AFRICA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

LECTURE NOTES

COURSE: MIN3323, EXPOSITORY PREACHING

CLASS: BA 19

INSTRUCTOR: CHRISPINE C. JUMA

YEAR: 2019

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SYLLABUS
COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course emphasizes the step by step process for building expository sermons. There is
also brief description of other basic types of sermons. There will be scripture passages for
exposition and various types of sermon patterns that will make preparation and preaching of
expository preaching easier.

COURSE PURPOSE

The purpose of this course is to help the student understand and be able to apply the
essentials that he has learned in order to expose the word of God with authority, especially
from the Gospel of Mathew.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Distinguish between an expository sermon and other basic types of sermons.

2. State the advantages of expository preaching and how this builds and matures God’s
flock.
3. Explain and use the eight steps in building an expository sermon.
4. Use different sermon patterns in a sermon series on expository preaching.
5. Relate a scripture passage to its context. Historical and cultural background for proper
exposition.
6. Prepare a sermon outline from a scripture passage.
7. Demonstrate skill in expository preaching in class as proof that they practice it in
Ministry.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS.

1. The student will read the text in totality and respond to study questions.
2. The student will work the self – test to see if he understands the lesson objectives.
3. The Student will prepare and sermon outline (p.23 sample) from either the Gospel of
Mathew or 1st Peter.
4. The student will prepare and preach an expository sermon from either the Gospel of
Mathew or 1st Peter.
5. There will be mid week exam.
6. There will final exam at the end of the course.
7. Project ( Take Home)
8. Note: the sermon outline, sermon and project can not be from passages fully outlined
in the text book. Do your own work.

Text books

Expository Preaching: An Independent – study Text book by George Batson. The Holy Bible.

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GRADING

Class participation - 10 points

Mid-Course Exam - 20 points

Sermon - 10 points

Final Exam - 40 points

Field Assignment - 20 points

Total - 100 points

Field Assignment

From the Gospel of Mathew, choose a passage of scripture and prepare an

expository sermon. This sermon should make effective use of the five essentials
learned in this course.

1. Use this sermon to preach in your home church.

2. Give copies of the sermon evaluation form to five of your church leaders
(possibly, your Deacons) to observe you preach and give objective
comments.
3. Type the sermon outline and scan the comments and email the field
assignment to [email protected] and copy the Academic office
within the stipulated time.
4. Add a last page with the contact information of your 5 evaluators in your
church.

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COURSE SCHEDULE

DATE LESSON
11 July 2019 General Introduction to the course

Thursday 1. What is Expository preaching?

2. Need for and results of expository preaching
12 July 2019
Friday 3. Discovering the subject and the theme

4. Writing a sermon proposition – Constructing a

transition sentence
13 July 2019 5. Determining main points and sub points
Saturday 6. Designing the introduction and conclusion

15 July 2019 - Mid-course Exam

Monday 7. Building skills for expository preaching

16 July 2019 8. Preaching on biblical narrative

Tuesday 9. Preaching on life situation and biblical principles

17 July 2019 10. Preaching on key verses and parables

Wednesday
11. Context in studying a biblical passage

18 July 2019 12. Examining and Preparing a Preaching Plan

Thursday - Sermon Presentation

19th July 2019 - Final Exam

Friday

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INTRODUCTION:
 Expository preaching is said to be the best method of presenting God’s word
yet the most neglected on the pulpit today. Reason? Lack of appropriate
methodology. This course is intended to help the preacher to make outlines
and build sermons.

 This course is a practical. The learner is expected to transfer what he has

learned to actual sermon building. This is an independent study course which
should serve as a future reference manual for sermon building.

 This course should help the learner to review steps needed to explain a biblical
passage and guide in his exposition preaching. The student should be better
prepared to set up a preaching calendar and prepare series sermons that will
meet the challenge of preaching in today’s world.

LESSON ONE

WHAT IS EXPOSITORY PREACHING?

 This is a highly effective method of pulpit preaching.

 It is distinguished by its ability to pour forth the riches of God’s word.

