preaching killorglin 2015

Kerry Christian Ministries instituteChristian education certificate course

COURSE MODULE

Preaching 2015

Session OnePreaching

Terms EHEHPersonal Preparation

PREACHING

“ ‘Behold, days are coming,’ declares the Lord GOD, ‘When I will send a famine on the land,

Not a famine for bread or a thirst for water, But rather for hearing the words of the LORD’ ”

(Amos 8:11).

• According to Kyle Haselden, the pastor comes across as a “bland composite” of the congregation’s “congenial, ever helpful, ever ready to help boy scout; as the darling of the old ladies and as sufficiently reserved with the young ones; as the father image for the young people and a companion to lonely men; as the affable glad-hander at teas and civic club luncheons.” Robinson, Haddon W. (2001-06-01). Biblical Preaching: The Development and Delivery of Expository Messages (Kindle Locations 178-180). Baker Academic. Kindle Edition.

Mandates to preach

• Matt. 28:19–20—“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

• 1 Tim. 4:13—“Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching.”

• 2 Tim. 2:2—“And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.”

Mandates to preach

• 2 Tim. 4:2—“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.”

• Titus 2:1—“But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine.”

2 Tim. 4:1–4:I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the

word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For

the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they

will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; and will turn away their ears from

the truth, and will turn aside to myths.

• As professional skills go, sermon construction ranks among the most inexact when compared, say, with cooking spaghetti, removing an appendix, or flying an airplane.


Terms E.H.E.HPersonal Preparation

E .H. E. H

A definition of relevant terms (McGrath ‘Christian Literature’): • Exegesis• Hermeneutics• Exposition• Homiletics

Exegesis

• The science of textual interpretation, usually referring specifically to the Bible. The term ‘biblical exegesis’ basically means ‘the process of interpreting the text of the Bible’.

• Exegesis is limited to a determination of the meanings of individual statements and passages in the Bible.

• Exegesis is called ‘the science of interpretation’ or ‘the application of the laws of interpretational’.

Exegesis - Task

• The task of the exegete is to attempt to look into the mind of the author in order to determine what he meant when he made certain statements to certain people.

• The exegete uses tools, a method and applies presuppositions to the task of interpreting the scriptures.

Hermeneutics

• (Hermes, messenger of the gods & god of science)

• The principles and assumptions underlying the interpretation, or exegesis, of a text of scripture, particularly in relation to its present day application.

Hermeneutics. The interpretative task.

“Christians have long regarded biblical hermeneutics as the set of rules or the method by which the truth in a text can be made plain. Secular hermeneutics, on the other hand, increasingly seems to challenge the reality and objectivity of that very truth that hermeneutics once was supposed to illuminate.”

• "Dear mum, thank you for the socks you sent. It's very cold here. I miss everyone at home. How is the dog?“

• From Hadrian's Wall, 2nd Century

One sentence different meanings

• I never said she broke my computer.• I'm having a friend for lunch.

Hermeneutics takes into consideration

• The type of literature. Prose or poetry, history or allegory, literal or symbolic.

• The historical background and life setting.• The geographical conditions. The influence of

terrain and climate on a population’s outlook and behaviour patterns.

• Language(s) of the bible.


• The difference between the primary and secondary applications of any portion of Scripture. - A primary application is made when a given Scripture is recognized as pertaining to those to whom it is addressed. A secondary application is made when a given Scripture is recognized as not applying directly to a certain person or class of persons, but its moral and spiritual teachings are appropriated by them.


• A fundamental principle in grammatical-historical exposition is that the words and sentences can have but one significance in one and the same connection. The moment we neglect this principle we drift out upon a sea of uncertainty and conjecture. (Milton S. Terry, Biblical Hermeneutics , 2nd ed. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, n.d.) 205.

Hermeneutics governed by

• The clear teaching of dispensational truth.• The difference between Israel and the church.• The transitional nature of the Gospels and

Acts.• An understanding of the importance of

prophecy and nature of apostleship • The Big Picture of the bible.

Hermeneutics– the purpose

• To enable the interpreter to understand what the Scriptures meant to the original recipients, in their situation, at that particular historical time.

• So that the message can be expounded to the modern day hearers to guide them, to enrich their spiritual lives, to enable them to carry out God’s will more effectively.

• 1Pe 1:10-16 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look. Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy."

• 2Timothy 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

• Expositors who claim they follow no rules usually have not analysed how they study. Whatever we do regularly becomes our method even if we have come to it intuitively, and few effective expositors are as devoid of method as they sometimes claim. Robinson, Haddon W.

Exegesis – Hermeneutics What’s the difference?

D A Carson: “exegesis is concerned with actually interpreting the text, whereas hermeneutics is concerned with the nature of the interpretative process. Exegesis concludes by saying, “This passage means such and such”; hermeneutics ends by saying, “This interpretative process is constituted by the following techniques and pre-understandings”. The two are obviously related. But although hermeneutics is an important discipline in its own right, ideally it is never an end in itself: it serves exegesis. (Exegetical Fallacies p.25)

EHEH

Exposition (set forth in detail, explain, interpret) Has to do with opening up and holding up the meaning of the text. Homiletics The study of the vehicle by which the message is communicated – preaching.

