder it in your heart. Memorize it.
Speak it to yourself. Become thoroughly familiar with it.
2. Determine its language.
- Is it to be taken literally or is it intended to be figurative?
3. Analyze its Message.
- Separate it into three parts or more to discover how much this
verse contains and what it has to teach.
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4. Investigate the Words.
- Try to discover what the words were originally meant to convey.
- Is there any special significance attached to it?
- Did the writer have a special reason for using that word?
5. Discover its development.
- What line of truth was the writer trying to develop?
6. Consider its context.
- Biblical Context * What do the preceding verse say and what do
the following verses also say?
- Cultural Content * Did the culture of that time influence what
was written?
- Historic Content * When was this statement written? Do events
of that time of writing have specific bearing of
what was said?
- Geographic Context * Where was the writer when he wrote these
words? Where were the people to whom he
wrote? Does their geographical location have
any bearing on what was said?
- Total Biblical Context * Each part must be faithfully agree with the
whole (II Tim. 3:16)
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* It must be interpreted by what the whole
revelation of the entire Scripture and our
exposition of the text should always agree
with what the Bible as a whole teaches.
.In thinking of the interpretation of the text we must distinguish between
exegesis and exposition:
.Exegesis - refers to the discovery of the material
.Exposition - consist of the display of what has been discovered.
.Exegesis - comes from the Greek word that means to lead and guide.
.Exposition - from a Latin word, that means to place out.
Exegesis - draws out the hidden meaning
.Exposition - places that meaning out in logical, appropriate and
effective order.
.Exegesis - is the task of the commentator.
.Exposition - is the task of the preacher.
.Exegesis - is the discovery of the material for the sermon.
.Exposition - is the display of the material in the sermon.
2. Subject / Topic
- Broad, general area of truth that forms the basis for the sermon
- Main center of attention for the whole passage.
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Ex: Lk. 18:1-8 Prayer - Reasons why we need to pray
Mal. 3:10 Tithing - Blessings of tithing -Theme
I Cor. 13 Divine Love - Characteristics of Divine Love
Exercises: Provide the subject
1. James 1:24 Trials - Benefits of trials
2. Matt. 4:1-11 Temptation - How to overcome temptation.
3. Ex. 20:5 Sin - Sin of idolatry
4. I Thes. 5:1-3 Coming of Christ - The unexpected coming of
Christ.
Purposes of a Subject
1. To define the discussion for the preacher and limit for him.
2. It focuses the attention of the hearer on the main idea.
3. To keep the hearer and the preacher on track.
3. TITLE
- It is an expression of specific nature to be presented in sermon
stated in a manner may suitable for advertising the sermon.
- It is not enough to discover the theme of a passage of scripture,
draw up on outline of its main division and prepare a sermon on
it.
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• Some Principles that should guide in its selection:
a.) One should avoid the fantastical, and the ultra sensational.
Ex.The man in the moon.
b.) The title should not promise more than can be delivered in the address.
c.) The title should be designed so as to catch the eye, arouse the curiosity and
awaken the desire of the man in the street to hear a message on that particular
subject.
• Methods of stating the title:
a. It could be put in the form of an arresting question.
Example:
*After death –what?
*Where are the dead?
*Where is heaven?
*Who is the greatest man alive?
*What is the world’s greatest sin?
b. It can be stated in the form of common phrases.
Example:
*Your own business
*Stop, look, listen!
*Excuse me!
c. The title may also be expressed in terms of interesting topics such as:
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*God’s dynamite
*The unanswerable question
*Heavenly wedding
*The Great divide
d. The title could be suited to some special occasion:
*For Christmas day
*When God came to earth
*The Celestial anthem
*The Star-led pilgrimage
4.. THEME
- It is meant that part of the sermon, which defines the main truth
to be expounded from the text.
- It is the particular aspect of the subject that is being built with in
the Scripture passage.
- It directs the sermon.
- Is therefore, the most striking truth contained in the text, not
necessarily the whole subject matter of the text.
- It is a concise statement of the principal truth, which he proposes
to expound in his sermon.
- The theme is the discourse condensed; the discourse is the theme
unfolded.
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- Sometimes the theme is called the preposition, or statement.
Ways To Obtain a Theme:
1.) Add an interrogative word (How, why, what, where, when)
Subject Theme
Ex. Matt. 4:1-11 Temptation How to overcome?
Lk. 18:1-8 Prayer Why we should pray?
2.) Add a key word and the possessive of.
Subject Theme
I Cor. 13 Divine Love Characteristics of
Js. 1:2-4 Trials Benefits of
Mal. 3:10 Tithing Blessings of
3.) Add a Limiting Word
Subject Theme
Exo.20:5 Sin Sin of Idolatry (what kind)
I Cor. 13 Love Characteristics to Divine Love
.The choice of the theme:
The text: John 3:16
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The theme: The love of God is the ocean, from which the river of salvation
takes its source.
.In this theme, the emphasis is on the Love of God, and the outline, he
prepares will have this particular thought in view.