Definition of an expository sermon

An expository sermon is a detailed exposition and application of three or more

scripture verses which provides all of the sermon’s main points and which are built
around one central idea or proposition

Basic types of sermons

Factors determining basic type of a sermon:

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 a. The sermon’s structure

b. The content of the scripture passage

c. The way the preacher uses the scripture passage

Essentials of Expository sermons

There are five essentials of an expository sermon

a. Detailed exposition

You have to expound, explain, and give the meaning of – to bring of the text what is
there and expose it to the view.

Explain the key words and phrases that are crucial to understand what the biblical
writer meant.

b. Application

It is to put scriptural truth in practice. Quote from Charles Spurgeon, a famous 19th
century English preacher “where the application begins, there the sermon begins” the
sermons truth must relate to everyday life of the people. Remember, God’s word is
not preached merely for information, but for transformation (James 1:25).

c. All main points must come from one scripture passage.

A passage contains its own central idea which can be developed in its particular
verses (Note the examples given on p. 19 of the text)

d. Expository must be based upon three or more consecutive verses.

The basic difference between a textual and expository sermon is the length of the
scripture passage.

e. An expository sermon must have a proposition

It is a central idea around which the whole sermon is organized. This is what gives the
sermon unity.

Note: an example or sample expository sermon p. 23.

TEXTUAL SERMONS

Like an expository sermon, a textual sermon gets its main points and central idea from
the scripture text and interprets the text using exposition and application. It built upon
one or two verses.

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Definition: A textual sermon is an exposition and application of one or two verses
which provide all of the sermon main points and which are built around one central
idea or proposition.

TOPICAL SERMONS

A topical sermon derives its topic from a scripture passage but develops a sermon
independently of it, according to ideas within the topic.

The preacher determines the main points according to how he wishes to develop the
topic. The main points are tied in with some scripture verses from various passages
e.g. pg 25

Patterns erroneously regarded as expositor:

a. The running commentary

 This takes a scripture passage verse by verse and gives a series of comments
on each one. They explain and give some application.

 But it has no one central idea or proposition

 It lacks unity and homiletical structure- no main points stand out as a

dominant ideas contributing to a central idea of the passage.

b. The bible reading

 Links together a number of scattered bible verses around a topical and usually
involves audience participation.

 May be good for Bible discussion but the is no systematic exposition of any of
them

 It is sometimes used in teaching Sunday school class or a mid-week bible

study.

LESSON TWO

NEED FOR AND RESULTS OF EXPOSITORY PREACHING

 The first and greatest need of the Christian minster is to preach God’s word. 2
Tim 4:2. The Word should be proclaimed fully, systematically and with an
unction of the Holy Spirit.

 Expository preaching is best known for the results it produces- the flock will
be healthy and well-developed. The minister also needs spiritual preparation-
setting aside time for prayer.
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 a. The Need for Expository Preaching

Its importance- Jn. 21:15-17; Acts 6:1-4

 Christ Himself gave its emphasis (Jn 21:15-17)

 The word “feed” is the Greek word “bosko” which means to “lead to pasture,”
“provide food,” “nourish “ (v. 15 &17)

 IN Verse 16 Christ uses a different word in Greek “poimano” which means to

“lead’’govern” “tend” “poimano” deals with all the duties of the shepherd’s
guarding, feeding and governing.

 Notice the differences

Bosko –only the feeding of the God’s flock with the word. This is of primary
importance –the chief duty of a pastor.

 The importance of “bosko” is best demonstrated by the apostles in Acts 6:1-

4”poimano”is important in the church. But as compared to “bosko” it is of
secondary importance.

b. Importance of expository preaching

I. Present God’s word the way it was written. It was written with a specific
purpose. There are two areas involved:

a. understanding the historical and the cultural framework of the biblical

writer

b. understanding the writer’s flow of thought.

Expository preaching follows the footsteps of the biblical writer.

Presenting God’s word the way it was written means it is properly applied.
The verse must be properly applied- “the rule”

II. Uses more scriptural materials

Built on a passage of three or more consecutive verses

This is the effective way to feed God’s flock. It gives a systematic exposition of the
portion of God’s word.

III. Explains God’s word in an in-depth way-

The preacher explains a passage using its historical and cultural background, its
context and its flow of thought.

