Homiletics for Good Preaching

H OMILETICS- the science and art of preparing

and delivering sermons. The art of Preaching.
THE PREACHER
(study-prepare-deliver) This is how people come to AND HIS PREACHING
know of Christ. by Alfred P. Gibbs
NECESSITY OF PREACHING: THE QUALIFICATIONS
OF THE PREACHER
1. PREACHING- a unique method to make
I. HE MUST BE REGENERATED.
known God's will and His Word as revealed A. The possibility of self deception.
B. The description of such mere professor.
through Jesus Christ. (1 Cor. 1:20-21)
C. The necessity for the preacher's own
2. Ministers are called to preach (Rom. 10:15) assurance of salvation.
II. HE MUST LOVE THE LORD JESUS.
A. The love of Christ, the constraining motive,
Why is there a decline in effective Preaching? 2 Cor. 5:14,15
1. Ministers of God have removed the preaching B. The example of Christ in love. John 14:31
C. The commission to His disciples.
of the Word from a place of primacy or John 21:1-19
importance and have put less important things III. HE MUST LOVE SOULS.
A. It is possible to love to preach, without
before it. (Acts 6:4) loving those to whom we preach.
2. Ministers have become too limited in their (example) Analysis of the Zeal of Junius, a
Candidate for the Crown of Glory.
preaching. (Acts 20:26-27) Weight in mass . . . . . . . . 100 lbs.
3. Ministers have stopped believing in the Of this, on analysis, there proves to be:
Bigotry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 parts "Wood
powerful value of preaching. (1 Cor. 1:17-25) Personal ambition . . . . . 23 parts Hay
4. Ministers have lost confidence in the message Love of praise . . . . . . . . . 19 parts and
Pride of denomination . 15 parts Stubble..."
of the Gospel and the power of God's Word. Pride of talent . . . . . . . . . 14 parts
(Heb. 4:12; Rom. 1:16) Love of authority . . . . . 12 parts
Love to God . . . . . . . . . . . 4 parts Pure
Love to man . . . . . . . . . . . 3 parts Zeal
What Preaching involves? 100
B. Consider Christ's passion for souls.
1. Procurement of the truth from the Word Luke 19:10; Matt. 20:34; Mark 1:4; 1 Cor. 13
2. Personal adjustment to the truth C. The need for a right estimate of the soul's
value. Mark 8:36, Rom. 9:3
3. Preparation of the truth to be presented from IV. HE MUST BE A STUDENT OF THE
the Word BIBLE.
A. He must know it by reading it. Psa. 119:97
4. Proclamation of the truth B. He must be able to quote it from memory.
5. Proper application from the Word to the life of
the hearer