I. It is a Divine love - God
II. It is a super abounding love - so loved
III. It is an unmerited love - the world
IV. It is sacrificial love - that He gave … His Son…
V. It is an inclusive love - whosoever believeth
VI. It is a delivering love - not perish
VII. It is a bestowing love - have eternal love.
.The advantages of stating the theme:
.It is essential that the speaker should know what he is going to speak
about He should therefore be prepared, if necessary, to state this theme to
his audience, so that both speaker and hearer are aware of the subject to
be. discussed.
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5 .THE INTRODUCTION
- It is meant that part of the sermon, which leads us to the
discussion and thus prepares the audience for the main part of
the sermon, the discussion.
- Prepares the mind of the hearers and to catch their attention.
- The concern of the preacher here is to give an insight of the
sermon.
.The purpose of it:
a. To awaken the hearer’s interest in the subject that has
been chosen.
b. To enable the speaker to surmount the obstacles that
stand in the way of interest.
• Principles of preparing introduction:
1. General belief.
- Ex. Man – piling stones with in the crowd. He caught the crowd’s
attention. Sits and begin to preach.
2. Should be interesting
- The first minutes of the sermon are crucial because its either you
will lost or catch the attention of the hearer.
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- Ex. Moody – stone piling in the midst of the crowd.- sits and
preach.
3. It should lead to the dominant idea or central thought of the message.
• Instruments in making introduction:
1. Information
2. Challenging questions
3. Quotations
4. Cartoon reference
Ex: Archie (love sincere)
5. Personal observation
6. Humorous incident
7. Definition
8. Comparison
9. Discovery
Ex: The sun rises after the rain so with the heart after the pain
10. An experience
11. Dramatic description
Ex: Zaccheus (Rekindling the first love)
12. Statement to the problem
13. Current events
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14. Proverb
15. Poem
6. PROPOSITIONS
- The main sermon reduced to one sentence
- Simple declarations of the subject, which the preacher proposes to
discuss, develop, prove, explain, illustrate and clarify.
Importance of Propositions:
1. It is the foundation of the entire structure of the sermon.
2. It clearly indicates the course of the sermon.
Example:
Isa. 55:7 “Let the wicked forsake his ways and the evil man his
thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord and he will have mercy on him,
and to our God, for he will freely pardon.”
Subject: Forgiveness
Theme: Aspects of Divine Forgiveness
Propositions: God forgives Sinner
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Principles in Making Proposition:
1. Should contain one main idea.
2. Should generally be expressed in the form of the timeless truth stated clearly
and firmly.
3. Should be stated as concisely as possible.
4. Should be connected to the main body of the discourse.
2 Kinds of Proposition:
1.) Declarative – declaring and asserting truth.
Ex: God pardons sinner.
2.) Hortatory – proposition of obligation
Ex: You must give your tithes.
7. DISCUSSION
- It is meant that part of the sermon, which presents the truth,
contained in the text and the theme.
• It is therefore the most important part of the sermon.
• It is that for which the text,
the theme
the introduction
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and the conclusion exists.
• The preacher may be likened to a builder and his sermon to the building he
wishes to erect in the hearer’s mind.
* For the building he needs a definite plan.
* His business, in the sermon, is to work out his plan in the
construction of the building.
* A foundation must first be laid and then, proceeding in orderly
sequence, the preacher builds until the structure is complete.
A. Divisions: The main section of the orderly discourse
The necessity for division in the discussion:
• Just as a building demands the 3-fold division of foundation, superstructure
and roof, so the discussion must have a definite order.
Nature itself can teach us in this matter. I Cor. 11:14
Time has three ( 3 ) distinct divisions:
a. Past
b. Present
c. Future
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Each day has its parts:
a. Dawn e. Evening
b. Morning f. Night
c. Noon
d. Afternoon
Life also can be classified in many divisions:
a. Babyhood e. Middle age
b. Childhood f. Old age
c. Youth
d. Manhood
The purpose of these division:
• These divisions of the sermon serve the same purpose as the skeleton of the
human body.
3- fold purpose of division:
a. They keep the speaker to his theme, and thus prevent him from
wandering into the field of fancy; or generalizing, by the hour, from
Genesis to Revelation.
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b. They tend to retain the attention of the audience, and make plain the
logical process of the preacher’s train of thought.
c. They help the memory.
Some rules governing the forming of these divisions:
a.) Each division should be clear and distinct from the other divisions.
b.) The sermon plan must possess 3 essential qualifications:
. It must have: * order
* movement
* progress
Value of Division:
To the Preacher
1. Promotes clarity of thought
2. Promotes unity of thought
3. Assist the preacher to the proper treatment of the subject.
4. Enable the preacher to remember the main points of the sermon.
To the Hearers
1. Divisions make the main point of the sermon clear to the congregation.
2. Assist the memory in recalling the main features of the sermon.
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Principles in Preparing Divisions:
1. The main divisions should grow out of the proposition with each division
contributing to the development of the proposition.
- Do not overlap division.
2. The main division should be arranged in progression form.
3. The main division should completely develop the preposition.
4. The main should not less than two and not more than five.
Example:
Title: The Greatest Shepherd
Text: Psalm 23:1
Theme: Facts Concerning the Lord as the Greatest Shepherd.
Subject: The Shepherd
Proposition: The Lord is the Greatest Shepherd
Introduction:Maybe illustration, quotation, stories.