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God’s word demands a thorough exposition. it is a living and active word, by which
the Holy spirit nourishes and develops spiritual life (Acts 20;32; 1 peter 2:2)

c.Results of Expository Preaching

 Results for the congregation

I. Gives in-depth knowledge of the word

Note: remember the five essentials of expository preaching.

Detailed exposition brings people into contact with every word or phrase crucial for
understanding God’s words.

It is based on a complete passage systematic presenting a complete unit of thought.

II. Inspire study of the bible

Expository preaching creates enthusiasm to study God’s word

Detailed exposition illuminates a person’s soul and illumination inspire further study
of the bible.

III. Presents a wide variety of sermons subject.

Expository preaching usually covers a wide variety of subject-not over-emphasizing

some at the expense of others. Each passage controls what the subject will be.

Expository preaching is the best method for a sermon series through a bible book.

 Results for the preacher

I. Adds authority to your preaching

 God’s word has absolute authority. The final word in all matters of
faith and conduct. Jesus?po

 Any systematic exposition through a passage sounds out Bible

authority. A passage rings out with God’s authority as if God
himself were speaking the message of his word.

 You add authority in your preaching by making sure all your main
points in expository preaching come from the passage itself.

II. Helps increase your Bible knowledge

 People expect a preacher to be a “master” of the Bible knowledge. This

is made possible through the concentrated study of passages of
scriptures.

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  Helps the preacher master the Bible as he searches the Bible for
answers

LESSON THREE

STEPS IN BUILDING EXPOSITORY SERMONS

STEP ONE: DISCOVER THE SERMON SUBJECT

Know what a scripture passage is talking about

What is a sermon subject?

Subject- general, broad and usually contains many key ideas

Sermons theme- Specific, narrow and has one key idea

How to discover a subject

- To discover something means to expose what already exists.

- Read over a passage until its general area of truth comes sharply into
focus. Most of passage’s idea will come under this one general idea.

- Look for a word that is used several times in the passage because it may
name the subject.

- Subject should vary in order to meet the needs of the flock

NB: Consider the sample sermon on p. 55-56

See also p. 58 for more information.

Step Two: Select a Sermon Theme

This is what controls the direction you take in building a sermon

Explanation of a theme p. 59

 This is the key idea from a subject

 The theme determines the main points to use

 It tells people what direction the sermon takes through a passage

 The theme has to be taken from the same scripture passage

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  A passage has a flow of thought-a movement that develops one key idea
and this one idea becomes a sermon’s theme.

Ways to select a Theme p. 60

- First you should have the sermon subject. The rule to select a theme is:
SUBJECT + WORD OR PHRASE THEME

1. Add the interrogative Word “Why” p. 61

- Your theme leads you directly to sermons main points.
- Getting main points from a theme gives you power in sermon building.
Further help p. 61
2. Add the Interrogative word “How” p.61
Adding “How” to a subject immediately gives you a theme e.g. If the subject of
“Prayer” the theme can be something “How to pray”

3. Add a Key Word p. 63

Adding a key word to a subject quickly gives you a theme. A key word is a plural
noun that names each main point. e.g. If the subject is “faith” and the key word is
“results” the theme will be “The results of faith.” In Heb.11:24-28, each main
point in this passage will be a result of faith. P.63 gives a list of Key words that
can be added to the subject to get a theme.

4. Add a limiting word or words (A phrase)

- A limiting word or words describes one key idea about a subject. E.g If your
subject is prayer, add the word “prevailing”. The key idea in this case becomes
“Prevailing prayer” This can also be rephrased to read “Why a person needs to
prevail in prayer “The flow of thought should determine whether to use
“How” or “Why,” P.65

Remember; always follow the flow of thought in the passage of scripture when
choosing the theme.

Themes from the Gospel of Mathew

- The Gospel of Mathew has themes that will help a preacher produce an
expository preaching series.
- Four ways to select a theme:

WHY

{ HOW }= THEME
SUBJECT + KEY WORD

LIMITING WORD OR WORDS

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LESSON THREE

STEP THREE: WRITE A PROPOSITION

- A theme and a proposition are closely related. They both use the same central
idea in a scripture passage.
- Both guide the way a sermon is built. The only difference is that propositions
always speak directly to people e.g. “Why repentance is necessary” changes to
“Every person must repent”.

