Homiletics II

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Homiletics II

• J. David Arnett

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PreparingBible-Based Sermons
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• 1. Inspiration
• We begin by praying for the anointing and
  guidance of the Holy Spirit.

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• Remember it is Not by might nor by power, but
  by my Spirit, says the LORD Almighty (Zechariah
  46, NIV).

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• When selecting a portion of Scripture for the
  sermon, remember
• Texts for textual sermons will usually be a verse
  or two in length.
• Passages for expository sermons will usually be
  selected by paragraph divisions (6 to 8 verses).
• Narrative treatments will deal with larger
  literary units (20 to 30 verses or more).
• Poetic literature is usually treated by covering
  the entire psalm, poem, etc.

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• Start praying for guidance NOW!

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• 2. Investigation
• Having been led to a text or passage of Scripture
  we utilize good hermeneutics in analyzing the
  text.

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a. Analyze the Context

• If possible, read the book several times to
  determine how the passage fits into the larger
  argument of the book.
• Study the context to know how the passage
  develops out of what precedes it and how it
  relates to what follows.

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Analyze the Circles of Context
Immediate Context
Book Context
Text
Same Author
Same Testament
Total Canon
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• Determine the Genre
• Prose?
• Poetry?
• Prophecy?
• Wisdom?

Genre is a category of literary composition
characterized by a particular style, form, or
content.
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Analyze the Syntax

• Syntax is the study of the way in which words are
  put together to form phrases or clauses.

• It considers how phrases and clauses are put
  together to form sentences.

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Consider the Paragraph (s)

• Using a mechanical layout such as a Block
  Diagram, study how sentences form the paragraphs.
• This forces us to focus on the flow and thread of
  meaning throughout the paragraph rather than on
  isolated words or phrases.
• It help the preacher see the main idea of the
  paragraph (proposition) and what is subordinate
  (main points).

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Consider the Sentence (s)

• Using grammatical diagramming, consider sentence
  structure.
• Diagrams show the relationships of words in
  sentences.
• By identifying the subject, verb, object, and
  modifiers, complex thoughts can often be
  deciphered and misinterpretations avoided
  (Chapell, 106).

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Often a preacher will apply a mechanical layout
block diagram to a larger Scripture portion,
but do a grammatical diagram of a particularly
complex sentence within the passage (Chapell,
108).
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Analyze the Vocabulary

• Seek to determine what the author meant by his
  usage of specific words.
• How was the word used at the time the author
  wrote?
• Does the author define it himself?

• Does grammar give a clue as to the meaning? (i.e.
  Is it a noun or a verb?)
• It is there a phrase in the context that defines
  the word?
• Is there a contrast?

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Dive into Bible study
NOW!
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Determine the exegetical idea the Big Idea
the central idea of the text.
3. Ideation
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• Look to see if one sentence contains the nucleus
  of the text or passage.
• See if the larger context offers a central idea
  for the text or passage.
• Note any ideas that recur in the passage or text.

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• What is the Biblical writer talking about (i.e.,
  his subject or idea)?
• What major assertion(s) is he making about the
  subject (i.e., complement(s) or theme)?
• What is the authors intent (i.e., purpose of
  passage).

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Analyze the exegetical idea the Big Idea.

• With the exegetical idea in mind, look to see how
  the author develops it.
• What explanations, reasons or evidence does the
  author present to support his idea?
• What illustrations does the author present to
  clarify his idea?
• What applications does the author suggest?

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Let Gods Word give you your message!
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Determine the transferable purpose for the
passage.
4. Impression
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• The preacher must figure out why a particular
  passage was included in the Bible.
• What effect did he expect it to have on his
  readers?
• What effect does the Holy Spirit expect it to
  have on us?

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• All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for
  teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in
  righteousness, so that the man of God may be
  thoroughly equipped for every good work (2
  Timothy 316-17, NIV).

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• The Fallen Condition Focus (FCF) is the mutual
  human condition that contemporary believers share
  with those to or for whom the text was written
  that requires the grace of the passage
  (Chapell).
• Specific sins?
• Needs imposed by the fallen condition?
• An aspect of the human condition that requires
  the instruction, admonition, and/or comfort of
  Scripture?

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• A message remains pre-sermon until the preacher
  organizes its ideas and the passages features
  to apply to a single, major fallen condition
  focus (FCF).

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• Your exegetical study leads to

Addressing the FCF through Relevant Application
SERMON
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• The sermon finds its purpose (FCF) in line with
  the purpose (FCF) of the Biblical passage.
• With the Biblical purpose in mind, the preacher
  decides what God desires to accomplish through
  the sermon in his congregation.