Divisions:
I. Divine - “The Lord”
II. Present - “is”
III. Personal - “my” and “I”
IV. Sufficient - “I have everything I need”
“I will lack nothing”
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Example: Jn 3:16
I. God – The Greatest lover
II. So loved – Greatest act
III. The World – The greatest object
IV. That He gave – The Greatest expression.
V. His only begotten son – Greatest gift
VI. That whosoever – Greatest opportunity
VII. Believes in Him – Greatest simplicity
VIII. Should not perish – Greatest assurance
IX. But everlasting life – Greatest possession.
Examples: Division (Near Text)
Text: I John 2:15-19
Subject: Not Having the World.
Theme: Reasons why we should not love the world.
Introduction:
Proposition: We must not love the world.
I. God the Father forbids us.
II. It is impossible to love the world and God and the same time.
III. The world, and for all which it stands are passing away.
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Text: Rom 1:16
Subject: The Gospel of Christ
Theme: Facts about the Gospel of Christ.
Introduction:
Proposition:
I. The Source of the Gospel
II. The Subject of the Gospel
III. The Sufficiency of the Gospel
Sub-Divisions (Sub-points)
Principles in Preparing:
1. The Sub-divisions are derived from their perspective main division and
should be in a logical development.
2. Sub-divisions should be in parallel structure.
3. Limited in number.
Ex.1) Title: The Greatest Shepherd
Text: Ps. 23:1
Theme: Facts concerning the Lord as the Greatest Shepherd.
Subject: The Shepherd
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Divisions:
I. The Sheep’s Shepherd
a. Divine - “The Lord” *There must be an
b. Present - “is” understanding to
c. Personal - “My” the Sub-point
II. The Sheep’s Provision
a. Guidance * Think also for the right term
b. Protection you must use. Wide vocabulary
c. Comfort is needed. Things on the Sub-point
d. Satisfaction may not mentioned but it is
e. Restoration implied.
f. Rest
2.) Text: I John 3:22-24
Subject: Obedience
Theme: Benefits of obeying
Prop: Obedience is beneficial
Intro:
I. The Command v. 23
a. To believe in the name of Jesus Christ.
b. To love one another.
II. Benefits in obeying
a. Receive from Him anything.
b. We live in Him (presence)
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C. Rhetorical Process
- Discussion in the sermon
- Process used in elaborating your sermon.
Qualities of Discussion;
1. Unity
2. Proportion
3. Progression
4. Brevity
5. Clarity
6. Vitality – something that quickens interest.
• Never use words, which are unnecessary, unethical.
Sources of Discussion:
A. Bible
B. Other forms of literature
a. commentaries
b. devotional book (daily bread, hymnal)
c. dictionaries
d. books on people and customs
e. archeology
f. Christian biographies etc.
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g. Science book
h. Medical books
i. Current events
j. News paper
C. Experience (personal)
D. Observation
E. Imagination (sanctified)
Explanation
- One of the most important feature in the sermon.
a. Text (explain) - maybe a line of suggestion or your main verse.
*) Content - decontexualize
**) Correlate - with other scriptures
- parallel scripture
***) Application through the laws of grammar
- right words
- finding the etymology (root words)
- quote from other translation
- study the tenses
****) Historical and cultural background
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Argumentation
- Logical reasoning
- Forceful means of expanding the sermon
- Presentation of evidences through methodical reasoning
Ex: Christ’s resurrection (prove it by logical reasoning)
Methods of Argumentation:
1. Use of Scripture – “thus saith the Lord”
“It is written”
2. Reasoning (logical)
Ex: Joshua 24:15; Matt. 6:30
3. By means of testimony
4. Statistics
Quotations
1. Scripture text
2. Sayings (daily bread)
3. Proverbs
4. Statement from authoritative sources
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Illustrations – it is a means of throwing light upon a sermon by the use of
example.
- Windows of the sermon.
.Example:
.Parable
.Figure of speech
.Story
.Allegory
.Illustrations are not to be explained because they are the one’s to explain
and illustrates a truth from an idea.
.Example of illustrations:
1. Sacrifice – Living sacrifice (contribution versus sacrifice)
- Chicken (egg) and pig (meat) to sacrifice
- Chess – queen instead of the pone.
2. Don’t give way to the devil.
. Camel with the owner in the desert.
3. Love (sincere, loyalty) – Archie “My one and only love” give
4. Temperance/Model – 4 friends died – we get your wine,
we hope you don’t mind.
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5. Surrender of life – Karitela driver – horse not controlled –
“give to the one” “who is able”
(Driver full of problem asks advice)
Principles to be observed:
a. Use apt illustrations. -
appropriate
- use it on the right time.
b. Use illustration that are credible (news, experiences)
- truthful and factual
- accurate
- don’t change details if it is true to life.
c. Do not read illustration.
d. Do not explain illustration.
e. Use brief illustration.
f. Discriminate or segregate illustration.
- Don’t use dirty illustration.
- Don’t use irrelevant illustration.
Application– truth is brought here to bear directly and personally upon
individuals in order to persuade.
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- Must be specific not general.
- One of the most important element of the sermon.
- This process should always be present in the sermon.
Pre-requisite to effective application:
1. The preacher should be a man that lives closely to God.
2. The preacher must be well educated.
.a man of the word. – II Tim. 2:15
3. The preacher should have an understanding of human nature.
.sensitive discernment of their needs.