Definition of a sermon Proposition

- The Proposition states a sermon’s central idea and then organizes the sermon around it.

- A proposition is sometimes called the “thesis”, “the big truth”, or the

controlling statement”.
- This “big truth” is the central truth that is lifted up above all others in a
sermon.
- People understand, feel, and act on only one central idea.
- When sermons have more than one proposition, they become sermonettes -
little sermons. Such divided sermons have little impact.

4 Characteristics of a sermon proposition

1. It states a sermon’s central idea as a timeless, universal truth.

2. It is written as a simple sentence, having one main idea.
3. It uses the same idea as a sermon’s theme.
4. It is always announced to a congregation.

3 Types of Sermon Propositions

1. A proposition of Duty.
- This carries moral obligation, responsibility, and demand – a statement that a
person cannot turn his ear away from and be blameless.
2. A proposition of Ability
- This emphasizes something in God’s word that people can do e.g. Every
Christian can overcome temptation
3. A proposition of Evaluation.
- Here a proposition evaluates what is said in a sermon’s theme e.g. “Prayer is
profitable”.

Propositions from the Gospel of Mathew

Students to practice writing sermon propositions below

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 1. Mathew :1-12

2. Mathew 4:1-11

3. Mathew 5:43-48

4. Mathew 6:25-34

5. Mathew 7:7-11

6. Mathew 9:36-38

7. Mathew 9:36-38

STEP FOUR: A TRANSITIONAL SENTENCE

It’s Importance:

-This is a special kind of sentence between paragraphs. This acts as a bridge between
paragraphs in order to avoid mental jump.

-This helps people’s thoughts to be carried on smoothly onward from one place to another in
speech.

-This is the sentence that connects a sermon’s introduction with its body without a breakdown
in communication, referred to as a homiletical bridge.

Construction of a Transitional Sentence

-There are two ways of doing it. One, use a key word plus an interrogative plus the
proposition thus-

FORMULA TS=Key word+Interogative +Proposition

ONE (see how or why)

See more illustration on p. 93-94

FORMULA TWO TS=Proposition+Intergrative Substitute+Key

word

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Instead of the interrogative “why” the substitute phrase “because of” is used

Another interrogative is the word “by” as substitute of “how”

TS=Christians can know God’s will by following these guidelines

TS=Proposition+Interrogative Substitute +keyword.

Notice that TS uses the same keyword as the theme.

LESSON FIVE

STEP FIVE: DETERMINING THE MAIN POINTS p. 104

-The main purpose is to develop the sermons proposition

-Main points of expository sermon hold the truths that develop the passages central idea.

-don’t allow yourself to decorate a sermon with main points that do not develop sermon’s
proposition.

-A good rule for deciding on the number of main points to develop a sermon’s propositions.

-use as many main points as the passage presents at least two and not more than five points.

How to state main points of a sentence p.108-110

1 Main points are stated in the form of a sentence

you may use phrases when writing notes but always use complete sentences when you
announce the points

2 Main points are stated in similar form- in sentences that are “like” Example –pg 109

Similar form gives strength to a sermon and helps mark main points in a listener’s
memory

3 Main points are followed by a scripture verse or verses

- these verses are from the passage that gave you the main points

- this is the authority that stands behind your main points

4 Main points are stated in order of their importance

-this gives movement and climax to a sermon

-they should be arranged in the order of their importance

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 - arrange the points so that you finish with the one you consider to be the most
importance

-the sermon should be planned so that it moves the hearer towards decision and
action.

Student to determine proper main points in the Gospel of Mathew - Question 8a-d, pg 111-
112

STEP SIX: DEVELOPING SUB-POINTS p. 112

-Sub points are hard to organize for most preachers.

-some confuse sub points for illustrations

-sub points are the ones that deal with exposition and application

-most of the sub points should come from the passage

How to obtain sub points for expository sermons.