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• A sermon should attempt to address each of the
  following (to varying degrees depending on the
  thrust of the sermon)
• Head -- Knowledge (cognitive)
• Heart -- Attitude (affect)
• Hands -- Skill (psych-motor)

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• Keep in mind that
• Explanations prepare the mindthe Head
• Illustrations prepare the emotionsthe Heart
• Applications prepare the willthe Hands

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• A balanced expositional meal carries each
  component in sufficient proportion to nourish the
  whole person.

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• Stating the purpose in terms that describe
  measurable results forces the preacher to reflect
  on how thoughts, attitudes and behavior should be
  altered as a result of the sermon.

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Moving from Hermeneutics to Homiletics

• Sermon Proposition
• Sermon Structure
• Sermon Shape
• Sermon Support

• Text Analysis
• Text Structure
• Text Proposition

• Common purpose
• of text and sermon

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Hermeneutics to Homiletics

• Sermon Proposition
• Main Points (outline)
• Develop the sermon
• Sub-points
• Introduction
• Conclusion

• Exegete text
• Syntactical Display
• Determine Big idea

• Fallen Condition

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Richards Process of Contemporization
World Culture Audience Significance Thou art the
man
Word Scripture Passage Meaning Thus says the Lord
Contemporization
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Cross the Bridge
Changed Lives
Sermon
Hermeneutics
Contemporization Bridge
Homiletics
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(No Transcript)
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• Proposition (Thesis)
• The proposition is the theme of the sermon
  expressed in a clear, concise sentence.
• The proposition is a 15-18-word present-or
  future-tense application of the central idea of
  the text to the contemporary context (Vines
  Shaddix).
• It summarizes the content of the sermon.
• Propositions vary depending on the nature and
  purpose of the text and the sermon.

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Proposition of Ability

• When the preacher desires to persuade his
  audience that they CAN do something.
• A believer can
• Usually prompts the question How?

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Proposition of Obligation

• Used when a preacher wants to convince people
  that they SHOULD do something.
• A believer should
• Every Christian must
• This church ought to
• Usually prompts Why?

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Proposition of Value

• When the preacher needs to persuade his listeners
  that his proposal is better than another
  alternative.
• It is better to ... than to
• Usually prompts the question Why?

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Proposition of Analysis

• When the preacher wants to inform through the
  analysis of an ethical concept, biblical
  doctrine, life, incident, or miracle.
• The analysis of the subject and any Scriptural
  limitations will teach us

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• Biblical incident The analysis of the incident
  of Achans theft as set forth in Joshua 7, will
  show us how God reacts to covetousness.
• Miracle The analysis of the healing of the man
  born blind as set forth in John chapter 9, will
  provide us with information regarding the way in
  which Christ works.

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• The analytical proposition may include a phrases
  similar to the following
• ... will inform us
• ... will teach us ...
• ... will show us what is involved...
• ... will make us more aware of...
• ... will provide us with information...
• ... will enable us to see...
• ...will show us...

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• What question is prompted by the proposition of
  analysis?
• How?
• Why?
• Who?
• What?
• When?
• Where?

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Proposition of Rectification
Correction

• When the preacher wants to apply a biblical
  solution to a present-day problem.
• What is Gods solution for the problem of
  ___contemporary issue__?
• Used with the Problematic Sermon Approach.

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Proposition of Clarification

• When the preacher wants to survey the breadth of
  meaning behind an important word found in the
  English Bible.
• A study of the English Bible word ____________
  will enlighten the believer as to
• Used with the Etymological (word study) Sermon
  Approach.

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Proposition of Impression

• When the preacher wants to impress a concept
  (belief, feeling, action) upon the hearer by
  repetition.
• The concept as set forth in the text is
  demonstrated in the experiences of __various
  Bible characters_
• This is a topical approach.

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Checkpoints for evaluating a proposition

• Indicative It should indicate what the sermon
  will be about.
• Relevant It should present the transhistorical,
  transcultural truth drawn from the passage.
• Memorable It should be clear, simple and
  arresting.
• Important It should deserve the elaboration that
  is to follow.
• Sermonic It should suggest a response on the
  part of the audience.

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• Strategy (Blueprint)
• Having framed a purpose and a proposition, it
  becomes necessary to decide how best to
  communicate the information to a particular
  audience.
• This is done by deciding on a strategy for
  developing the homiletical idea.

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Deductive Development

• The proposition (thesis, idea) appears as part of
  the introduction and the body explains, proves or
  applies it.