4. The preacher must be in complete dependence upon the working of
the Holy Spirit.
Principles for making the truth relevant:
1. Relate the sermon to basic human needs and problems.
.Example: Gen. 45:1-5
Theme: Forgiveness and the blessing it brings.
Application: God blessed Joseph because of his forgiving
attitude.
Do you want that those pain you have now will be turned into
blessing? (Naturally, they’ll positively response) – Forgive
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2. Make the application specific.
- One of the best technique in addressing ideas to the hearer is the
use of a question and the use of the right term.
Example:
1. Have you been wronged by a brother /sister?
2. Do your behavior proves that you are really a Christian?
3. Are you still struggling on things not so important?
4. Relate the truth to the times.
8. Conclusion – is called the application.
- The climax of the whole sermon in which the preacher’s one
constant aim reaches his goal in the form of a forceful impression.
- Never leave the sermon “hanging in the air”
- At the end of your sermon, the hearers must know what to do in
response to the message and by concluding you are to lead your
hearers to the way wherein they will do something out of it.
Forms of Conclusion
1. Recapitulation- “as I have presented to you the two blessings …”
2. Illustration- Isa. 45:22- Brazen Serpent
3. Application- “It is in forgiving that we are forgiven, we must then forgive our
offenses.
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Principles in Making Conclusion
1. Brief
2. Word should be simple and easy to understand/no high sounding
words.
3. Carefully and thoughtfully chosen.
a. strong, vivid reproduction of the leading thought of the sermon
b. quotation of the text
c. quotation from another verse
d. quotation from a poem/proverbs/hymn
e. forceful challenge
4. Should be expressed in an outline form of a few brief sentences of
phrases.
Some suggestions regarding it:
a. If short be short.
b. It should be varied.
.A hymn
.A verse
.A solemn incident
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Modes of Delivery
I. Reading – Probably all will agree that a good sermon read from manuscript
is better than a poor sermon preached extemporaneously.
Doubtless all will also agree that a good sermon preached, is better
than a good sermon read, or recited.
A. The advantages.
1. It necessitates the writing out of the entire sermon.
This is a splendid preparation for two reasons:
i. It disciplines the mind and compels the preacher to
express himself clearly and fully on his subject matter.
ii. It develops his ability as a writer, which is no mean
accomplishment.
2. There are occasions when the reading of a sermon is essential.
A. It is particularly useful when giving a radio address.
Reasons:
i. The necessary tie limit, which must be meticulously
observed, and then this is a matter of seconds.
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ii. The great need to make this precious time count to
the best advantage.
iii. The absence of a visible audience eliminates a great
deal of the inspiration that a seen audience supplies.
B. Writing is especially needful when giving some
particular definition, or of
C. Clarifying some mooted question which calls for an exact
statement; or of making some fine distinction on which a
great deal depends.
It would be a good thing for very preacher to write out his sermon, for it would enable
him to sympathize with the audience that will have to listen to it.
3. Many famous preachers have adopted this method.
B. The disadvantages:
1. Artificiality – it tends to make preaching a mechanical process.
2. Limitation – the reading of a sermon makes no provision for the fresh light
that often comes at the moment of speaking.
3. Failure to look at the audience – the reading of a sermon keeps the preacher’s
eyes on his hearers, and this is a fatal defect in any address.
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II. Recitation
By this is meant the memorization of one’s written manuscript and the
reciting of it, word for word, before an audience.
1. The advantages of it.
It aids greatly in developing the memory.
c. Recitation is a most useful thing when making an exact statement
regarding some misunderstood doctrine, or truth, before a
discriminating audience.
c. It is needed for the correct quotation of verses from the bible.
d. Recitation is essential for the repeating of the lines of a hymn, or a
whole poem.
2. The disadvantages of it.
a. Artificiality – the audience is treated to a polished address, in
perfect English, with well rounded periods, and
even oratorical flights: but somehow there is an
appreciable lack that only spontaneity of thought
and expression can give.
b. Limitation – it leaves no room for the inspiration of the moment,
or the Spirit’s leading for that particular audience.
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III. Extemporaneous
Is to speak without preparation, but it also includes the expression
of thoughts that have been the subject of much careful preparation.
1. The advantages of it.
a. The speaker can accustom himself to think more rapidly and with less
dependence on external helps.
b. The preacher can look at his audience.
2. The disadvantages of it.
a. The temptation to neglect prayerful and careful preparation.
b. It tends to prevent the excellent habit of writing.
Types of Sermon:
1. The Textual Sermon – this style is usually based on one relatively short
portion of scripture. In fact, as the name suggests, it usually concentrates on
one scripture text. It involves choosing an appropriate statement of scripture.
Then you investigate it, analyze it and discover all the truth in an orderly and
progressive manner that is easy for the hearer’s to assimilate.
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Example of outlines for Textual sermon:
Title: The Gospel in seven words
Text: Eph. 2:8 _ By grace are ye saved through faith
Theme: God’s salvation, which originates in His infinite grace, is made
good in Experience of the sinner on the simple condition of faith.