1
 Homiletics for Good Preaching
C. He must study it by diligent application. 3. This gift must be developed in the
1 Cor. 2:13 atmosphere of spirituality.
The 5 "D"s of Bible Study: B. He should be physically fit.
Diligently - Devotionally - Discerningly - 1. The value of the body. Rom, 14:21
Doctrinally - Dispensationally, 2. Our bodies are the Lord's. 1 Cor. 6:13,
V. HE MUST BE A MAN OF PRAYER. 19-20; Rom. 6:13, 12:1; 1 Cor. 9:27
"He who would speak much to man for God. must 3. The value of good health.
speak much to God for man." Dr. A. T. Scofield, a distinguished nerve
A. Our example in prayer: specialist, points out that the words: "health",
1. By His own testimony -John 5:19,30 "whole" and "holy", are from the same root, and
2. By a life of prayer - Luke 18:1-8. then likens man to a three story building. The
B. Our encouragement in prayer. Matt. 6:5-13 ground floor is the BODY which, as far as
1. Regarding every detail of his life. possible, should be kept in a healthy condition.
Matt. 6:32,33; Phil. 4:19. The second floor is the SOUL, which should be
2. Regarding every aspect of his service for the kept whole, or in a wholesome state. The third
Lord. Matt. 9:37,38 floor is the SPIRIT, which should be kept holy.
C. The prominence of prayer in the life of Paul. Spiritual health consists of the proper care and
Eph. 1:16-23; 3:14-19; Phil 1:4 functioning of each story of this wonderful
VI. HE MUST BE CLEAN IN LIFE. house.
A. The absolute necessity for it. C. He should be mentally fit.
Isa. 52:11; 1 Tim. 3:6,7; Phil. 2:15,16 1. The danger of fanaticism.
"Unless there is WITHIN us that which is Fanaticism has its origin in an unbalanced
ABOVE us, we shall soon yield to that which is mind, for it seeks to distort, out of all
AROUND us." "take care of your character and proportion, one truth to the ignoring of all
the Lord will take care of your reputation." other truths. A fanatic has been defined as:
B. The menace of inconsistency. "one who majors on a minor".
Rom. 2:21-24; 2 Sam. 12:14
He takes one aspect of truth from the Word
C. The peril of prominence. Eph. 5:15,16
of God and then pushes it to the extreme, to
"A pocket watch and a public clock both serve
the entire exclusion of all the other
the same purpose: to tell the time. If a watch
Scriptures which would have given him a
gets out of order, only the owner is affected; but
correct balance of the truth as a whole.
if a public clock goes wrong, hundreds of
people are misled." 2. The need for sane and sound thinking.
VII. HE MUST BE FIT FOR THE WORK. Titus 1:9,13; 2:1,2,8.
A. He should be spiritually fit. D. He should be educationally fit.
1. He must be gifted of the Lord to preach or 1. The need for it. God places no premium, or
value on ignorance. The Christian is
teach publicly. Eph. 4:7-26 enjoined to show himself "approved unto
2. He must seek to develop this gift. God, a workman that needeth not to be
a. Should be earnestly coveted. 1 Cor. 12:3 ashamed. "
b. When received, must be "stirred up". 2. The advantage of knowledge. Act. 7.22
2 Tim. 1:6 3. The provision of it.
c. Must be developed by exercise. a. The Bible
1 Pet. 4:10,11 b. A good library (Prov. 2:1-12; 3:13-26)
d. May be lost through neglect. c. Correspondence courses
1 Tim. 4:4; Col. 4:17 d. Writing
e. Criticism
2
 Homiletics for Good Preaching
THE PREACHERS CALL E. The word and action of some gifted and
Spirit-led servant of the Lord.
Acts 16:1-3; 2 Tim. 4:11
I. IT IS INDIVIDUAL, OR PERSONAL.
F. The Divine ordering of God's providences,
A. It involves personal heart-dealing alone with
by which He makes His will clear through
God.
the circumstances of one's life.
Isa. 13:1;14:28, 1 Cor. 9:16; Josh. 5:13-15.
God opens up a door of utterance at the right
B. It is born in the atmosphere of spirituality. time, or perhaps closes a door of secular
Rom 12:1,2
employment. Rev. 3:8; 1 Cor. 16:9
C. It comes usually in the midst of Christian
G. The commendation of one's brethren in
activity. Acts 13:2
assembly fellowship. 1 Cor. 14:29,32.
II. IT IS DEFINITE.
Exodus 33:14; Judges 6:12.
III. IT IS VARIED IN CIRCUMSTANCES. THE NECESSITY FOR
A. Abraham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gen. 12:1-3 PREACHING
D. Moses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exodus 34
C. Joshua . . . . . . . . . . . . . Josh. 1:1-9; 5:13-15 I. PREACHING IS THE GOD-ORDAINED
D. Gideon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Judges 6:11-24 MEANS OF SPREADING THE GOSPEL
E. Elisha . . 1 Kings 19:19-21; 2 Kings 3:11 A. The Divine order outlined (Romans 10:9-17).
F. Isaiah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Isa. 6:1-13 B. The Divine commission given
G. Peter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Luke 5:1-11 (Matt. 28:18-20).
IV. IT DOES NOT NECESSARILY C. The Divine program being carried out.
INVOLVE FULL TIME SERVICE. (Acts 8:1; 11:19)
A. There in no distinction made in the N. T. The Divine terms examined. Following are four
between so-called "clergy" and 'laity." words which are translated "preach" in the
B. Evils of professionalism in the Lord's work. Authorized Version:
The only difference between the whole-time 1. Kerusso, to proclaim as a herald
preacher and the part-time preacher, is merely Matt. 11:1- Mark 1:4; 3:14; 16:20.
the amount of time which each spends in 2. Euaggelizo, to tell good news Matt. 11:5;
preparation and preaching and the matter of his Luke 4:18; 7:22; 1 Cor. 1:17.
financial support. The N.T. clearly teaches the 3. Katangello, to tell thoroughly
priesthood of all believers. 1 Peter 2:5-9; Acts 4:2; 13:38; 15:36; Col. 1:28.
Rev. 1:5; 5-10. 4. Laleo, to talk
V. THE ELEMENTS THAT COMBINE TO Mark 2:2; Acts 11:19; 14:25.
CONSTITUTE A GOD-GIVEN CALL. II. PREACHING IS A WITNESS TO THE
A. There is the inward urge of the Holy Spirit. FACTS OF THE GOSPEL
Rom. 8:26,27. (Acts 1:8; 10:39-42, 22:15).
B. Some definite word from the Scriptures will A. Definition of a witness:
serve to deepen this conviction. One who testifies to what he has seen, what he