-sub points explain and apply main points

-sub points address the truth stated in the main points and how it applies to one’s needs and
walk with God.

Six ways to obtain sub points

1 Obtain a sub point by explaining a key word or phrase used in the statement of a main
point. P. 113

2 Obtain a sub point by giving a detailed exposition of the verses that stand beside
statement of a main point. P. 114

- This is interpreting the passage systematically.

3 Obtain a sub point by applying an interrogative –how, why, what – to the main point. p.
115

- Explain why the point is biblically true “why”, “what” or “how” brings a
main points truth into area of a person everyday life.

4. Obtain a sub point by narrating a main point that has a story behind it. P. 116

- You explain the truth in the verse (s) of the main point by putting back among
the events and the people in it.

- Narrating the story is what forms a picture in people minds.

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 - This calls for proper use of imagination- the use of the mind

5. Obtain a sub point by illustrating the main point. p. 116

- The truth is pictured in experiences from everyday life e.g. Christ parables are
examples.

- Illustrations print the main point upon people’s minds making it easier to
remember.

NOTE: Illustration should not take away from the sermon but rather serves the truth in the
passage.

6. Obtain a sub point by applying the main point. p. 117

- Don’t wait until the conclusion of the sermon to apply the truth of each main
point

Learning activity from the Gospel of Mathew - Q. 24 p. 118-119

LESSON SIX

STEP SEVEN: DESIGNING AN INTRODUCTION

Purpose of an introduction p. 126

- To get them interested in your sermons theme. It is the theme that sets the
direction of thought you will take through a scripture passage.

- People who are interested will hear more.

- Another purpose is to let people know what your proposition is. An

introduction doesn’t have to take a very long time, at most 4-5 minutes.

Steps of designing an introduction

This calls for four steps

a. A lead sentence

b. Examples of the lead sentence

c. A sermonic explanation

d. Proposition

First, you need a passage, state a theme and the use the lead sentence. The lead statement
is got from the sermons them. p. 30

1. The Lead Sentence

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This is the first sentence of passage of your sermon’s introduction. First, read a passage, state
a theme and then use it to get the lead sentence. The lead sentence draws interest of listeners
as it gives direction of a sermon’s theme.

Put a theme’s key idea into a statement about everyday life and you get a lead sentence (p.
130, top page)

2. Examples of Lead Sentence

An audience comes with interest in everyday life. Your example will help put this interest
into action.

You should not give your example in details-give them in few minutes.

3. Sermonic Explanation

The lead sentence should guide people’s interest from everyday life into the sermon’s biblical
area. Use such words such as, “so also” “now then” “likewise”

4. Sermon’s Proposition

 People need to hear the proposition early in the sermon.

 It puts them on the same road your sermon will take through a passage.
 Proposition of ‘duty” is ‘every Christian must pray”
 Proposition of “ability” is “every Christian can pray effectively”
 Proposition of “evaluation” is “praying is profitable”

Examples for introduction for expository sermons

Students to practice designing appropriate introductions using themes on p. 131

STEP EIGHT: DESIGNING A CONCLUSION p. 132

This should take 10 percent of a sermon’s content or 4 minutes of preaching time.

Purpose of the conclusion

1. It presents the sermons aim

2. It move people to respond to the aims
If a sermon fails here, it has failed. Plan your conclusion effectively.

The objective statement p. 133

Four items are needed in order to come up with the objective statement.

1. The sermon’s aim. Ask yourself this question “why am I preaching this sermon”.

What action should people take after hearing the sermon? How will this sermon
change some aspects of people’s lives? The aim states the action called for by your
sermon.
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 Principle: preaching is meant to do something- to bring about a response in the hearer.

2. Objective statement.

a. Transitional sentence
b. Proposition
c. Transitional word
d. Sermon’s aim
More examples are cited on p. 134

Types of Conclusions

The content of an expository sermon’s conclusions has three parts:

1. An objective statement

2. A type of conclusion

3. A powerful last sentence

Types and examples of sermon conclusions:

1. The direct appeal p. 135

- Direct means personal, make each person feel that you mean him or her. Bring
people face to face with what you expect to happen as a result of your sermon

2. The summary type p. 135

- This is perhaps the most used. It is the easiest to prepare.