5 Main divisions:
I. By grace
II. Are
III. Ye
IV. Saved
V. Through faith
.Let us look at them closer:
I. By grace
.This surely indicates the source of salvation.
II. Are
.This denotes the present certainty of salvation.
III. Ye
.This defines the objects of salvation.
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IV. Saved
.This opens up the subject of the content of salvation, or what is
implied by term, saved:
V. Through faith
.This surely points out the medium by which this salvation is
received.
.Now let us take the 5 points one by one and enlarge:
I. The source of salvation: By grace
1. Its definition
(What is grace?)
2. Its origin – I Peter 5:10
(Where did it originate or come from?)
3. Its manifestation
(Through did it come?) – John 1:17; II Cor. 8:9
II. The certainty of this salvation: “Are”
1. It is a present salvation: Are saved not are going to be saved.
2. It is an assured salvation: “Are” – It is not hope to be, or
might perhaps be but are saved.
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3. It is a contrasted salvation: “Are”
Note: The words: Are lost – II Cor. 4:3; John 3:19
Two classes: .Are saved
.are lost
III. The objects of this salvation: “Ye”
.Whom are the ye spoken of? – Eph. 2:1-3
.They were at one time:
1. Dead in sins – v.1
2. Depraved through sin – v.2a
3. Deluded by Satan – v.2c
4. Disobedient to God – v.2c
5. Defiled by sin – v.3a
6. Darkened in mind – v.3b
7. Doomed because of sin – v.3c
IV. The content of this salvation: Saved
This word indicates a 3-fold deliverance of the believer.
1. From sin’s penalty – John 5:24
2. From sin’s power – Romans 6:14
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3. From sin’s presence at His coming – Rev. 21:27
V. The medium of this salvation: through faith
1. Faith’s definition – What is faith?
2. Faith’s object – Christ
3. Faith’s result - the salvation of the believer.
2. Topical Sermon – This type of sermon consists of choosing a certain subject, or
topic and then searching through all the scriptures to
discover what light can be thrown on the subject under
consideration.
For example, he may take the subject of justification. His aims would be,
firstly, to discover everything the Bible has to say on this enthralling subject.
He would then arrange all the scripture references and thought he gets into
an orderly format. He then develops his theme as fully and faithfully as
possible. His objective is to tell his audience everything they should know on
this important subject.
Title: Redemption
Text: Rom. 3:19-31
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Introduction:
The Bible is not a book of history, science, philosophy, or morals, etc.,
though all it says on these subjects is absolutely authoritative; but it is a
book devoted to the revelation of one Person: Christ, and the exposition of
one them:
Redemption.
I. Its meaning:
1. To buy back.
2. To ransom or deliver. (Exo. 13:13)
II. Its necessity:
1. Man is sold under sin. (Rom. 7:14; Isa. 52:3)
2. He is the slave of sin. (Rom. 6:16; John 8:34)
3. He is condemned through sin. (John 3:18; Rom. 3:19; Job 36:16)
4. He is helpless to deliver himself from sin. (Rom. 7:18-19; Eph.
2:1)
III. Its accomplisher: Christ
The Redeemer must possess at least four qualifications according to
Scriptures.
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1. He must have the will to redeem. Lk. 4:18; Mk. 10:45; Lk. 19:10
2. He must have the right to redeem. Lev. 25:48; Ruth 2:20; Heb. 2:14
3. He must have the power to redeem. Heb. 7:26; Lk. 5:24; Rom. 1:4;
Mt. 28:18
4. He must have the price to redeem. Heb. 9:22; Lev. 17:11; Gal. 2:20
IV. Its condition.
1. Faith in the fact of His redemptive work. Rom. 3:24, 25
2. Acceptance of the Redeemer’s Person as one’s own personal Savior.
John 1:12
3. Acknowledgement of the redeemer’s Ownership and Lordship.
Rom. 10:9-10
V. Its result.
1. Freedom from sin’s slavery. Gal. 3:13; 5:1; john 8:36; Rom. 6:18-22.
2. Forgiveness of sins. Eph 1:7; II John 1:9; col. 1:14; Acts 13:38
3. Justification before God. Rom. 3:24; 5:1
4. Peace with God. Col. 1:20; Rom. 5:1
5. Assurance from god. Lk. 1:77; I John 5:13
6. Godliness of walk with God. Titus 2;14
7. Heaven with God for eternity. Rev. 5:9
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3. The Typical Sermon – this is the art of uncovering and communicating truth,
which is hidden beneath the surface of the various types in the Bible.
.A type is a person
object
event which is prophetically symbolic of someone or something yet to
come.
Example:
. The Passover Lamb in Exodus is a type of Christ.
. Every detail of that paschal lamb spoke prophetically of the redemptive
role Christ would fulfill as the Lamb of God.
4. Biographical Sermon – is a life story of a person. Therefore this method
involves the study of the lives of the many characters we encounter in the
Bible.
.Choose a particular person. Read every reference to that person that occurs
in the Bible. Make notes of every thought that comes to mind.
.Begin to assemble those thoughts into chronological order-the order in which
they occurred:
. Study the birth of the person.
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. Consider the circumstances of his upbringing.
. Focus upon the dealings of God in his life.
. How did he react to God’s dealing?
. What did he learn from it?
. If he were a success in life, what made him successful?