I believe that an engagement with hermeneutics places greater demands upon us with regard to the need for integrity of thought and conviction in our preaching. It forces us to acknowledge the presuppositions and prejudice we carry, the religious and cultural traditions in which we stand, and the limitations of our certainties. All of this, in my opinion, is good for the cause of the gospel for it creates authenticity and leaves room for the Spirit of God to do his work. _ David McMillan

Why appreciation of hermeneutics is important

1.There has never been a period when writing, speaking and interpreting has not been influenced by the prevailing culture

2.There is a constancy of approach to scripture as knowable and authoritative throughout the changes of culture

3.There is a constancy of tradition and doctrine that is hugely important throughout the changing cultural landscapes

4.There is much to humble and caution the interpreter

How do we approach the hermeneutic task?

Hermeneutical task is to ask: 1. What it meant - exegesis 2. What it means for me - devotional 3. What it means for us - sermonic

Sound evangelical hermeneutic takes all three. To ignore 1. = subjectivity To ignore 2. = purpose of scripture – revelation and encounter To ignore 3. = remove imperative of proclamation of the good news – individualism.

Homiletics

(Gr. homiletikos, from homilos, to assemble together) In theology the application of the general principles of rhetoric to the specific department of public preaching. It may be further defined as the science that treats of the analysis, classification, preparation, composition and delivery of sermons. The sermon is not merely a mechanical device for communicating information but a construction that invites a listening, engages the imagination and aids the process of hearing and responding.

Questions I need to ask myself as come to the biblical text:

Am I being fair to the text? Am I being fair to the author? Am I being fair to the hearers? Am I being fair to this passage in its place within the whole text? Am I being faithful to the message – not of the sub text but the canonical text?

The Bridge Hermeneutics and Homiletics

• Move from the then to the now.What does God want us to know now?What does God want us to do now?

• What is my main point for now.What am I talking about?What am I saying about my main point?


• Study the text– Observation and Interpretation

• Structure the Scriptures – Find the thread, the main idea, analyse the argument(s), outline the text.

• The Main IdeaTheme - What is the author talking about?Complement – What is being said about the theme?


• Structure the messageOutline the message, tie the points together around the main point and the text, ensure application is focussed.

• Preach/Teach the ScripturesIntroduction, body, main points, transition statements, illustration, conclusion.


Terms E.H.E.HPersonal Preparation

Why should they listen to me?

• To stand and drone out a sermon in a kind of articulate snoring to people who are somewhat between awake and asleep must be wretched work. - CHARLES HADDON SPURGEON

Every time I stand up to speak, my listeners ask one foundational question: Why should I listen to you? And within this question are three sub- questions:• Can I trust you?• Do you care for me?• Do you know what you are talking about?

- Berkley, J. D. 1986. Preaching to convince. "A Leadership/Word book

Preparation

Powerful preaching always begins with proper preparation. The man of God cannot expect to rightly interpret the text or passionately expound the truth without first preparing his own heart and mind for the task. This preparation involves at least six areas of consideration:

Preparation

• The Preacher – Am I ready to preach?• The Purpose – Why am I preaching?• The Paradigm – What type of sermon will I be

preaching?• The People – To whom am I preaching?• The Potential – What are the potential results

of my message?• The Passage – What text am I going to preach?

Five basic questions

• Who is my audience (age, sex, background, prejudices)?

• What are their questions (thoughts, feelings, struggles, pains, needs)?

• Which of those questions shall I address?• Fourth, what is God’s answer to this question?• How much time do I have?

Preparation

• God’s word must prepare the preacher.

• God presence must empower the preacher.

• God’s blessing must be sought by the preacher

A challenge to preachers

Responsibility and accountability

• But what about me as the purveyor of God’s truth, the physician of the soul? Shall I not be held responsible to God for any perversion of truth, however witless, and for my negligence and lack of skill? What earthly regulatory association validates me? Do not I, who preach God’s Word, face a higher court than the legal bar or any medical tribunal? James said, “Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we shall incur a stricter judgment” (James 3:1). MacArthur, J. (1997, c1992). Rediscovering expository preaching (0). Dallas: Word Pub.

WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE A PREACHER?

WHAT IS YOUR MAIN GOAL IN PREACHING?

‘Listen’ to the congregation

• When the zenith of a preacher’s ethos is solely the development and delivery of the sermon and that ethos ignores the listening and learning preferences of the audience, then those values and goals need to be re-examined.

• William Ward Ayer stated ‘Preaching is not an end in itself, though there is a tendency in the modern ministry, at least the more cultured clerical set, to make the message a sort of literary masterpiece, ornate with flowery passages, bolstered with poetry and stilted classic illustrations.’ (Ayer 1967, p. 3)

‘Listen’ to yourself

• Do you have an ethos for preaching or teaching?

• Understand your personal prejudices, pet subjects, criticize and evaluate your method and your application.