- You restate your sermon’s main points for the audience sees the whole idea.

- It does not accomplish much in leading the hearer to action

- As you restate each main point and its truth, get people to carry out the
sermon’s aim.

3. The objective type

- You list objections people may use to avoid acting on the sermon’s aim.

- then list scriptural truths that overthrow them (consider the objections on p.g
136)

4. The application type p. 136

- You have to offer practical help.

- Make a prayer list that will guide the individual if he has to commit himself to
a time of prayer
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 5. The illustration type p. 137

- Good illustrations carry persuasive power.

- Use few sentences so that you don’t detract from the sermon’s impact
(consider the one on concluding a sermon on James 4:14) p. 137

LESSON SEVEN

BUILDING SKILL FOR EXPOSITION PREACHING

Looking over an outline (Summary of the eight steps) p. 146.

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20
 Working with eight steps

- this is the time to review the eight steps

- make a review sheet as reminder as you built your expository sermon.

- Be reminded of how you can get the sub points for developing main points
(consider the “review sheet” on p. 147)

- Exercise on detecting errors in the eight step expository sermon outlines p.

149-153.

LESSON EIGHT

PREACHING ON A BIBLICAL NARRATIVE p. 166

Need for Multiple Sermon Patterns p. 168

- Passages differ and therefore need variety in sermon preparation.

- The audience will get tired of monotony in the way sermons are presented

- Multiple sermons patterns give ability to build sermons from different types of
passages

- Literary forms need different patterns in sermon building

- To put a narrative into a sermon form means you change the way you use
some items of sermon structure.

- Some items will form the subject, theme and main points

Variety in content of biblical passages p. 170

- content of scripture passage demands different types of sermon patterns

- key verses will demand a sermon pattern that call for sermon preparation that
takes main points and exposition from the passage but it not necessarily an
expository sermon e.g. Micah 6:8; 1 Cor. 10:13

- when a passage has a biblical principle in it (Mtt.6:24) “divine law’, it

demands that you change the theme and main points in order to come up with
a different type of sermon

- when the content of scripture speaks to people’s personal problems e.g.

discouragement, fear, failure etc., it also calls for a particular type of sermon
pattern.

- This calls for a pattern referred to as “life situation” preaching e.g. Matt. 11:1-
6, the problem of disappointment.
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 The Narrative type Sermon p. 171

- This is where interpreters try to read a meaning into a narrative.

- This is brought about by the problem of “allegorizing”

Allegorizing narrative p. 171

- This has plaque the church over the centuries

- It is the reformation of sixteenth century that swept the allegorical method

from the mainstream of interpretation.

- The allegorical method began among the ancient Greeks who used it to
interpret immoral and strange stories about their pagan gods.

- The meaning of the term “allegory” comes from GK “allegoria” and is put
together from allos, “other,” and “agoreuin,” to “speak”. It means “to speak
something other than what is meant.”

- Allegorical method of interpretation is giving words another meaning than

what they literally say.

- This method appeared in church history in Alexandria, Egypt in the 2nd

century.

- Clement promoted as a method of teaching deeper truth for mature Christians.

The literal meaning was only for immature Christians.

- Proper interpretation of scripture should always portray the author’s intended

meaning- that is the literal meaning.

- The allegorical meaning is also sometimes referred to as the “spiritual” or

“mystical” meaning.

- The reformers chose to interpret a passage’s literal meaning by studying its

grammar, context and historical background, sweeping aside the allegorical
method with its artificial and false interpretations.

Principles for interpreting narratives p. 174

1. Take the literal meaning of a narrative.

-Words, first of all, mean just what they say.

- A statement should be interpreted figuratively only if literal of a word seems

impossible in a statement (it’s context) e.g. Luke 13:32)

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 - The literal interpretation in context allows for figurative language but doesn’t
permit words to have both literal and figurative sense at the same time.

2. Interpret a narrative in the history and culture of its own time.

- know something about the biblical world of the writer

- that is the only way we can understand the narrative as the writer meant it
e.g. 1 kings 21:1-6

-Narrative in their overall history reveals God and his nature; they are not just
stories from history.