. If his life ended in failure, where did he go wrong?
. What can we learn from his life?
Title: The life of Enoch
Text: Gen. 5:18,21-24; Heb. 11:5; Jude 14
Introduction.
Though Enoch is one of the best known characters of Scripture, yet his
biography is limited to four verses in the Old Testament and three in the New
Testament. Compare this with the ponderous times that describe the lives of
the worldly great.
I. His birth. Gen. 5:18
He was the 7th from Adam and was born 622 years after the fall. He
was therefore contemporaneous with Adam for over 300 years. Thus
he heard all about sin’s entrance, its judgment and God’s provision of
salvation from its penalty.
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II. His conversion. Gen. 5:22
1. The circumstances. (Job 33:14-24)
2. The result. He walked with God.
a. His previous walk was similar to that described in Eph. 2:2.
b. His present walk. Eph. 2:10; 4:1-3; 5:1-2,15
III. His walk or manner of life.
1. The implications of this walk.
Walking with God was no easier than now, and it implies at
least three things. Matt. 7:13-14
a. Reconciliation – Rom. 5:11
b. Harmony – Amos 3:3; I John 1:7; Deut. 23:14
c. Continuance. 300 years (cp. John 8:31)
2. The description of his walk. Titus 2:14
a. He walked with God before his family in the home. Gen.
5:22
b. He walked with God before the world. Jude 14
c. He walked with God in his own soul. Heb. 11:5; Phil. 3:8
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IV. His testimony.
He pleased God: Heb. 11:5-6
1. By his faith. Heb. 11:5-6
2. By his life. Col. 1:10; I Tim. 6:11
3. By his witness to the world. Jude 14; Matt. 10:32
V. His prophecy. Jude 14-15
1. His denunciation against false teachers.
2. His proclamation “The Lord cometh.” Here is the first prophecy
of Christ’s 2nd coming.
3. His condemnation. Verse 15
The absolute certainty of future judgment to be visited on;
a. The ungodly deeds.
b. The ungodly words.
c. Of ungodly sinners.
VI. His translation. Gen. 5:24; Heb. 11:5
1. The translation. Taken up into God’s presence without dying.
2. The type. The translation of the church (I Thess. 4:13-18)
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5. The expository sermon – by this method, we endeavor to expound the
meaning and truth contained in a particular passage of scripture.
.You may take a book of the Bible and explain the meaning of it chapter by
chapter. This may develop into a series of Bible studies that weeks or months to
complete.
Title: God’s righteous salvation:
Text: Romans 10:1-17
Theme: God’s salvation, based on perfect righteousness, is available to all
through faith in Christ as Savior, and acknowledgement of Him as Lord.
I. Paul’s passion towards. Verse 1
1. His passion. Rom. 9:1-3; I Cor. 9:22
2. His plea. Isa. 64:7; 27:5
II. Israel’s ignorance of it. verse 2 – 3
Four fatal things characterized Israel, which are true of many today.
1. Zeal without knowledge. Verse 2
2. Ignorance of God’s provision. Verse 3 (I Cor. 2:14)
3. Eagerness to establish their own righteousness. Verse 3
4. Refusal to submit to God’s righteousness. Verse 3
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III. Christ is the provider of it. verse 4
1. He came to fulfill the law. Matt. 5:17
2. He lived to magnify it. Isa. 42:21
3. He took the place of those who had come short of it. Rom. 3:23 Isa.
53:5-6
4. He endured the full penalty of God’s righteous judgment in our stead.
Gal. 3:13
5. Thus the claims of the law having been satisfied, righteousness, apart
from the law, has been provided. Verse 4; Rom. 3:20-21
IV. The scriptures contain the revelation of it. verses 5-8
1. The righteousness, which is of the law, is based on perfect obedience to its
demands. Verse 5; Gal. 3:10-11
2. The righteousness, which is of faith. Verse 6.
a. Bought by Christ. Verse 6-7
b. Brought near through the gospel. Verse 8
V. Faith is the condition of it. verse 9-10
1. There must be a heart admission of the truth of the gospel.
2. There must be a heart reception of Christ as savior.
3. There must be a heart submission to the Lordship of Christ.
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VI. Confession is the evidence of it. verse 11-12
1. This confession is scriptural. Verse 11
2. It is essential. Matt. 10:32-33
3. It is evidential. II Cor. 4:13; Mt. 13:34
VII. Salvation is the result of it. verse 13 – saved.
1. God’s rich provision. Verse 12 “rich” cp. James 1:17; Eph. 1:3; Phil 4:19
2. God’s great invitation, “whosoever” Jew or Gentile.
3. God’s wondrous salvation, “shall be saved”
a. Saved from what? Hell – Job 33:24
b. Saved to what? Holiness of life. Rom. 6:18
c. Saved for what? The glory of Christ and service for Him.
II Th. 1:12; Luke 1:74-75
VIII. Preaching is the means of it. verses 14 – 17
1. There must be a preacher. Verse 14
2. The preacher must be sent. Verse 15
3. The preacher must be preaching the Gospel. Verse 15
4. Those to whom he is sent must hear. Verse 14
5. Those who hear must belie
6. Those who believe must call. Verse 14
7. Those who call are saved. Verse 13
8. Those who are saved confess Christ as Lord of their lives. Verses 9-10
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Conclusion:
Verse 17 – Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.