• Personality differences. Martin Lloyd Jones speaks about the ‘whole person’ being involved in preaching. (Lloyd-Jones 1971, p. 53)

Listening …

• To changing trends • Listening as a pastor/shepherd. Harold Brack

wrote ‘Preachers have been preoccupied with schemes of being listened to and not with ways of becoming better listeners.’ (Brack 1983, p. 86).

• To be relevant the preacher must discover the congregation’s spiritual maturity, their capacity for growth and the areas that hinder growth.

Listening …

• To God. Montoya says ‘The secret to powerful preaching lies with God, not man. Skill alone does not make a preacher; God makes the preacher’ (Montoya 2000, p. 21).

• Bring the task of preaching before the throne of God in prayer for the grace needed to preach His Word remembering that it is God who causes growth, gives the increase and keeps watch over His Word (1 Corinthians 3:6-7, Jeremiah 1:2).

Choosing a passage to preach

• A conscientious ministry in the Scriptures depends on thoughtful planning for the entire year.

• Not every Scripture possesses equal profit for a congregation at a particular time.

• Be as familiar with the needs of your church as they with the content of the Bibles.

Choosing a passage to preach

• Understand the genre. For example working within a narrative (story) section we will more likely preach/teach a literary unit larger than a paragraph or two.

• Read through a book several times and then divide them it portions that can be preached in particular sermons.

Break Here

• Come back and look at a passage and then practically work through it

• Outline the passage• What are the main teaching points, concepts

in the book, passage and text• Devise the preaching/teaching material.

Practical Session- Philemon

Background

• Author, date, place of writing• Circumstances• Characters in the book. Who are they, what do

they do, what is their importance to the book, how do they relate?

• Church? Who are they? What do we learn about them

Content• What are the main concern(s) of the author?• What style of writing?• Are there theological and doctrinal issues?• Anything about Christ?

Content• Look for repeated words, phrases, a theme of

idea(s).• When does the thought pattern change, when

does the author change subject(s)• Are there words/ideas/phrases you don’t

understand?

Intent

• What are the problems the author is addressing?

• How does the author tackle the problem?• What are the problems, solutions, concepts

that you intend addressing?• What are the intended aims, goals of your

sermon?

• G. Campbell Morgan once wrote in his diary this report of a message he listened to: “Heard a capital sermon with which I did not at all agree, on a text which had no relation to the subject.” Even in Morgan’s day, a text without a context was still a pretext! Wiersbe, W. W., & Wiersbe, D. 1986. The elements of preaching : The art of biblical preaching clearly and simply presented. Tyndale House Publishers: Wheaton, Ill.

So what?

• Ask yourself. What difference will it make in anybody’s life if this sermon is preached?

• If your response is neutral, go back to the drawing board.

• Are you preaching because you have to say something, or because you have something to say?

Session TwoThe Topical SermonThe Textual Sermon

The Expository Sermon

1. The Topical Sermon

• It begins with a topic or theme.• The sermon flows from the topic.• It does not require a text.• It will still be biblical.• The verses are drawn from across various portions

of the bible.

Definition: A topical sermon is one in which the main divisions are derived from the topic, independently of a text.

1. The Topical Sermon – Important aspects

• Unity of thought.- the sermon contains one central idea.- though there are many other areas worthy of preaching on that concern prayer, the sermon is limited to the one idea of the topic, reasons for unanswered prayer.

• Kinds of topics.- the bible contains an inexhaustible storehouse of topics for every occasion and situation.

1. The Topical Sermon – Important aspects

• Choosing a topic.Seek the Leading of the Lord, spend time in prayer and God’s Word.

• The topic could be decided by a special occasion, theme from a text or a specific need of a congregation.

Basic Principles for preparing topical outlines.

• The main divisions should be logical or chronological. Eg The believers Hope (logical)

i. A living hope- 1 Peter1:3ii. A saving hope – 1 Thess 5:8iii. A sure Hope – Heb 6:9iv. A good hope – 2 Thess 2:16v. An unseen hope – Romans 8:24vi. A blessed Hope – Titus 2:13vii. An eternal hope – Titus 3:7


• The main divisions should be logical or chronological.

Eg. Vital Truths about Jesus (chronological)i. He is God manifest in the Flesh – Mat 1:23ii. He is the Saviour of men- 1 Timothy 1:15iii. He is the coming King Revelation 11:15


• The main divisions may be an analysis of a topic.

Eg: Satan our ArchenemyMain Facts about Satan in the biblei. His origin. Ezekiel 28:12-17ii. His fall. Isaiah 14:12-15iii. His power. Ephesians 6:11-12;Luke 11:14-18iv. His activity. 2 Corinthians 4:4, Luke 8:12v. His destiny. Matthew 25:41.


• The main divisions may proof of a topic.Values of knowing God’s Word.

• The main divisions might a subject compared or contrasted.Comparing the testimony of the believer with salt.

• The main divisions might be centred on a phrase like ‘he is able’

• The main divisions might be a word study. Honour, fear, faith etc.


• The main divisions should not be substantiated by texts taken out of context.