1 Samuel 3:10 has heard and what he knows to be the facts of
C. The compassions of the heart. the case.
John 4:35 Prov. 24:11,12; Ezek. 33:1-6 B. Purpose of a witness:
D. The advice of godly Christians. It involves a revelation from God to the
Gal. 2:2 believer, and a proclamation by the believer to
man. John 3:11.
3
 Homiletics for Good Preaching
C. The gospel witness is the manifestation of the 7. To thoroughly furnish unto all good works.
truth of God to men. 2 Tim. 2:2
Titus 1:3; 2 Cor. 4:2. C. The threefold purpose of the ministry of the
D. This gospel witness is abundantly evidenced Word of God:
in the Acts of the Apostles. 1. The maturing of the saints 1 Cor. 3:1;
Acts 2:14-36; 3:12-26; 4:8-12; 7:1-54; Gal 4:19.
10:34-43; 13:16-43. 2. The work of the ministry. (warning,
III. THE PREACHING OF THE WORD IS 1 Thess. 5:14), (rebuke. 1 Tim. 5:20),
THE MEANS BY WHICH FAITH IS (comfort, 1 Thess. 4:18).
AWAKENED IN THE HEARER 3. The edification of the body of Christ -the
A. Faith always presupposes a previous building up of the people of God.
revelation. Rom. 10:17, 14. 1 Cor 14:6; 1 Cor. 14:31 shows the acid test
B. Faith necessitates an object. of ministry is the spiritual profit of the
This object is Christ, as revealed in the hearers.
Scriptures of truth, and presented by means of VI. PREACHING IS THE SOLEMN
the preaching of the gospel. RESPONSIBILITY OF ALL WHO HAVE
C. Faith is the essential condition of salvation. BEEN THUS GIFTED.
Acts 16:30,31; 2 Tim. 4:2. A. It is a necessity laid upon each preacher.
IV. THE PREACHING OF THE WORD, No preacher should have any cause for
UNDER GOD, RESULTS IN THE self-congratulation because he has preached the
REGENERATION OF THOSE WHO gospel, for he has only done his duty.
BELIEVE. Luke 17:10.
A. The Word of God is a living thing. B. It is a trust committed to each preacher.
Heb. 4:12; 1 Peter 1:23-25 1 Cor. 4:2; 2 Tim. 4:7.
B. The Word of God is life-imparting. C. It in a debt to be paid by each preacher.
John 6:63. Rom. 1:14,15.
C. The Word of God is life-developing. D. The causes and tragedy of an unfulfilled
1 Peter 2:1,2 ministry.
1. The fear of man. Prov. 29:25. A preacher
V. PREACHING IS THE MEANS BY WHICH
should, most emphatically, not be a
THE HEARER IS BUILT UP IN HIS MOST man-pleaser, nor a self-pleaser
HOLY FAITH. (Rom. 15:1), but a God-pleaser (Col. 1:10).
A. Paul's threefold desire -as described in 2. Slothfulness. Prov. 24:30-34; John 9:4;
Col. 1:28,29: Phil 3:8,13,14
WARNING every man, and TEACHING every 3. Selfish ambition. Mark 8:36
man, to PRESENT every man perfect in Christ. 4. Unjudged sin and worldliness of life.
1 Peter 5:1-3. VII. PREACHING, TO BE EFFECTIVE,
B. The sevenfold work of the Word of God
MUST REACH THE WHOLE
1 Tim 3:15-17.
1. To make wise unto salvation (v. 15). PERSONALITY OF THE HEARER.
2. For doctrine. A. All "high pressure" methods of forcing
3. For reproof. results must be resolutely shunned, for they
4. For correction. are a deadly plague.
5. For instruction in righteousness. B. The test of true preaching.
6 To develop Christian maturity. Three questions should be asked regarding a
sermon preached. First, did it enlighten the
4 intellect? Second, was it calculated to stir the
 Homiletics for Good Preaching
emotions? Third, did it demand a decision of the 1. His field
will? If the answer to each of these questions is 2. Nature of work.
"yes" it was true preaching, for it prepared the 3. Methods he uses.
hearer to think rightly, feel rightly, and act C. The preacher's determination.
rightly. 1. To preach the gospel freely.
1. The Intellect, or the mind, the seat of our 2. To seek by all means to win souls.
REASONING faculties. See Luke 1:51,66;
2:35; 5:22. "What reason ye in your THE PERILS OF THE PREACHER
hearts"?
2. The Emotions, or the feelings, the seat of
I. THE PERIL OF UNDUE FAMILIARITY
our REACTIONARY faculties See
Luke 21:26, "Hearts failing for fear"; WITH DIVINE THINGS.
Luke 24:32, "Did not our heart burn ", Lev. 10:1-3; 1 Thess. 1:9.
2 Cor. 2:4, "Anguish of heart"; Rom. 9:2, II. THE PERIL OF INCONSISTENT LIVING.
"Sorrow in my heart"; Rom. 5:5. Matt. 23:3; Rom. 2:21-23, 24; 1 Tim. 4:12.
3. The Will. the seat of our RESOLVING III. THE PERIL OF NEGLECTING ONE'S
faculties. Acts 4:32, "Of one heart"; OWN SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT.
Acts 11:23, "Purpose of heart"; Rom. 6:17, Song of S. 1:6; Mark 8:36.
"Obeyed from the heart"; Eph. 6:6, "Doing IV. THE PERIL OF CALLOUSNESS TO THE
the will of God from the heart"; Rom. 10:1, NEEDS OF OTHERS.
"Heart's desire." Matt. 15:21-28; Matt. 14:13-21; James 2:15-17;
4. Where the intellect, emotions and will seem 1 Peter. 5:3; Rom. 12:3; 1 Tim. 4:6.
to be combined in the Word. See 2 Cor. 4:6; V. THE PERIL OF PROFESSIONALISM.
Matt. 12:34; Rom. 10:9. May it be ours to VI. THE PERIL OF COMPROMISE. IN
preach from heart to heart. RELATION TO HIS OWN LIFE, TO
OTHERS, OR TO HIS MINISTRY OF THE
THE PREACHER'S SUPPORT WORD.
Jer. 26:2; Acts 20:20, 26 cp. Ezek. 33:8.
I. SCRIPTURE CONTEMPLATES VII. THE PERIL OF POPULARITY.
FULL-TIME PREACHERS, CALLED, John 12:43; Luke 16:15; Gal. 1:10; Jude 24;
EQUIPPED, COMMENDED, AND SENT 2 Cor. 12:9.
FORTH.
II. THESE SHOULD BE SUPPORTED BY THE SERMON
THE SAINTS. 1 COR. 9:1-23. AND ITS STRUCTURE
A. Paul's authority stated. The four questions.
vs. 1-3.
B. Paul's right to maintenance declared. vs. 4-6.
I. THE DEFINITION OF A SERMON.
(from Latin -a stab, or a thrust)
C. Paul's proof of his right to maintenance.
vs. 7-14. The four appeals. A sermon is a form of discourse on Scripture
truth, designed to save or edify the hearer. A speech
D. The inevitable conclusion. v. 14.
spoken in behalf of, or in the name of God.
III. PAUL'S RIGHT TO SUPPORT WAIVED
A. It is an oral or spoken address. Neh. 8:8
BY GRACE. VS. 15-23. B. It is to the popular mind and should be
A. The preacher must be independent of man. couched in language which can be
B. The preacher is responsible alone to the understood by all present. 1 Cor. 14:9
Lord for: 5