6. Analytical sermon – this type of sermon relates to the detailed analyzing of a
subject in order to extract the greatest amount of truth. From this truth, you
can then teach the underlying principles involved.
7. Analogical sermon – much of the Bible is written in the form of analogy. It
teaches truth from a parallel case. The writers often use a natural subject from
which to teach a spiritual truth contained in an analogy.
8. The Personal testimony sermon – is meant the telling of one’s own personal
experience of God’s saving grace. It involves a description of the
circumstances surrounding it, the experience in appropriating it and the
effects resulting from it.
9. The Historical incident sermon – in this type of sermon, a Bible incident is
taken as the subject, and the spiritual lessons it contains applied as the story is
unfolded. It is thus allied to the expository method, in that the whole passage
containing the incident is taken, and its spiritual meaning expounded and
applied.
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Title: The ten lepers
Text: Luke 17:11-19
I. Their condition – verse 11-12
Typical of the unsaved.
1. Unclean. Lev. 13:45; Isa. 64:6; Ps. 14:2-3; Job 15:14-16; Isa. 6:5
2. Afar off. Eph. 2:13; Isa. 59:2; Luke 18:13; Rev. 18:10; Luke 16:23
3. Without hope. John 3:18; Jer. 17:9; Rom. 5:6
II. Their cry. Verse 13
1. In the right spirit: earnest, “lifted up;” Jer. 29:13; Isa. 55:6; Rom. 10:13
2. In the right attitude: humble, “mercy”. Micah 7:7:18-19; Ps. 103:10-11
Matt. 9:13
3. To the right Person. “Jesus” Matt. 1:21; acts 4:12; John 14:6
4. At the right time. While Christ was present. Prov. 27:1; Isa. 55:6; II
Cor. 6:2
III. Their cure. Verse 14
1. The word given, “go” cp. Rom. 10:6-9;
“come” cp. Matt. 11:28
“Look” cp. Isa. 45:22
“Hear” cp. John 5:24
“Receive” John 1:12
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2. The word obeyed – the obedience of faith; Rom. 16:26; 6:17;
Heb. 4:2
3. The cleansing experienced. Note it was “as they went” they were
cleansed. John 6:47; I John 5:13
IV. The thankful one. Verses 15-19
His gratitude was expressed by:
1. His turnings back from the types and shadows of law to the
Antitype Himself. Matt. 8:4; Ga. 4:9; Heb. 10:1-14
2. His hearty giving of thanks, verse 6; by this he glorified God. Ps.
50:23, 14,15; Eph. 5:20; Phil. 4:6; Col. 1:12; I Thess. 5:18
3. His humility, “at His feet” cp. Luke 7:38; 8:35; 10:39
4. His worship, “oh his face;” cp. John 4:23,24; Heb. 10:19-22
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Sermon Criticism
I. The physical appearance of the preacher.
1. His posture?
. Slouching?
. Leaning on the pulpit?
. Hands in pockets?
2. His clothing:
.Neat?
.Gaudy?
.Untidy?
3. His manner:
.Pompous?
.Nervous?
.Indifferent?
.Humble?
4. His gesture:
.Appropriate?
.Grotesque?
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.Funny?
5. His eccentricities.
.Any?
.Did they detract from his message?
6. His attitude:
.Was he earnest?
.Flippant?
.Cold and friendly?
.Proud?
.Sincere?
.Artificial?
II. The delivery of the sermon:
1. The reading of the scriptures.
A. The portion, clearly and well announced?
B. Reverently read?
C. Pronunciation, good or bad?
D. Clearly heard by all?
E. Read with expression?
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2.The introduction:
a. Gain your attention?
b. Appropriate to the subject?
c. Put you at your ease?
d. Pertinent to the theme?
The language used:
a. Suitable to an audience?
b. Any poor expressions?
Ambiguous?
Slang?
Course?
Sacrilegious?
c. Any grammatical errors?
d. Any mispronunciations?
The order maintained:
a. Were the divisions well arranged and stated?
b. Did they show signs of careful preparation?
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c. Did these divisions follow in logical order, or were they haphazard?
III. The teaching that was given.
1. Were the terms clearly defined?
2. Was the teaching scriptural?
Was the text interpreted in the light of its context, or wrested from its
context?
IV. The illustrations that were used:
1. Were there any?
2. Were they to the point?
3. Were they too long, or involved?
4.Were they original, or stale?
5. Were they any “suppose” illustrations?
6. Were they well told?
7.Did they clarify the point he was seeking to make?
V. The application:
1. Was it pointed, or vague?
2. Did it search, or challenge you?
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3. Did it carry convictions?
4. Did it impress you as being from the Lord?
VI. The conclusion:
1. Did it sum up the points made?
2. Was it suitable?
3. Did it apply the theme?
VII. The sermon as a whole:
1. Was the theme well covered?
2. Was it too wordy, prosy, or dull? Or was it well put, pointed and
interesting?
3. Was it a message from the Lord?
4. How would you grade it: Good, bad or indifferent?
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9. The Preacher
- Effective preaching is largely the product of two factors, one
divine and the other human. Both are necessary-“ for without
man, God will not, and without God man cannot.”