• Doctrinal sermons are good examples of topical sermons

Example of a topical sermon

• Topic: Reasons for unanswered prayer.James 4:3- Asking IncorrectlyPsalms 66:18 – Sin in our heartsJames 1:6-7 - Doubting God’s WordMatthew 6:7 – Babbling, vain repetitionProverbs 28:9 – Disobeying God’s Word1 Peter 3:7- Mistreating your spouse

• Use a good reference bible, concordance, topical bible.

• E-sword word search in bible.

Practical

Prepare a topical sermon onGrace

Grace Defined

• God’s favor Gen. 6:8• God’s forgiving mercy Rom. 11:6• Grace is love demonstrated by giving; in the

gospel, grace is unmerited divine favour, arising in the mind of God and bestowed on his people. It is often considered with regard to its beneficial effects Freedman, D. N. (1996, c1992). The Anchor Bible Dictionary (2:1086). New York: Doubleday.

Grace Defined

•In other words, grace is to be understood in terms of a dynamic expression of the divine personality rather than as a static attribute of God’s nature. Grace is the dimension of divine activity that enables God to confront human indifference and rebellion with an inexhaustible capacity to forgive and to bless. God is gracious in action. Elwell, W. A., & Beitzel, B. J. (1988). Baker encyclopedia of the Bible. Map on lining papers. (898). Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House.

Grace Defined

•GRACE — favor or kindness shown without regard to the worth or merit of the one who receives it and in spite of what that person deserves. Grace is one of the key attributes of God. The Lord God is “merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abounding in goodness and truth” (Ex. 34:6). Therefore, grace is almost always associated with mercy, love, compassion, and patience. Youngblood, R. F., Bruce, F. F., Harrison, R. K., & Thomas Nelson Publishers. (1995). Nelson's new illustrated Bible dictionary. Rev. ed. of: Nelson's illustrated Bible dictionary.; Includes index. Nashville: T. Nelson.

Grace in Salvation• Rom_3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption

that is in Christ Jesus: Eph_1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;Eph_2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:Tit_3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.1Pe_1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.Rom_5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.Rom_1:7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Power/Strength/ Service/Equipping• Rom_12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us,

whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 2Co_8:7 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.2Co_9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:2Co_12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 1Pe_5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.2Pe_3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.2Ti_2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.Heb_12:28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

Growth/Holiness/Humility

• Rom_12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. ~Jas_4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Grace

• Is the source of• a. Election. Ro 11:5. • b. The call of God. Ga 1:15. • c. Justification. Ro 3:24; Tit 3:7. • d. Faith. Ac 18:27. • e. Forgiveness of sins. Eph 1:7. • f. Salvation. Ac 15:11; Eph 2:5,8. • g. Consolation. 2Th 2:16. • h. Hope. 2Th 2:16.

As a church we must remember that God’s Grace is

• Is described as• a. Great. Ac 4:33. • b. Sovereign. Ro 5:21. • c. Rich. Eph 1:7; 2:7. • d. Exceeding. 2Co 9:14. • e. Manifold. 1Pe 4:10. • f. All-sufficient. 2Co 12:9. • g. All-abundant. Ro 5:15,17,20. • h. Glorious. Eph 1:6.

Grace in the lives of the church

• a. Are heirs of. 1Pe 3:7. • b. Are under. Ro 6:14. • c. Receive, from Christ. Joh 1:16. • d. Are what they are by. 1Co 15:10; 2Co 1:12. • e. Abound in gifts of. Ac 4:33; 2Co 8:1; 9:8,14. • f. Should be established in. Hebrews 13:9. • g. Should be strong in. 2Ti 2:1. • h. Should grow in. 2Pe 3:18. • i. Should speak with. Eph 4:29; Col 4:6.• J. Pray for For yourselves. Heb 4:16. and for others. 2Co 13:14;

Eph 6:24.

Grace and Believers:

• Are under Rom. 6:14• Receive John 1:16• Stand in Rom. 5:2• Abound in 2 Cor. 9:8• Be strong in 2 Tim. 2:1• Grow in 2 Pet. 3:18• Speak with Eph. 4:29• Inherit 1 Pet. 3:7• Thomas Nelson Publishers. (1995). Nelson's quick reference

topical Bible index. Nelson's Quick reference (262). Nashville, Tenn.: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Definition

• A textual sermon is one in which the main divisions are derived from a text consisting of a brief portion of Scripture. Each of these divisions are then used as a line of suggestion, and the text provides the theme for the sermon.

• In contrast with the topical sermon we begin with a text not a topic.

Examples

• Ezra 7:10 For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel. The text centres on Ezra’s heart. We draw the following divisions that His heart was set on:a. Knowing the Word of Godb. Obeying the Word of Godc. Teaching the Word of Gd.

Preparation of Textual Sermon.

