Knowing Homiletics

7/27/2019 Knowing Homiletics

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HOMILETICSThe study of the preparation and delivery of a sermon is called "HOMILETICS," derivedfrom the Greek words homileo which means "to converse and communicate".

Preaching the Word of God is among the greatest privileges entrusted to man. It is alsoone of man's greatest responsibilities.Through the foolishness of preaching God has chosen to reveal Himself to men. Thisknowledge of God, conveyed through preaching, is able to lead men to eternal salvation!1 Corinthians 1:21 The MessageSince the world in all its fancy wisdom never

had a clue when it came to knowing God,

God in his wisdom took delight in using what

the world considered dumb-- preaching, ofall things!-- to bring those who trust him into

the way of salvation.


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Four areas of Homiletics1. ConceptThis has to do with obtaining the original theme for the message. It deals with how toget the initial idea and theme for a sermon.

- Seek the Lord for a revelation to preach. He will give you a quickened thought.- Decide what would be appropriate to speak on. What is the need? What is the

occasion? Who is the audience?- follow the leading of the Holy Spirit

2. CompositionHaving received inspiration on a particular truth, you must now begin to analyze it todiscover all which that truth contains.You frequently need to write down ideas which will later be the content of your sermon.Don't worry about neatness and order at this stage. You can sort it all out later.3. ConstructionYou must now begin to assemble those thoughts in an orderly fashion.Sermonconstruction aims to make it as simple as possible for your listeners to grasp.This is the essence of sermon construction. It is very important for every preacher to

develop this.4. Communication

Finally, we come to the presentation of the message: * The clear and effectivecommunication of the truth.* How to present your subject in a manner which will captivate the minds of your hearers.* How to develop your thoughts in such an orderly manner that your audience can easilyfollow the line of truth you are seeking to convey.


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THREE TYPES OF SERMON PREPARATION1. The Written SermonThe whole message is written out beforehand. The preacher knows exactly what hewishes to say and how he wants to say it. Every thought is written out in full.The disadvantage in the presentation of this type of sermon is that it often becomesuninteresting and does not capture the listener's attention. This style of presentation caneasily become extremely boring.2. "Skeleton-type"/ Outline SermonThis is the most commonly used method, and the one which I feel is the most effective.Notes are kept to a minimum, affording sufficient outline of the message to prompt thememory.The brief notes form the "skeleton" of the message. They are the bones which give shapeand structure to what the preacher desires to say. As he speaks, he puts "flesh" on thebones and a "body" to his sermon. This method allows the preacher much more flexibility. He is not tied to his notes so much.His delivery is more spontaneous and interesting, but the framework of his message keepshis mind on track.A good outline must have 4 ingredients: unity, order, movement and climax

Title:Theme:Text:Purpose:Introduction:

Main Body of the Sermon:

1. Main point (emphasize through illustrations, supporting verses, testimonies)- subpoint- subpoint

2. Main point- subpoint- subpoint

3. Main point- subpoint- subpoint

Conclusion 3. The Extemporaneous SermonExtemporaneous according to webster's means carefully prepared but delivered withoutnotes or text. The subject is often given a good deal of thought beforehand, and the mindand heart are filled with the vital aspects of the message.This style is often used to deliver the more inspirational and evangelistic types ofsermon.This kind of preaching can be exciting and stimulating when presented by a capable andexperienced preacher because it stirs the emotions. There are two potential weaknesses in this style. The first is that it often lacksmeaningful content, and the spirits and minds of the hearers are not edified. The secondis that the delivery may become over-emotional, and become irrational and unconvincing.


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Kinds of sermons1. TextualAs the name suggests, it usually concentrates on a Scripture text or verse.Then you investigate it, analyze it, and discover all the truth it contains. Advantages:

- the actual words of Scripture are brought to the people, thus your message isobviously biblically-based

- a short text is more easily retained by an audience- an interesting text immediately captures the interest of your audience, thus giving you

an attentive congregation- a specific text helps to prevent the preacher from wandering from his subject.- preaching directly from the Bible increases the boldness and authority of the

proclamation.Disadvantages: - biblical unity is not apparent here. The Bible becomes a book of isolated truths.