Illustration:
Acts 10:1-5- Why is that the angel told Cornelius to send for Peter
and not himself preached to Cornelius?
* The privilege in sharing or proclaiming the good news to humanity was
given to men.
-It is the human aspect with which are dealing primarily in these studies.
A. Personality Guidelines
An elderly once asked by group of young ministers: “With
regard to human aspect of preaching, what is the most
important factor?” His immediate reply was: “Personality”
Preaching involves communicating divine truth though
human personality is important.
Personality- anything that makes a person, person (secular)
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Composition of Effective Speech (Public Speaking)
1. 50 % subject matter
2. 20 % psychology of approach and conclusion
3. 20 % effective delivery
4. 10 % personality
.Yet, that 10 % “leavens” the whole speech! It can make a boring talk
and a fascinating speech. It is desirable to devote some space to the
matter of the preacher’s personality.
The following are simple guidelines:
A. Be yourself – be relaxed, natural and unaffected.
Tension creates nervousness. Under tension, memory does
not function. Speech does not flow fluently. Your nervousness will
be communicated to the audience and they too will feel tense.
B. Don’t copy others – God chose you because He wants to use you.
You have some special features peculiar to you
alone and God has a purpose for them.
-To do so would be like David trying to wear
Saul’s armor. It just did not fit him and would
have been more hindrance than that help. (I Sam.
17:38,39).
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- If you’re trying to copy someone, your listeners will quickly
become aware of this.
- They will realize that your preaching is not sincere or genuine.
* You will be completely relaxed if you are not yourself!
C. Be True to Yourself- Integrity and honesty are essential for preacher.
You are channeling of God- a mouthpiece that he
might speak to mankind through you.
D. Be a Clean Vessel- if not, it is unlikely that your hearers will rise
higher than you.
-if your life is polluted, you will pollute your hearers.
-if there is bitterness in your spirit, you will
communicate it to your hearers.
* You will reproduce after your kind! (Gen. 1:12-21)
E. Be Sincere – Sincerity means to be free from pretense or deceit.
- it means to be the same person in reality as you are in
appearance.
- Do not try to appear in public what you are in private.
- God is certainly unimpressed by such false image and
people are not fooled by it for very long time.
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F. Have a Clear Purpose and Objective – the personality shaped and
developed to that end.
G. Be Whole-hearted – Nothing worthwhile is ever achieved by half -
hearted people. Nothing of value is obtained without cost.
Personal Involvement in Preaching:
1. Naturalness – God wants to use your personality. Do not overly critical of
yourself. Accept yourself because God has accepted you. No one can be like
you.
2. Originality – let your message and the manner in which you present, it be
your own product. God has made us different from one another.
3. Simplicity – Don’t try to overly complicated. You don’t have to impress
people.
4. You are to minister, not to impress them.
- there is extremely attractive in simplicity
5. Attractiveness – It is not in physical appearance but in character.
Example: Jesus Christ (Isa. 53:2) – it was His character and personality that
were appealing.
6. Spontaneity - means that things happen easily without being forced.
- don’t let yourself be bound and restricted.
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7. Adaptability – flexibility to many different circumstances
- easily adapts
- in every gathering you preach in will be different in some way
from others.
8. Dynamic – preach with power and authority.
- do not fear be bold and courageous. As long as you’re standing for
the glory of God, He will always be with you.
Vital equipment/tools:
a. Vision – a concept of what his ministry can achieved in God.
- must be a definite and a ultimate goal.
b. Vocabulary – composed of words and with which he is familiar.
- The more words he knows and understand, the more
fluent and expressive he can be. -
words are to the preacher; brush and paint are to the
artist. A preacher can paint vivid pictures with words.
c. Voice – the greatest asset of a preacher. You should always be aware
of your voice and seek to improve you use of it.
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Principles of Public speaking:
1. Breathing – Hold it and then breathe out slowly. Control expiration. Deeply
right to the bottom of your lungs.
2. Articulation – It is the art of uttering speech clearly.
- Pronounce words well.
3. Inflection – Has to do with the pitch of your voice. Make variation of the tone
of your voice.
4. Speed of delivery – Vary speed in speech. The same rate will be boring.
5. Volume – Varying volume of voice is important because it can give added
emphasis to some point you make.
6. Pausing – Don’t race through message. Pauses can also add emphasis to
some point you make.
7. Repetition – A certain amount of repetition can be good for emphasizing
points. But don’t repeat to much.
8. Dressing – dress up appropriately.
9. Stand properly – Facing your audience. It will engender a feeling of quiet
confidence.
10. Learn to move naturally – Your body conveys a message as well as your
voice. Conduct yourself while speaking.
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- You can make emphasis through your hands but all
hand movements should be appropriate to what you
are emphasizing.
11. Maintain eye contact with your hearers – your eyes conveys message too.
Don’t stare into space or above the heads of your listeners . Let your
glance rove around the congregation, so that everyone feels that you are
speaking to them.
12. Consider facial expressions – the look of your face conveys a message
eloquently.
Conclusion:
Never despised those skills you have but don’t depend on them either.
Ultimately, only God can accompanied what you’re seeking to attain through
your preaching.
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