• It should be centred around one main thought and from one main text. Romans 12:1

• It may consist of truths suggested by the text. John 20:19-20• Though there may be more than one theme in the text only

one subject must be chosen. John 3:16• Divisions should be in logical or chronological order. John

3:36• The words of the text may form the outline. Luke 19:10• Context must be observed and related to the text.• Texts that contain contrast and similarities are treated best

when they are pointed out. Psalm 1

Examples

• Series of sermonsGod’s best kept secretsSeven last words from the crossCommon ills of humanityThe claims of Christ ( I Am’s)

Homework• Prepare a textual sermon from 1 Thess. 2:8.

Give the title, subject and main divisions.After each division write the portion of Scripture which supports the main division.

• Find a suitable text for a sermon fora. Fathers Day b. A Funeral servicec. An wedding serviced. A young peoples meeting Give the title, subject and main divisions.After each division write the portion of Scripture which supports the main division.

The spirit of expository preaching

• And they read from the book, from the law of God, translating to give the sense so that they understood the reading. (Neh. 8:8)

• Therefore I testify to you this day, that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God. (Acts 20:26–27)

Definition

• An expository sermon is one in which a more or less extended portion of Scripture is interpreted in relation to one theme or subject. The bulk of the material for the sermon is drawn directly from the passage and the outline consists of a series of progressive ideas centred around that one idea.

Definition

• At its best, expository preaching is “the presentation of biblical truth, derived from and transmitted through a historical, grammatical, Spirit-guided study of a passage in its context, which the Holy Spirit applies first to the life of the preacher and then through him to his congregation.”

Definition

• In summary, the following minimal elements identify expository preaching:

1. The message finds its sole source in Scripture.2. The message is extracted from Scripture through careful exegesis.3. The message preparation correctly interprets Scripture in its normal sense and its context.4. The message clearly explains the original God-intended meaning of Scripture.5. The message applies the Scriptural meaning for today.

The definition of expository preaching

• The passage governs the sermon• The expositor communicates a concept• The concept comes from the text• The concept is applied to the expositor• The concept is applied to the hearers

The case for expository preaching?

• The devaluation of preaching.

The case for expository preaching?• The case for preaching

1 Peter 1 :22-25,Romans 1:11-12, 15, 1 Thessalonians 1:9-13, 2 Timothy 4:2• Matt. 28:19–20—“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing

them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

• 1 Tim. 4:13—“Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching.”

• 2 Tim. 2:2—“And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.”

• 2 Tim. 4:2—“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.”

• Titus 2:1—“But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine.”

The case for expository preaching?• Biblical preaching’s authenticity is significantly tarnished by

contemporary communicators who are more concerned with personal relevance than with God’s revelation. Scripture unmistakably requires a proclamation focused on God’s will and mankind’s obligation to obey. With men wholly committed to God’s Word, the expository pattern commends itself as preaching that is true to the Bible. Exposition presupposes an exegetical process to extract the God-intended meaning of Scripture and an explanation of that meaning in a contemporary way. The biblical essence and apostolic spirit of expository preaching needs to be recaptured in the training and preaching of men who are freshly committed to “preaching the Word.” MacArthur, J. (1997, c1992). Rediscovering expository preaching (3). Dallas: Word Pub.


• The need for expository preaching.“ ‘Behold, days are coming,’ declares the Lord God, / ‘When I will send a famine on the land, / Not a famine for bread or a thirst for water, / But rather for hearing the words of the Lord’ ” (Amos 8:11).


• best achieves the biblical intent of preaching: delivering God's message.

• promotes scripturally authoritative preaching.• magnifies God's Word.• provides a storehouse of preaching material.• develops the pastor as a man of God's Word.• ensures the highest level of Bible knowledge for

the flock.• leads to thinking and living biblically.


• encourages both depth and comprehensiveness.• forces the treatment of hard-to-interpret texts.• allows for handling broad theological themes.• keeps preachers away from ruts and hobby horses.• prevents the insertion of human ideas.• guards against misinterpretation of the biblical text.• imitates the preaching of Christ and the apostles.• brings out the best in the expositor.

Examples

• Ephesians 6:10-18.Paul is dealing with Spiritual warfare.

1. Vs. 10-14 the believes morale.- it must be high vs:10- it must be steadfast. Vs:11-14a

2. Vs. 14-17 the believers armour.-it should be defensive vs:14-17a- it should be offensive vs:17b

3. Vs. 18. the believers prayer life.-it should be persistent vs:18a-it should be intercessory. vs18b

Important Principles

1. Any passage under consideration should be carefully studied to understand its meaning and to obtain the subject of the text.

2. Significant words or phrases in the text may indicate or form the main divisions of the outline.

3. The outline may be drawn from the expository unit in an order different from the text.

Important Principles

4. Important truths in a passage may form an outline.5. Two or three passages from different parts of Scripture might form the basis of an expository sermon.

Developing hermeneutical skill.

1. Note the context of the expository unit.2.Examine the historical and cultural background of the passage , wherever possible.3. Treat the details accurately, unfolding the meaning.4.The truths in the text must be applied to the present day.5. Use good resources.

Developing hermeneutical skill.

6. Don’t be lazy, don’t make excuses. Galatians 5:37. Grammar is your friend.8. Check with reliable sources, look for biblical verification of the doctrine you are preaching.