2. TopicalAs the name suggests, topical preaching is centered on a topic. Can easily be preparedusing a concordance.The preacher may not be able to preach this in one session; so he might do a series ofmessages or teachings on that same subject. This ensures a much fuller treatment of the

topic.

The preacher may practice imposition, not exposition. He may choose a text as a merestarting point from which to express an idea he is fond of. Or he may use a text as a pegon which to hang something he would like to say.

Advantages:- this type of preaching will give a broad-spectrum view of what the entire Bible says on

a given topic.- affords ample opportunity for a thorough discussion of the topic- impresses the audience by demonstrating the unity of Scripture- can be best applied with the great doctrines of the Bible

Disadvantages- range of topics is necessarily limited- will be exhaustive to the preacher- tendency to be secularized, preaching only topics that are according to the preacher's

fancy or the tendency to preach on "popular" topics


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3. ExpositoryBy this method, we endeavor to expound the meaning and truth contained in a particularpassage of Scripture. We seek to bring out the truth which is often hidden beneath thewords on the page. This is an excellent method of teaching the whole counsel of God(Acts 20:27).It could be a parable, a story, a chapter or even a book of the Bible. Here you applycontext, history and grammar. Requires more skill than preaching a textual or topicalsermon.

Advantages- it puts the supreme emphasis on the word of God. - this is a biblical way, Jesus used this often. Peter also used this method on the Day of

Pentecost.- it imparts a broader knowledge of Scripture as a whole, making us a people of the

Word- provides an opportunity for speaking on many passages of Scripture which would

otherwise be neglected.

Disadvantages- must not degenerate into disconnected sermonettes

Jerry Vines, for a sermon to be expository the following must take place.Jerry Vines (A Practical Guide to Sermon Preparation)1. The meaning of the Bible passage must be found2. The meaning of the Bible passage must be related to the immediate and generalcontext of the passage.3. The sermon must be drawn from the text itself

4. The main points of the sermon must be drawn from the scripture itself.5. Its best if the sub-points are also drawn from the text.These three different types of sermons are sometimes characterized as follows:Topical - "Preaching about the Bible" Textual - "Preaching from the Bible"


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The PreacherA. PERSONALITY GUIDELINES1. OriginalityLet your message and the manner in which you present it be your own unique product.God has made us different one from another. He enjoys our uniqueness and the variety

this gives to the human race. Try not to copy others! God chose YOU because He wantsto use YOU. You have some special features peculiar to you alone, and God has apurpose for them. It is a great mistake to try to copy any other preacher. No matter howeffective that person may be, it will not enhance your ministry to try to copy him. To do sowould be like David trying to wear Saul's armor. It just did not fit him, and would have beenmore of a hindrance than a help (see 1 Samuel 17:38,39).

2. SimplicityThere is something extremely attractive and appealing about simplicity. Don't try to beoverly complicated or profound. You don't have to impress people. You are there tominister to them, not to impress them.3. AttractivenessI am convinced that the most winsome and attractive personality this world has ever seenis Jesus Christ!The attractiveness of Christ was not primarily in His physical appearance. It was Hischaracter and personality which were so appealing.The average people of His day flocked to Him. They were drawn like steel filings to amagnet. The Holy Spirit can develop a similar attractiveness in you!


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4. SpontaneityDon't act unnaturally. Be free and unimpeded, doing things naturally. Spontaneity meansthat things happen easily without being forced or coerced. Don't develop a religious stylewhich is heavy and unnatural. Let your style of communication flow freely and naturally.Don't let yourself be bound and restricted.5. AdaptabilityA good preacher must learn to be flexible and to adapt to many different circumstances.Every gathering you preach in will be different in some way from others. You need to beable to discern in each situation what the Holy Spirit is desiring to accomplish.The key to success in Christian service is to "discern the way in which God is moving, andmove with Him."