 Homiletics for Good Preaching
C. It is upon Scriptural truth - contained in the 1. The selection of the text.
Bible. a. Do not choose texts where the sentiment
1 Cor. 15:1-5; Jer. 23:28; John 13:32; is not inspired. Job 1:9; 2:4; 42:7.
Acts 20:27. b. Texts, on the whole, should express a
D. It is elaborately treated. complete thought.
The passage is carefully analyzed, the real c. Avoid the use of odd texts. The text is not
meaning of its words explained, its truth an excuse for the sermon, but the cause of
illustrated and the lesson applied in a logical it (ex. "Beware of Dogs" -funeral of child
intelligent and edifying manner. Three things are bitten by dog)
essential: d. Be careful about choosing texts that
1. Rhetoric -putting the right words in the right promise a great effort that we cannot fulfill
places. in the sermon.
2. Grammar -the choice and use we make of e. We should not be afraid to choose familiar
the words. texts.
3. Logic -the right use of thought. f. One should avoid using texts, the
E. It is with a view to persuasion. interpretation of which is not clear to the
This is the supreme goal of the preacher, to gain preacher.
the attention and win the hearer to an g. Only those texts that personally appeal
acceptance of, and obedience to the truth that should be taken.
has been presented. h. The text should be selected with one's
"Preach" - "Reach" - "Each". audience in mind.
II. THE STRUCTURE OF THE SERMON. 2. The interpretation of the text.
It is a bridge which spans the gulf that separates What did the writer mean to convey? We
ignorance from knowledge; indifference from interest; must distinguish between exegesis and
unbelief from faith, and inaction from decision. exposition. Exegesis refers to the discovery
Properly speaking, there are 6 parts to a sermon: of the material, while exposition consists of
1. The title. 2. The text. the display of what has been discovered.
3. The introduction. 4. The outline or body. Exegesis draws out the hidden meaning;
5. The illustration. 6. The conclusion. exposition places that meaning out in logical,
appropriate and effective order. Exegesis in
A. The text. the task of the commentator; exposition in
It may consist of a single verse, or even part of the task of the preacher.
a verse, or a whole passage from the Word of
a. The text should be interpreted honestly. A
God. The text is our authority, the foundation
literal interpretation. "If the first sense
on which the sermon is built. We should select a
makes good sense, seek no other sense."
definite portion from the Word because:
"If it's new; it's not true. If it's true, then
a. It gives authority to the message. "Thus
it's not new."
saith the Lord".
b. The text should be interpreted in the light
b. It confines, or should confine the preacher
of its context. "Text, without context, is a
to his subject.
pretext." Questions to ask:
c. It gives unity to the sermon.
(1) Who made the statement or asked the
d. It prepares the hearers for the discussion
question?
that is to follow.
(2) To whom was it made?
e. It promotes variety in preaching.
(3) What were the circumstances under
which it was said, as to time and place?
6
 Homiletics for Good Preaching
(4) What was the purpose in the writer's or most striking truth in the text; and then
speaker's mind? prepare his sermon with this in view.
3. The text should be interpreted in the light of C. The introduction.
its language. 1. The definition of it. "That part of the sermon
a. Its grammatical construction. which leads up to the discussion and thus
b. The exact meaning of the English prepares the audience for the main part of
(Tagalog) words. the sermon, the discussion.
c. The meaning of the words in the original. 2. The purpose of it.
Use Strong's or Young's Concordance. a. To awaken the hearers' interest in the
4. The text should be interpreted in the light of subject.
Biblical history, manners, customs and b. To prepare the audience for an
geography. understanding of the theme under
5. The text should be interpreted in the light of consideration.
the general teaching of the Word of God c. To secure the good will of the audience.
a. No doctrine can be based on an isolated 3. The importance of it is crucial for the
text. speaker will either gain or lose his audience
b. The spiritual must be compared with the here.
spiritual. 1 Cor. 2:12-14. 4. Some suggestions regarding it: It should
c. An obscure statement should never be lead directly to the discussion. It should be
allowed to contradict, or nullify, a clear, simple and modest. It should be varied. It
definite and unmistakably plain statement should not be long.
of Scripture. D. The outline or body (discussion).
6. The text should be interpreted in the light of 1. The definition of it. That part of the sermon
its typical significance, when such is which presents the truth contained in the text
warranted by other Scripture passages. and the theme. It is the most important part
a. The definition of a type. - "A Divinely of the sermon.
purposed illustration of some scriptural 2. The necessity for divisions is so that there
truth." (ex.) Christ said: "I am the door." A will be a definite order.
type is an institution. historical event or 3. The purpose of these divisions is to keep the
person ordained by God which effectively speaker to his theme, retain the attention of
prefigures some truth in the N. T. the audience, and aid in their memory of the
b. The tremendous value of the types cannot sermon.
be overestimated. Christ is the grand Key 4. Seven rules regarding the divisions:
to all the types. a. Each should be clear and distinct from the
B. The theme. other divisions.
1. The definition of it. By this is meant that b. It must have order, movement and
part of the sermon which defines the main progress.
truth to be expounded from the text. The c. They should be cumulative.
most striking truth contained in the text. d. They should seek to fully comprehend the
2. The choice of the theme will depend entirely text and theme, and attempt to expound