Examination – What does the text say

• Context• Translation.• Observation• Identification.• Consult, Solve, and Evaluate

Context

• Logical Context - This is the context of the passage within the text – its placement within the logical flow of a passage, a book, and even the entire Bible. There are several circles of logical/biblical context:a. Immediate Contextb. Intermediate Contextc. Remote Context

Context

• Historical Context. For example Philippians 3:7-11How does this passage relate to the immediately preceding and following contexts?

• How does this passage relate to its related major section within Philippians?

• How does this passage relate to the entire Epistle to the Philippians?

Translation.

• Interact with the passage in its original form—whether in Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek.

• Look for key words (lexical information) and key phrases (syntactical and grammatical information).

• Compare his translation with a literal English translation (such as the ESV, NASB, or NKJV).

Observation

• Read and reread• Who, What, Where, When and How.• Connecting words – "and," "but," "therefore,"

"for," and others.• Verbs – note the tense, voice, whether

singular or plural, and make sure you know their meaning.

Observation

• Patterns in context – look for similar verb forms in the passage, such as the five participles strung out in Ephesians 5:19-21

• Repeated words – note words that are repeated within a verse or within a context

• Words a given writer tends to use – for example, Matthew is the only gospel writer who uses the phrase "Kingdom of Heaven"

Observation

• Contrasts, comparisons, commands, exhortations.

• Definitive articles or lack of them• Adjectives• Note: what the verse does not say may also be

important but don’t stretch it.

Observation

• Perform a word study for each key word in the text. Keep in mind that many words have no great "golden nugget" of expositional truth outside of their usage within proposition and context of the passage.

• State the argument and/or the development of the theme succinctly and in your own words.This is important as it helps you summarise your examination and interpretation accurately.

Consult, Solve, and Evaluate

• Consult.• Now turn to commentaries, lexicons, Bible

dictionaries, Bible encyclopaedias, and concordances.

• New observations may surface.• The preacher who has examined, observed and

interpreted carefully and prayerfully should find his questions answered and his interpretations verified.

Consult, Solve, and Evaluate

• Solve.• When a question in the text is answered

differently by two different commentaries then the preacher must decide which best fits the passsage

Summarize and Evaluate.

• Summarize findings as concisely as possible.• This summary sentence (or paragraph) will

provide the basis for the proposition of his sermon.

• Review observations and the conclusions drawn from those observations.

• Uncertainties, ambiguities may need additional study.

Apply

• Bible study is not complete until the truth discovered is applied to life situations.

• Application helps the congregation answer the question how does this apply to me and my life?

• Having interpreted the scripture accurately, and applied its truths in his own life, the preacher now proclaims that truth to his congregation.

Session ThreeThe Central Theme

The IntroductionThe Proposition

The Transitional Statement.

The preacher communicates a central theme.

• The central idea of a true expository message reflects the central idea intended by the Bible author himself. … In our approach to the bible, therefore, we are not primarily concerned with what words mean, but with what the biblical writers mean through the use of words. - MacArthur, J. (1997, c1992). Rediscovering expository preaching (229). Dallas: Word Pub.

What is the big idea.

• When the pilot does not know what port he is heading for, no wind is the right wind; and when the preacher does not know what he is trying to accomplish in his message, no service is a good service. Have a specific aim for each message, and be sure to tell your congregation what it is.

Wiersbe, W. W., & Wiersbe, D. (1986). The elements of preaching : The art of biblical preaching clearly and simply presented. Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers.

The Central Theme

• “The Central Theme of the Text” is a simple declarative sentence, which says what the text means.

The Central Theme

• Don’t to create your own message but communicate the author’s message.It is your job to:

1. find the author’s central theme2. build a message around that theme, and3. make that theme the central part of all you have to say.

Examples of central themes

• Every saved sinner receives God’s unmerited favour. Ephesians 2:8-10

• The Lord desires worship that comes from the heart. Matthew 15:8

• No one can escape the consequences of his own sin. Galatians 6:7

• We can forgive others because we have experienced God’s forgiveness. Matt 18:15

Identifying the central theme

• Examine the context.Interact with syntax, structure and author’s intent. James 1:12, Revelation 1:19

• Find the Central Idea from a Single Statement in the Passage.1 Tim. 4:6–16, Gal. 6:1–10, 1 Pet. 5:1–11

• Find the Central Idea from the Larger Context .1 Corinthians 12–14, Hebrews 10–12.

• Find the Central Idea from Recurring Ideas.Eph. 1:3–14. Matthew 6:19–33.


The PropositionThe Introduction


The Proposition

• It is a simple declaration of the subject which the preacher proposes to discuss, develop, prove, or explain in the discourse. In other words, it is a statement of the main spiritual lesson or timeless truth in the sermon reduced to one declarative sentence.

• It is the thesis, the big idea, the homiletical idea, or a the subject sentence, it is a principle: a rule which governs the right conduct, or a fact or generalization which is accepted to be true and basic. ‘How to prepare Bible Message’s, James Braga,1969, 1981, Multnomah Press.

The Proposition

• The foundation of the entire structure of the sermon.