3. A narrative’s meaning must be in harmony with the rest of the Bible

- this principle is called “analogy of faith”. This is a hermeneutical principle which

states that the whole of scripture interprets the part of scripture - no part should be
interpreted in order to disagree with the rest of scripture – scripture interprets
scripture!

4. A narrative has only one meaning, but it may have many applications.

- the meaning here is the author’s intended meaning

- but application can fit other situations

- it is not easy finding details for main points that apply to today’s audiences.

- you have to find details that apply across times and cultures- bridge the
“then” of the original text to the “now” of people’s lives.

- a narrative type of sermon is built on the timeless truths of its literal meaning

- timeless truths go across cultures and the centuries from the biblical world
and apply to believers today e.g. Mat. 14:22-23.

- in narratives, principles are drawn from it by deduction. This is the logical

way to bring out the truths of what the passage teaches. Study what it says and
them interpret what it means by what it says.

NOTE: Check structure for narrative type of sermons p. 178-179.

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LESSON NINE

PREACHING ON LIFE SITUATIONS AND BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES p. 188

THE LIFE SITUATION OF A SERMON

-First, identify the type of sermon. Then consider how to build it and develop an outline.

Its meaning and Importance p. 190

- Discouragement, fear, anger or worry grow in the soil of our everyday life e.g. Elijah sitting
under a tree in the desert (1 Kings 19:4). Jesus says to His disciples, “Do not worry about
tomorrow” (Matt. 6:34) and Paul confesses, “For when we came into Macedonia, we were
harassed at every turn- conflicts on the outside, fears within (2 Cor. 7:5).

- Problems are life situations that you meet everyday everywhere. This calls for life situation
type of sermon.

- This is what will deal with personal problems and offer biblical solution.

-Life situation type of sermons differs from others due to emphasis. Here, you emphasize a
problem and then you emphasize its biblical solution. The entire sermon deals with problem-
solving.

- This is the time you deal with the problem in a systematic manner but from the pulpit. You
do counseling to more people.

How to build a Life situation sermon p. 191

-Life situation type of sermon are sometimes referred to as “problem- solving preaching” or
“pastoral preaching”.

- This type of sermon changes the normal structure of an expository sermon. The basic
expository sermon pattern is the standard by which you compare other patterns to identify
changes. “notice the sermon structure p.192, also read through the sample sermon, pg. 192-
195.

THE BIBLICAL PRINCIPLE TYPE OF SERMON

Its meaning and importance p. 195

-The biblical principles are God’s laws just like the laws of nature are laws of God e.g. the
law of gravity.

-God’s laws are important to believers and non-believers alike, because they are always true
and always at work.

- Biblical principles carry penalties for people who go against them e.g “if you do not
worship God in truth and Spirit, Jn 4:24, you do not worship him at all!”
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- More examples of biblical principles: 2 Chro. 16:9; Gal. 6:7-8; Jn. 7:17, etc.

-When people hear a biblical principle illustrated from the Bible, they get the impact of
God’s word.

-A biblical principle is a divine law. This gives this type of sermon great practical value for
people.

NOTE: The content of the frame on p. 197 explains how you can prepare a biblical principle
type of sermon. It is also treated in full on p. 198-200.

LESSON TEN

THE KEY VERSE TYPE OF SERMON p. 206

-What distinguishes one verse from another?

-How can one designate certain verses as “key verses”

The meaning and importance of the key verse - Type of sermon p. 206

-Key verses express a timeless, universal truth and therefore applies to all people at all times.

-A key includes the Christian life as well as gospel of salvation e.g. 2 Cor, 4:17.

Definition - A key verse is a verse with a timeless, universal truth that is vital to the gospel or
the Christian life.

-All of the sermon’s main points comes from the verse itself.

-This fits in well with a basic textual type of sermon- a textual sermon is an exposition
and application of one of two verses that provide all of the sermon’s main points that are built
around one central idea or proposition.

To observe the item of structure using the key verse sermon pattern- p. 207- 208 and the
example on p. 208-210.