on the viewpoint of the preacher. all the truth within them.
3. The advantages of stating the theme. It is e. These divisions should be natural.
essential that the speaker should know what f. They should not be too many in number.
he is going to speak about. It is good mental g. They should be orderly. (Abstract stated
discipline for the preacher to write out what before concrete, negative before positive,
he believes to be the most important, or the conviction before appeal, false before
7
 Homiletics for Good Preaching
true.) 2. It is interesting to an audience. Prov. 27:19
5. Three methods of stating the divisions are: 3. It has been greatly used of God
the logical form, the rhetorical form, the B. The importance of it.
interrogative form. 1. The place it is given in Scripture. (David)
E. The conclusion. Psa. 66:16; Psa 107:1,2
1. The definition of it. It is the drawing in of 2. Paul gave it great prominence in his
the net, the application, the exhortation, the preaching. There are six accounts of it in the
challenge. N.T.: Acts 9,22,26; Gal. 1; Phil 3;
2. Some suggestions regarding it. It should be: 1 Tim. 1:12-17.
a. short, b. varied, c. real, d. personal, C. It is a fact that cannot be denied.
e. pointed, f. conclusive. D. Hints on telling it.
3. A brief summary on the elements that go to 1. Avoid all exaggeration and overstatement.
make up a good address 2. Avoid extremes.
a. It should be well studied. The preacher 3. Try to recall the details of the case.
should be saturated with his subject. 4. Keep Christ preeminent.
b. It should be well prayed over. Like 5. The truth should be applied to the hearers.
Hezekiah's letter, it should be "spread 6. It should not be allowed to supersede God's
before the Lord" Isa. 37:14. Word in the preaching of the gospel.
c. It should be well introduced and thus gain 7. Never forget that initial experience of your
the ear of the audience. own conversion.
d. It should be well expressed in good. clear II. THE EXPOSITORY SERMON.
forceful language. A. The definition of it.
e. It should be well illustrated, so as to both An expository sermon takes the central thought
clarify and enforce the truth. of a portion of Scripture and then seeks to
f. It should be well applied and leave the expose, explain and supply it, in the light of its
hearer in no doubt as to his responsibilities context, in that particular passage.
regarding the message. B. The advantages of it.
g. It should be well concluded. Having 1. It puts the supreme emphasis on the Word of
delivered the message, he should STOP. God itself Psa. 138:2
2. It makes for a broad knowledge of the
Scriptures as a whole.
THE TYPES OF SERMONS 3. It provides an opportunity for speaking on
many passage of Scripture which would
Introduction: otherwise be neglected 2 Tim 3:16,17
1. The example of Christ. He taught by means of 4. It will also make for variety in the ministry
parables, stories, similes, question and answers, of the Word.
miracles, plain statements and His own 5. It enables the preacher to deal with current
example. evils. Ecc. 1:9, 10
2. The example of Paul. Acts 17:3 "opening and 6 It will deliver the preacher from the tendency
alleging"; Acts 18:4 "reasoning and to a fanciful use, or abuse of isolated texts.
persuading"; Acts 28:31 "preaching and 7. It will furnish the preacher with enough
teaching". From these examples we can glean material for a lifetime of preaching.
the following sermon types: C. The dangers of it.
I. THE PERSONAL TESTIMONY. The chief danger of an expository sermon is that
A. The value of it. it may easily degenerate into a collection of little
1. It is the best and most natural way to begin and disconnected sermonettes, which have no
to preach. Mark 5:19 8
 Homiletics for Good Preaching
relation to the central theme. 4. It is good sometimes to take a number of
D. Some hints regarding the preparation of the different verses which contain the same word
expository sermon, or thought.
1. The mode of procedure. C. The disadvantages of it.
a. Select the passage to be expounded. The unity of the Bible is not so apparent with
b. Discover its main theme or subject. this method, as it is with the expository sermon.
c. This theme should be written out in one's D. Some hints regarding the preparation of an
own words using the logical method of outline for a textual sermon.
statement. 1. Practice preparing outlines from texts that
d. Discover the contributing thoughts in the easily lend themselves to divisions.
passage that throw light on the theme, or 2. File away these outlines for future
spring from the theme. reference.
e. These should now be written down in 3. Notes should be taken of other preachers'
one's own words. treatment of texts.
f. Arrange theme contributing thoughts in E. Some examples of outlines for textual
their logical sequence, as the main sermons:
divisions of the expository sermon. "The Gospel in Seven Words" (Eph. 2:8)
g. Prepare the sermon with these main "Christ's Wondrous Invitation" (Matt. 11:28)
divisions in view. IV. THE TOPICAL SERMON.
2. Study books by the masters of this method of A. The definition of it.
preaching. "Expos Preaching" by F. B. This type of sermon consists of choosing a
Meyer in perhaps the best. Also study certain subject, or topic and then searching
sermons by Alex Maclaren. through all the Scriptures to discover what light
3. Prepare some outlines of Scripture passages can be thrown on the subject under
for practice. (ex.) John 1:1-5; 1:6-14; consideration. The great doctrines of the Bible
1:35-61; 10:1-18; 15:1-27; 17:1-26, would come under this classification.
Rom. 1:14-17, 3:19-28; 5:1-11. B. The advantage of it.
E. Some examples of outlines for it 1. It enables both preacher and hearer to
1. "The Divine Benediction" (Heb. 13:20-21). grasp a subject of the Bible as a whole.
2. "God's Righteous Salvation" 2. It affords ample opportunity for a thorough
(Rom. 10:1-17). discussion of the subject.
3. "The Gospel According to Paul" 3. It impresses an audience with the unity of