• Indicates the course of the sermon.• Introduces the main points of the sermon.• It directs the main points to the central theme

of the sermon.• It directs the central theme of the sermon to

the central theme of the text.

The Proposition.

• Daily meditations in the Scripture is vitalfor the Christian who wants to grow in Christ.• God demands proper worshipthat must be in Spirit and truth. • God shows us what love isby giving His Son? • God uses the weak things of this world to reveal his power.• The gospel is good newsfor the hopeless sinner.

The Proposition- example

• From Ephesians 2:8 suggest three propositional statements.

• Every saved sinner is the beneficiary of God’s unmerited favour.

• Although salvation is free, it becomes ours when we accept it by faith.

• God’s provision of salvation is entirely outside of man’s doing.

The Importance of the Proposition• It is the foundation of the sermon.

Every word must be clearly and accurately selected• It clearly indicates the course of the sermon to the

congregation. This makes the sermon interesting and possible for the congregation to follow

• It shows that the preacher has vigorously studied the content of the passage (exegesis), has set the direction and outline of his sermon (proposition, homiletics) and knows how to apply the sermon correctly.

If you do not know the BIG IDEA of the passage you cannot introduce the sermon and therefore

you cannot preach the sermon


The PropositionThe Introduction


Definition

• The introduction is the process by which the preacher endeavours to prepare the minds and secure the interests of his hearers in the message he has to proclaim.

Definition

• Someone has said that the introduction to a sermon may be likened to the prelude to a poem, the preface to a book, the portico to a building, or the preamble to the statement of a case in court. The prelude introduces us to a poem, suggests its method and meaning or message. The preface to a book also does that.… An introduction, then, must introduce.

• G. Campbell Morgan, Preaching (reprint, Grand Rapids: Baker, 1974), 81.

Purpose

• Capture and redirect the audience’s attention to focus on the preacher and his message.

• Enhance the audience’s goodwill toward the preacher.• Create audience interest in and anticipation of the body of a

message.• Demonstrate the biblical importance of a message.• Answer every listener’s unspoken question, “Why should I listen

to this message?”• Orient listeners to the preacher’s wavelength.• Make the preacher’s intended course of discussion clear to his

audience so that they can follow along and not get lost on the preaching journey.

Purpose – in a nutshell

• Overall, the introduction will put the preacher and his hearers mentally in step with each other.

• To secure the good will of the congregation.• To arouse interest in the theme.

Variations

• Current statistics which highlight a contemporary problem to be addressed in the message.

• Historical illustrations that serve to acquaint listeners with the message theme.

• Humor.• Current events that relate to the message.• Careful reading of the biblical text from which the

message comes.• Real-life stories.

Variations

• Biographical illustrations.• Striking quotations.• Rhetorical questions directed to the audience.• Personal experiences of the preacher.• References to current, well-known books.• Life-related problems for which biblical

solutions will be forthcoming.

Variations

• Contemporary confusion over biblical teaching. • Highly interesting personal correspondence.• Appropriate prayer.• Modern-day parables.• Personal testimony.• Hymns related to the message.• Asking an audience for their response to a

hypothetical situation.

Guidelines• Does it fit the occasion? For example, the introduction of a message

at a banquet would be different than one in a worship service. • Does it connect with—i.e., actually introduce—the subject of your

message?• Do you deliver in the message what you promise in the

introduction?• Is it short, like an appetizer in relation to the main course (generally

no more than five minutes)?• Do you avoid using humor just for humor’s sake?• Do you create the highest possible level of interest to capture the

audience’s attention?• Is the introduction crisp and striking?

Preparation

• As a general rule, development of introductions comes toward the end of message preparation.

• Once you are certain of your main theme and general outline and application.

• It is good practice to write the introduction and the conclusion simultaneously.

An effective introduction:Uncovers needs

• A rhetorical questions reach for attention: "If it were possible for God to die and He died this morning, how long would it take you to find out?"

• A startling fact or statistic may charm your audience into listening: "One out of three marriages ends in the divorce court. Only, one marriage in six is happy..“

• Your passage itself can be the basis of attention: "For many people Hebrews chapter six is the most perplexing passage in the Bible.'

An effective introduction:Uncovers needs

• At other times you will drive directly to your subject with a confrontative statement: "If you claim to be a Christian, you must believe in the Trinity.“

• Need can be touched quickly. Asking "Can a woman who works be a good mother? What do you say? What does the Bible say?" touches need in less than twenty words.

An Effective Introduction: Commands Attention

• An introduction should command attention. When you step behind the pulpit, you dare not assume that your congregation sits expectantly waiting for your sermon.

• A Russian proverb offers a bit of wise counsel to the preacher: "It is the same with men as with donkeys: whoever would hold them fast must get a very good grip on their ears'" The opening words of a sermon therefore need not be dramatic, they need not even be plain; but they must go after the minds of the hearers to force them to listen. If you do not capture attention in the first thirty seconds, you may never gain it at all.

An Effective Introduction: Introduces the body of a sermon.