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Deductive Development
Introduction
Proposition
I
Body
II
III
Conclusion
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Inductive Development

• The introduction introduces only the first point.
• With a strong transition each new point is linked
  to the previous point.
• Eventually the proposition (thesis, idea) emerges
  in the conclusion.
• These sermons produce a sense of discovery in the
  listeners.

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Inductive Development
Introduction
I
Body
II
III
Conclusion
Proposition
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Combination Development

• The preacher develops his introduction and first
  point inductively.
• The proposition (thesis, idea) is stated.
• The remainder of the sermon explains, proves,
  applies the idea deductively.

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Inductive-Deductive
Introduction
I
II
Body
Proposition
III
Conclusion
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Subject Completed

• A semi-inductive development presents the
  proposition in the most basic way in the
  introduction and then reveals more about it in
  the major points.
• The conclusion reiterates what was seen in the
  points.
• This method commonly used with the keyword
  structure.

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Subject-Completed
Subject Introduced
I
Body
II
III
Conclusion
Proposition
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• Construction (Structuring or Framing the work)
• The structure provides a framework (outline) for
  the divisions (a.k.a. main points) that
  explain, develop, support, and clarify the
  proposition.

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• The most basic structure includes
• Introduction Introduces the idea and presents
  the proposition.
• Body Elaborates on the idea (explanation,
  illustration, application).
• Conclusion Focuses the idea and calls for
  action.

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• The advantages of a well-planned structure are
• It serves as a road map for the preacher (keeps
  him on course).
• It brings unity to the parts of the sermon (ties
  the parts together).
• It provides sign posts to the listener (gives her
  a sense of progress and direction).

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• The dangers of improper structure are
• If it is too noticeable, it can distract from the
  substance of the sermon.
• It can force an artificial grid that distorts the
  Biblical text.

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• Obligations of the structure are
• Identification The preacher must identify the
  structure (outline) suggested by the Biblical
  text.
• Clarification The preacher must word each
  division (main point) in the clearest way
  possible.
• Reiteration The preacher must support each
  division by means of various reiterative
  techniques.
• Transition The preacher must give cohesion to
  the sermon by developing good transitional
  sentences.

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• There are various techniques or patterns that may
  be used in designing or outlining a sermon.
• Three foundational approaches for identifying the
  divisions of a text and development of a sermon
  structure include
• Key Word Method
• Analytical Method
• Plot Method

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• The Key Word Method (Pattern)
• In this method the main divisions of the sermon
  are arranged around a plural noun.
• Looking at the mechanical display, the preacher
  tries to find parallel or progressive ideas.
• Ask the probing questions Who or Whom? What?
  When? Where? Why? Which? How?

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• Determine which question is best answered by the
  main parallel or progressive ideas in the text.
• The Sermonic Interrogative is a question made up
  of the proposition preceded by an interrogative
  word.
• Proposition Every Christian should pray.
• Interrogative Why should every Christian pray?

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• Identify a key word that best describes the main
  divisions and answers the question.
• How? Ways
• Why? Reasons
• When? Times
• What? Types
• Where? Places
• Who? People

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• The interrogative will aid in the development of
  an initial transitional sentence and transitions
  between points.
• Proposition Christians should pray.
• Interrogative Why should Christians pray?
• Key word Reasons
• Transitional sentence Christians should pray
  because of the reasons stated by Paul in our
  text..
• Transitions Having considered one reason, lets
  look at a second reason why Christians should
  pray.

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• The interrogative need not be used in the
  presentation of the sermon.
• It should, however, be kept in mind as the
  preacher develops the sermon.
• Keep asking yourself, What am I trying to say?

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• KEY WORD
• The key word describes the main points of the
  message.
• When describing all the points it will be plural.
• When referring to one point it will be singular.

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• The key word will be used in the transitional
  sentence, but NOT in the wording of the main
  points themselves.
• The key word can aid in the development of
  effective transitions between points.

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• Transitional Sentence
• This sentence answers the interrogative and forms
  a bridge between the introduction and the body of
  the message.
• It is composed from the proposition, key word and
  an interrogative substitute.
• Why? Because of
• How? By
• How? in which
• Why? We will see why

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• Example
• Proposition Every Christian can pray
  effectively.
• Interrogative How can Christians pray
  effectively?
• Key word Steps
• Transitional sentence Every Christian can pray
  effectively by taking the three steps listed in
  James chapter 5.

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• Main Divisions (Points)
• Related Each main point must correspond to the
  key word.
• Parallel The main points should be grammatically
  similar and provide a sense of unity and
  symmetry.
• Backed by Scripture Each point must be
  substantiated by scriptural under girding.
• Mutually Exclusive The main points should be
  distinctive and not repeat material treated in
  other pointsnot coextensive.