(1 Cor. 15:1-8). Holy Scripture.
III. THE TEXTUAL SERMON. 4. The great doctrines of the Bible can best be
A. The definition of it. studied by this method.
This method of preaching consists of selecting 5. It makes for variety of presentation.
verses, a verse, or even the part of a verse as a C. The disadvantages of it.
text. 1. The range of topics is necessarily limited.
B. The advantages of it. 2. This method of preaching will soon exhaust
1. The actual words of Scripture are brought the preacher.
before the people. D. The method of preparing an outline for a
2. A short text is more easily retained by an topical sermon.
audience. 1. A series of questions should be asked in
3. It makes for variety in preaching. relation to the topic. They are, in order of
sequence: What? Why? How? Who? Where?
When? What then? (So what?).
9
 Homiletics for Good Preaching
2. Any topic under the sun may be logically preaching.
arranged and presented in an orderly C. The dangers of it.
fashion, by answering these seven questions. 1. Over application.
3. An outline that embodies these questions: 2. Reading in a doctrinal position.
a. The Introduction. (This takes care of the D. The mode of procedure in preparing the
What?) outline.
b. The Necessity for (Why?) 1. Read all the Bible has to say.
c. The Nature of (How?) 2. Select what appear to be the outstanding
d. The Person who (Who?) events of this person's life.
e. The Place Where (Where?) 3. Draw up a list of his chief characteristics.
f. The Time when (When?) 4. Discover the cause, preventative and cure of
g. The Conclusion (What then?) his weaknesses.
V. THE HISTORICAL INCIDENT SERMON. 5. Learn the secret of his virtues.
A. The definition of it. 6 The lessons learned must be applied, first to
In this type of sermon, a Bible incident is taken self, then to audience.
as the subject, and the spiritual lessons it 7. Prepare an outline of his life in its
contains are applied as the story is unfolded. chronological order.
B. The advantages of it. E. Read the best of biographical sermons.
1. All the world loves a story. F. Example of a biographical sermon outline.
2. A wide range of sermon material is here Enoch. Gen. 5:18, 21-24; Heb. 11:5, Jude 14.
provided.
3. The incidents of the Bible, particularly the SERMON OUTLINE ON ENOCH.
O.T., have been specially recorded for this
Purpose. Rom. 15:4; 1 Cor. 10:11.
I. HIS BIRTH. GEN. 5:18
C. The disadvantages or dangers of it.
II. HIS CONVERSION. GEN. 5:22.
The chief danger is the over spiritualization of
A. The circumstance.
the incident, and pushing the application of it to
B. The result.
an extreme that is not warranted by the teaching
of the rest of the Bible. III. HIS WALK OR MANNER OF LIFE.
D. The preparation of the outline. A. The implications of this walk. Matt. 7:13,14.
1. Consult parallel accounts. 1. Reconciliation -Rom. 5:11.
2. The divisions are determined by the 2. Harmony -Amos 3:3.
movement of the story. 3. Continuance - 300 years. cp. John 8:31.
VI. THE BIOGRAPHICAL SERMON. B. The description of his walk. cp Titus 2:14.
1. He walked with God before family -
A. The definition of it.
Gen. 5:22.
This consists of the study of a person's life and
2. He walked with God before the world -
the lessons to be learned.
Jude 14.
B. The advantages of it.
3. He walked with God in own soul -
1. Biographies make both interesting and
Heb. 11:5.
valuable reading for the following three-fold
reasons: (a) information (b) inspiration IV. HIS TESTIMONY.
(c) imitation. He pleased God; Heb. 11:5,6.
2. Much sermon material is available from this A. By his faith. Heb. 11:6.
source. B. By his life. cp. Col. 1:10; 1 Tim. 6:11.
3. Biographical preaching makes for that C. By his witness to the world. Jude 14.
variety which is so necessary to effective
10
 Homiletics for Good Preaching
V. HIS PROPHECY. JUDE 14,15. III. THE PREPARATION OF THE OUTLINE.
A. His denunciation against false teachers. A. Begin early.
B. His proclamation 1. Beware of procrastination.
"The Lord cometh." Here is the first prophecy 2. Overcome the inertia. Make the first step.
of Christ's second coming. 3. Begin right. Proper furniture and
C. His condemnation. v. 15. Future judgment equipment.
to be visited on: B. Read the passage, or passages of Scripture,
1. the ungodly deeds, frequently.
2. the ungodly words, C. Look up the parallel passages in other parts
3. of ungodly sinners. of the Bible.
VI. HIS TRANSLATION. D. Use a Concordance.
Gen. 5:24; Heb. 11:5. E. Concentrate on the topic, or text, with paper
A. The translation. Taken up without dying. and pencil ready at hand.
B. The type. The translation of the church. 1. Discover the theme.
1 Thess. 4:13-18. 2. Arrange the main divisions.
3. Concentrate on the passage to the exclusion
THE PREPARATION of all else.
4. Meditate on the passage. Psa 39:3
OF THE SERMON 5. Write down these thoughts as they come.
6 Now tabulate these thoughts and arrange
I. THE NECESSITY FOR IT. them in their logical order.
A. It is essential. Col. 4:17. 7. An introduction should now be carefully
B. It is scriptural. Eccl. 12:9-12. prepared.
C. It is sensible. 2 Tim. 1:7. 8. A conclusion should be planned.
II. THE SELECTION OF THE SUBJECT. 9. Suitable illustrations should now be
A. There must be definite and earnest prayer prepared.
for Divine wisdom and guidance. a. Their purpose.
1. It should be done humbly. John 15:5; (1) They assist argument.
Psa. 25:9; Exod. 33:15. (2) They help the hearer to remember.
2. It should be done believingly. Jas. 1:5,6 (3) They stimulate the imagination.
3. It should be done conscientiously. (4) They rest the audience.
4. It should be done perseveringly. (5) They provide for various classes of
B. The subject, or the text may have been hearers.
previously impressed upon the mind. (6) They bridge difficult places.
C. Perhaps the subject has already been chosen. (7) They enforce the truth.
D. The subject, or text, may have been b. Their selection.
suggested by hearing some other speaker (1) Avoid, as far as possible, the old stock