• An introduction must introduce something.• At the very least it should introduce the

sermon's subject so that no one needs to guess what the preacher plans to talk about.

• For example, if you raise the question, "How can we know the will of God?" the audience expects that the major assertions of the sermon will provide steps to the answer.

Introduction do not’s

• Do not start with an apology. When we use an apology, we hope to win sympathy. But at best, we gain pity. A congregation is seldom persuaded by someone for whom they, feel sorry. If you are less prepared than you want to be, let the congregation discover it for themselves. In many, cases they will never find out.

Introduction do not’s

• Don't upset, anger, instil fear unnecessarily.• Be personal but be careful.• Do not be longwinded.• Do not rush through your introduction.• Do not generalize about figures, quotations

and statistics.• Do not use humour irreverently.

Practical – Example how to introduce.

• 1 John 3:1-32. The sermon title isHow does biblical love look?

Outline Five main points1. Biblical love is the Father ‘s love. 1-32. What Biblical love is not vs10-153. What Biblical love is. Vs 16-14. What Biblical love does for believers vs19-235. How do we know we have this love vs24.


The IntroductionThe Proposition

The Proposition.

• The foundation of the entire structure of the sermon.

• Indicates the course of the sermon.• Introduces the main points of the sermon.• It directs the main points to the central theme

of the sermon.• It directs the central theme of the sermon to

the central theme of the text.

Which of these are good propositional statements?

• Have you praised God today?• God gives us His grace• The believer can depend on the Lord’s help in time of need.• God is perfecting the saints.• Don’t worry about anything.• When we serve the Lord we are serving an excellent

Master.• Do you read your bible?• God is no man's debtor and He will reward us for

everything we do for Him.

Exercise - Improve

• Daniel 1:1-21Text : Daniel 1:1-21Proposition: The example of Daniel to every Christian of victory over sin.1. The testing of Daniel vs:1-72. The purpose of Daniel vs:83. The triumph of Daniel vs:9-11.

Session Four Main points

Transitional statementsSubdivisionsDiscussionConclusion

Main points

• Main points should make the sermon clearer to the congregation.

• They must grow out of the proposition.• They must be distinct from each other.

Main points

• They must be arranged in some form of progression.(logical, chronological)

• When the propositional statement asks a question, looks for proof or defence the main points must satisfy that requirement.

Main points

• Each division must relate to the propositional statement and assist to express the complete idea.

• Keep the divisions down to as few as possible.• Keep the divisions equal in length and

structure.• Be creative and add variety each week.

Transitional statements

• Necessary for as smooth transition between main points.

• Remember the listener does not have the sermon in front of them.

• It offers a clue that the preacher is moving to the next main division.

• It therefore makes each step of the sermon clear.• It creates an interest in what is to follow.• Don’t make an abrupt transition from one main

division to the next.

Subdivisions

• Are derived from their respective main division and should be a logical development from them.

• They are subordinate to the main division.The sub division must deal with the subject of the main division. They should not stand on their own.

• They must be logical and parallel in structure within the framework of the main division.

• They should be limited in number.


Transitional statementsSubdivisionsDeliverance

Deliverance

1. Unity 2. Proportion3. Progression4. Brevity5. Clarity6. Vitality7. Variety

Recording Notes

• Write so you can identify at a glance.• Use numbers to mark divisions and sub divisions. • Write out central idea, propositional statement

and outline clearly.• Write each transitional statement in full clearly.• Use brief phrases when possible.• Number pages clearly, use highlighters to mark

important places, illustrations, verses, ideas in the sermon.

Session FiveApplicationConclusion

Application

• We define application as the rhetorical process by which truth is brought to bear directly and personally upon individuals in order to persuade them to respond properly to it.

Application

• The time for application must be determined by the content of the message.

• The amount of time given to application is important.

Prerequisites Application

• The preacher must be a godly man.• The preacher must know God’s word and be

able to deliver the truth effectively.• The pastor must have an understanding if the

weaknesses of human nature.• The pastor must know his people and their

needs.• He must be dependant on the Holy Spirit of

God.

Session FiveApplicationConclusion

Conclusion

• The conclusion is the climax of the whole sermon in which the preachers' one constant aim reaches its goal in the form of a forceful impression.

• Restatement of main ideas, illustration, appeal, motivation.

• It should be brief, simple and the words carefully chosen.

“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season;

reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.”

- 2 Timothy. 4:2

Bibliography.

Braga James.(1969,1981) How to prepare Bible Messages. Multnomah Press. Oregon

MacArthur, J. (1997, c1992). Rediscovering expository preaching (3). Dallas

Wiersbe, W. W., & Wiersbe, D. (1986). The elements of preaching : The art of biblical preaching clearly and simply presented. Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers.

McGrath, A. Christian Literature: An Anthology (2001) Blackwell Publishers, Oxford.

Robinson. H. (1980, 2001). The Development and Delivery of Expository Messages, Baker Academic, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Hybels, B., Briscoe, D. S., & Robinson, H. W. (1990], c1989. Mastering Contemporary preaching,( 1989)Published by Multnomah Press, Portland, Oregon.

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