The pattern of the key verse type of sermon p. 207

-It depends on the way you use items of sermon structure

-How you use a theme and main points builds design into any sermon.

-Change items such as theme and main points and you come up with a different design and a
different pattern 9p.207 shows Lloyd Perry’s pattern.

An example of a key verse type of sermon.

-To use 1Cor 13:12 as a model for building a key verse type of sermon. P. 208

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THE COMPARISON TYPE SERMON FOR A PARABLE p. 210

-The comparison type of sermon is needed for preaching on a parable

The meaning of parable

-It is basically a comparison –Greek “paraballo” “to place beside for the purpose of
comparison”

- In a parable, two things that are essentially unlike or different are compared so that one
explains or illustrates the other.

-Jesus uses the parables, taking an earthly event to explain a spiritual truth.

-Comparisons are frequently expressed using words such as like, as, than, similar to,
resembles. E.g. the parable of wise and the foolish builders (mat 7:24-27)

-The earthly event is a story from everyday life in Palestine.

-It is as foolish to hear the words of Jesus without obeying them as it is to build a house upon
the sand because it leads to ruin.

-The wise person is like the person who not only hears the words of Jesus but obeys them. He
will survive the final judgment.

-Central truth; a person must build his life upon obedience to Jesus, and not building this kind
of life leads to ruin.

-Rock and sand are called “figures speech” A figure of speech departs from the usual, literal
meaning of the word.

-When applied in non-literal form means they are figures of speech or figurative language.

-Parables are a powerful way of teaching and they demand a response. Jesus challenged them
to put his words into practice (7:21-23)

Principles for interpreting parables.

1 Interpret a parable in the history and culture of its own times.

-understand what the parable said to the people of Jesus’ time

2 Determine the one main truth a parable is teaching without seeking to allegorize its
details.

-The immediate context is vital. notice the one main truth the parable of the Good
Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37)

-In light of the commandment, “love your neighbor” the scribe had limited his love to
a few people he considered to be his neighbors.
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 -The main truth: to be a neighbor your love must be unlimited.

-The demand for action- ‘God and do likewise” (10; 37) consider the allegorizing of
this same parable pg 212-213.

-Allegorizing a parable transgresses its main truth.

-Allegorizing a parable points another picture than the one intended

3. Apply the main truth of a parable to people today

-In the parable of the good Samaritan-to be a good neighbor, a person’s love must be
unlimited-this is a timeless, universal truth that can be applied to today’s audience.

- A parable has one meaning but many applications.

- Its main truth can be applied to other situations in life.

The Goal of Interpreting any Passage P.228

The goal is to get the writers intended meaning, or God’s intended meaning

Exegesis – Read out of text Eisegesis – Read into text

LESSON ELEVEN

The Context in Studying Biblical Passage p. 229-30

1. Internal Circumstances
a. Immediate context – immediate flow of thought directly before and
after a text
b. Remote context – input from texts further away
2. External Circumstances
a. Historical context – historical, political and religious forces
b. Cultural context – local customs, habits, traditions and language

“A context consists of all the forces in motion around and upon a test.”

Guidelines for Using Context p. 238

1. Get a grasp on the immediate context and discover any connecting words.
(reason – result – contrast – time, types of words)
2. Read the remote context to discover the progress of ideas or events around a passage.
3. Write down something about the historical context. Check “introduction pages” of a
commentary or a reference book for any historical, political or religious information
involved in the text.
4. Use the custom and culture of Bible times to interpret verses involved in them.

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LESSON TWELVE

EXAMINING A PREACHING PLAN p. 248

1. Avoid the struggle to find sermon subjects

2. Getting to know a book of the Bible
3. Getting control of your time for sermon preparation

PREPARING YOUR PREACHING PLAN p. 250

 Getting a plan in focus for a year

 Bible personalities
 Great chapters
 Key verses
 Biblical principles
 Life situations
 Sermon series on a subject
 Books of the Bible
Have a plan! Yearly and monthly

PREACHING BOOKS OF THE BIBLE p. 253

1. Read the entire book a number of times

2. Historical background
3. List passages for preaching series with subjects or themes
4. Prepare a “book sermon” to set up the series – e.g. p. 257

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