preach from it. illustrations.
E. Perhaps the reading of a book of sermons, or (2) Care should be taken not to repeat
outlines suggested the theme. them too often before the same
F. A current event may have suggested a audience.
certain line of teaching. (3) They should be carefully selected to
G. The needs of the audience will also prove to specifically illustrate the exact phase of
be a factor in the decision. the truth to be conveyed.
c. Their source.
(1) The Scriptures.
11
 Homiletics for Good Preaching
(2) History Bible, even chapters and verses).
(3) Nature. 1 Cor. 11:14; Job 12:7,8 2. A filing cabinet.
(4) Biblical magazines, newspapers and a. Topical.
secular magazines. b. Textual.
(5) Good poetry. III. WIDE READING IS ESSENTIAL.
(6) Gospel tracts. "Reading makes a full man, writing makes a
(7) "Suppose" illustrations. correct man and speaking makes a ready man."
10. Consult other writers. This will be as a (Bacon).
supplement to your own efforts, not as a A. The Bible should be the preeminent book.
crutch on which to lean. B. Other books will include history, poetry,
11. Now condense the many pages of the biographies, the classics, other sermons,
sermon to one or two pages. periodicals, secular magazines, good gospel
12. This address should be rehearsed as often tracts and the newspaper.
as possible. IV. A THOUGHT BOOK.
13. You should now humbly and believingly This should be a fairly small and thin loose-leaf
commit yourself by prayer to God. affair, which can easily be carried in the pocket and the
leaves quickly replaced. Use to record any suggestive
GATHERING OF THE MATERIAL thoughts, interesting conversations, incidents, etc.
V. NOTES OF OTHER PREACHERS'
This is a lifetime task. Just as an efficient teacher ADDRESSES.
needs to keep ahead of the class he is teaching, so the VI. THE "HOMILETIC HABIT" SHOULD BE
preacher needs to keep ahead of his congregation. This DEVELOPED BY OBSERVATION AND
will necessitate that he be continually on the alert for PRACTICE.
anything that will contribute to his usefulness in
preaching and teaching the Word of God.
I. A CAREFULLY SELECTED LIBRARY. THE DELIVERY OF THE SERMON
However, care should be taken that these books
are never allowed to displace the Bible as the supreme I. THE NEED FOR THE PREACHER'S SELF
authority. Examples of various categories are: DISCIPLINE. THE SEVEN "THYSELFS"
versions of the Bible, concordances, Bible dictionaries, OF 1 TIMOTHY.
English dictionaries, commentaries, doctrine, or A. "Behave thyself" - 1 Tim. 3:15.
systematic theology books, harmonies, dictionaries of B. "Exercise thyself" - 1 Tim. 4:7.
Bible words, church history, secular history, Bible 1. An exercised conscience. Acts 24:16
geography, evidences of Christianity, prophecy, typical 2. An exercised mind. Heb. 5:14.
teaching, the second coming, eschatology, angelology, 3. An exercised physical body. 1 Tim. 4:15.
dispensational truth, expository books, church truth, C. "Give thyself" - 1 Tim. 4:15.
the life of Christ, homiletics, heresies and false cults, D. "Watch thyself" - 1 Tim. 4:16.
the Holy Spirit, biographical, personal evangelism, E. "Save thyself" - 1 Tim. 4:16.
pedagogy and child evangelism, poetry, missionary, F. "Keep thyself" - 1 Tim. 5:22.
classics, devotional, archaeology, sermon outlines, 1. Keep under his body. 1 Cor. 9:27.
illustrations, physical and mental health, hymnology, 2. Keep himself from idols. 1 John 5:21.
the ordinances, current magazines. 3. Keep himself pure. 1 Tim. 5:22.
II. THIS LIBRARY SHOULD BE INDEXED. 4. Keep himself in the love of God. Jude 21.
1. A card index. 5. Keep himself unspotted from the world.
a Topically (alphabetically). James 1:27.
b. Textual (according to books of the 12
 Homiletics for Good Preaching
G. "Withdraw thyself" - 1 Tim. 6:3-5. D. He should keep his promise to his audience.
II. HE SHOULD WATCH HIS MANNERS. VII. HE SHOULD WATCH HIS THEME -
A. Humble, but not servile. MAKE SURE IT IS SCRIPTURAL.
B. Earnest, yet self possessed. VIII. HE SHOULD WATCH FOR RESULTS.
C. Courteous, yet faithful. A. God has promised results.
D. Develop imagination, but avoid B. Only God can give results. Beware of
exaggeration. creating his own results.
E. Good humored, but not flippant. C. He must expect results.
F. Neat in appearance, but not foppish.
F. Manly, but not imitative of anyone else.
PUBLIC READING
III. HE SHOULD WATCH HIS LANGUAGE.
A. The language used should be simple, OF THE SCRIPTURES
avoiding involved sentences.
B. The language used should be grammatically I. IT IS SCRIPTURAL.
correct. 1 Tim. 4:10; Luk. 4:16; Acts 8:28-32; 13:27; 15:21;
C. The language should be forceful. 2 Cor. 3:15.
1. He should be a student of specific words. II. IT IS IMPORTANT.
2. He should seek to add new words to his It is God's Word to man.
vocabulary. III. THIS PUBLIC READING SHOULD NOT
3. He should make a study of the figures of BE PERFORMED CARELESSLY OR
speech. UNPROFITABLY.
4. He should avoid hackneyed expressions.
A. Location unclear.
5. He should be careful in his use of Divine
B. Mispronounced words, unclear, or
titles. mumbling.
D. The language used should be correctly C. Reading too hurriedly.
pronounced. D. Failing to limit the length of the passage to a
IV. HE SHOULD WATCH HIS VOICE -THE reasonable length.
POWER OF IT, THE PITCH OF IT. E. Failing to practice the reading aloud ahead
V. HE SHOULD WATCH HIS AUDIENCE. of time.
He must have contact eye to eye. Jer. 1:17.
This will:
A. Command the respect of the audience.
B. Enable him to watch the reaction of the
audience.
C. Enable him to see if the audience is
comfortable.
VI. HE SHOULD WATCH HIS TIME.
A. He should find out the length of the service
and plan it within the limits of the time
appointed.
1. Start on time.
2. End on time.
B. When sharing a meeting with another, keep
to his time.
C. Better to leave an audience longing rather
than loathing. 13
 Study Questions for Homiletics
1. List the seven qualifications of the Preacher.
1. 4.
2. 5.
3. 6.
7.