6. . PurityBe A Clean Vessel. If your life is polluted, you will pollute your hearers. If there is bitternessin your spirit, you will communicate it to your listeners.You will always reproduce after your kind (Gen 1:12, 21). You have a grave responsibilityto BE the kind of person God wants to reproduce. The fruit of your ministry will be of thatvariety as well.7. SincerityMany preachers develop a public image. They have a religious facade. Please avoid this -it is religious hypocrisy and an abomination to God. God is certainly unimpressed by sucha false image, and people are not fooled by it for very long either.


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PRINCIPLES OF PUBLIC SPEAKING1. BreathingCorrect breathing is extremely important for a speaker. Practice breathing through yournose.Breathe deeply right to the bottom of your lungs.2. ArticulationArticulation is the art of utteringspeech clearly. An articulate personspeaks very clearly. He is easy tounderstand. He pronounces hiswords well. Every preacher shouldaim to become adept in this 3. InflectionInflection in speech has to do withthe pitch of your voice.The human voice has a very widerange of tones. If you speak at thesame pitch and on the same toneall the time, your voice can soundvery boring. You must develop theability to modulate your voice.4. Speed Of DeliverySome people tend to speak at the same rate all the time. This, too, can become ratherboring. You should endeavor to vary the speed at which you speak. Most of your message

will be delivered at a moderate rate which is easy to listen to. From time to time, however,you should quicken or slow down the pace to give variety and added emphasis to yourpresentation.5. VolumeThe major part of your message should be delivered at a conversational volume.Do Not Speak Too SoftlyMake sure that everyone in your audience can hear you clearly. Don't make them strain tohear your every word. Do Not Shout6. PausingDon't be afraid to pause once in a while. This can also give added emphasis to some pointyou make.Some preachers are frightened of quiet spots. Their delivery pours forth like ariver, without any pause. This can be difficult for people to absorb.The mind can absorb things only at a steady rate. If you preach too quickly without suitablepauses, you will leave your hearers behind.7. RepetitionA certain amount of repetition can be good. It helps to emphasize your point and fix it inthe minds of your listeners. This is the kind of emphasis which you purposely give. You areaware that you are doing it, and have a good reason for doing so.Try to present the same point in a variety of ways. You want the truth you are sharing tobecome part of the thinking and action of the people. In order to accomplish this, the mindneeds an adequate exposure of truth and must be convinced.


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Simple tips for Preachers1. Don't Develop A "Religious Voice" When You Are PreachingSome preachers do this, and it is most disconcerting. Their pulpit voice is so different fromtheir normal one.This conveys a sense of insincerity. It is almost as though this person is "acting out a part." 2. Get The Audience To Accept YouWin their confidence. If they do not accept you, they probably will not accept yourmessage either!3. Dress AppropriatelyYour clothing should not draw undue attention to you. If possible, you should be neatly,suitably and modestly attired. Certainly, your dress should not be offensive to the culture ofyour audience.4. Learn To Stand ProperlyOn most occasions it is proper to stand when addressing an audience. You should standfirmly on both feet, giving yourself a good solid stance.Stand upright, facing your audience. Avoid leaning on anything. 5. Learn To Move NaturallyYour body conveys a message as well as your voice. It is important how you conductyourself while speaking.The key to proper movement is to let it be natural. Avoid unnecessary physicalgesticulations. If you are verbally describing something, it is natural to also convey the ideawith your hands.Let such descriptions come naturally and spontaneously. You can emphasize a point veryforcibly with your hands. All hand movements should be appropriate to what you areemphasizing.6. Establish And Maintain Eye Contact With Your AudienceYour eyes convey a message too! Don't stare into space or above the heads of thelisteners. Look directly at the people you are addressing.Let your glance rove around the congregation, so that everyone feels that you arespeaking to THEM. By this means, you will establish a good contact and rapport with thepeople.7. Remember That Facial Expressions Are Important, Too!The look on your face conveys a message very eloquently. Avoid any extreme facialexpressions unless you are emphasizing some particular point. Above all, let your facialexpressions be natural, and let them be appropriate to your theme and topic. Be happyand confident, unless your subject is a sad or serious one.8. Do not be too self-conscious. "Forget" yourselfGerald Rowlands

Knowing Homiletics

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