2. The Preacher's call involves heart-dealing.

3. The Three-fold purpose of the ministry of the Word of God are:

1.
2.
3.

4. Preaching, to be effective, must reach the

5. List 4 perils of the preacher.

1.
2.
3.
4.

6. Give the definition of a Sermon.

7. List the structure of the sermon:

1. 4.
2. 5.
3. 6.

8. What is a Theme?

9. What is an Introduction?

10. List 6 types of sermons:

1. 4.
2. 5.
3. 6.

11. Which type of sermon is the worst?

12. The Preacher should watch his:

1. 4.
2. Language 5.
3. 6.
7.
14
 Exam Questions for Homiletics
Student's Name:_________________ Teacher's Name:_____________ Date: / /

1. List the seven qualifications of the Preacher.

1. 4.
2. 5.
3. 6.
7.
2. The Preacher's call involves heart-dealing.

3. The Three-fold purpose of the ministry of the Word of God are:

1.
2.
3.

4. Preaching, to be effective, must reach the

5. List 4 perils of the preacher.

1.
2.
3.
4.

6. Give the definition of a Sermon.

7. List the structure of the sermon:

1. 4.
2. 5.
3. 6.

8. What is a Theme?

9. What is an Introduction?

10. List 6 types of sermons:

1. 4.
2. 5.
3. 6.

11. Which type of sermon is the worst?

12. The Preacher should watch his:

1. 4.
2. Language 5.
3. 6.
7.
13. 1 have read__________ % of the materials in Homiletics. 14. I have looked up _____% of the Scripture references.
 Homiletics for Good Preaching

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NECESSITY OF PREACHING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
THE PREACHER AND HIS PREACHING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
THE QUALIFICATIONS OF THE PREACHER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
THE PREACHER'S CALL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
THE NECESSITY FOR PREACHING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
THE PREACHER'S SUPPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
THE PERILS OF THE PREACHER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
THE SERMON AND ITS STRUCTURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
THE TYPES OF SERMONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
SERMON OUTLINE ON ENOCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
THE PREPARATION OF THE SERMON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
GATHERING OF THE MATERIAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
THE DELIVERY OF THE SERMON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
PUBLIC READING OF THE SCRIPTURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
STUDY QUESTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS BLOCK:

1. Read all the material for this block.

2. Look up and read all the verses in the material as you read through the material.
3. Fill in the answers to your STUDY QUESTIONS ahead of time so you will be better
prepared for the EXAM during the final hour.
4. T-H-I-N-K as you read this material. It will be a blessing to you.
It will also change your life.
5. Two outlines - due 4th. week, include title, text, A, B, C.
 Homiletics
for
Good Preaching This material is
by Alfred P. Gibbs copyrighted and
used by
permission.

B.A.M.A. Bible Institutes Inc.

(Baptist Asian Missions Association Inc.)
133 Isarog Street, LaLoma, Quezon City 1114 R.P.