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• Application-oriented The points must be worded
  to address or include the audience with the
  transhistorical, transcultural truth.
• Complete sentences The points must be complete
  sentences worded as declarations or imperatives.
• Climatic The points should advance toward a
  climax.

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• The Analytical Method (Pattern)
• The purpose of the Analytical Sermonic Method is
  to inform through the analysis of an ethical
  concept, biblical doctrine, life, incident, or
  miracle.
• In this pattern, the concepts, doctrines, events,
  etc. are broken down into their various parts in
  order to grasp the whole subject.

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• The preacher formulates his major divisions based
  on some unique quality, characteristic or
  category of the proposition.
• The main divisions are worded to reflect these
  qualities, characteristics or categories.
• There may be an assertion, a reason, an example,
  a rationale or a command.
• Perhaps different actions are described such as
  an explanation, an excuse, a defense or an intent.

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• When the main divisions are combined, one should
  gain a comprehensive survey of the subject as set
  forth within the passage.
• Each main division should be under girded by a
  Bible verse or verses.
• A careful analysis of the passages thematic
  segments will determine the verse limitations and
  suggest a verbal identification
• The plea for humility (Phil. 21-4)
• The pattern for humility (Phil. 25-11)
• The power of humility (Phil. 212-13)
• The product of humility (Phil. 214-16)

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• The Sermonic Plot Method
• The Sermonic Plot Method is helpful when
  preaching from a narrative portion.
• Remember 80 to 90 of Scripture is some form of
  narrative.
• The common denominator of stories is the plot.

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• The Sermonic Plot Method allows the natural
  qualities of a story to form the major divisions
  of the expository sermon based on a narrative
  passage.
• Episodes
• Tension
• Climax
• Resolution

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• In this method (pattern) the preacher uses the
  natural movements of the story to develop the
  proposition of the sermon.
• This method still requires
• Logical arrangement
• Organization
• Propositional Treatment
• It is not simply the telling of a story!

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• This type of sermon moves through
• Introduction (setting)
• Evolution (scenes) with ever building tension
• Resolution of tension by Gods truth
• Application of the truth to the contemporary
  audience

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The Homiletical Plot
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• Guidelines for developing a plot sermon
• Study the passage watching for
• Its flow
• Connectors
• Transitional words that indicate movement
• Identify the basic elements
• Setting
• Scenes
• Tension
• Resolution

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• Identify the primary characters in the story.
• Formulate the major divisions of the sermon
  according to the movement from one element to the
  next in the story.

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• Remember You are not simply retelling the story,
  you are explaining and applying it!

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• Main Divisions (Points)
• Mutually Exclusive The main points should be
  distinctive and not repeat material treated in
  other pointsnot coextensive.
• Application-oriented The points must be worded
  to address or include the audience with the
  transhistorical, transcultural truth.

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• Complete sentences The points must be complete
  sentences worded as declarations or imperatives.
• Climatic The points should advance toward a
  climax.

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• Reiterative
• Once the divisions or points have been clarified,
  look to see if the wording can be polished.
• When a sermons structure can be expressed in an
  easy-to-follow, memorable way, the truth of Gods
  Word has a better chance of being firmly planted
  in the heart (Vines and Shaddix).

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• With a deductive strategy, try to word the points
  so they repeat the proposition.
• Types of reiterative techniques
• Alliteration points use words that begin with
  the same letter or syllable
• Assonance points use words that have similar
  endings
• Repetition points repeat certain terms
• Parallel points are worded so they are
  grammatically similar and provide a sense of
  unity and symmetry

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• Transitions
• An effective sermon will have clear, smooth
  transitions between its major divisions.

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• Transitions help the audience
• They relate each part of the outline to the theme
  or to the previous divisions.
• They serve as bridges between parts so the
  audience does not have to leap across
  intellectual or psychological chasms.
• They serve as road signs helping the audience
  follow the progress of the sermon.

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• Transitions help the preacher
• Review the proposition of the sermon without
  monotony
• Progress without hurdles
• Connect parts without confusion
• Remember the sermon without rote memorization

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Transitions Guarantee Unity Order Progress
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Add supporting material.

• Supporting material is to the outline what skin
  is to bones or walls to the frame of a house.
• SUB-POINTS develop the idea of each main point
  by
• Explanation (of all concepts and terms).
• Illustration (slice of life).
• Application (with situational specificity).

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• Richards suggestions for handling the main
  divisions (i.e., Points)
• State the point.
• Anchor the point.
• Validate the point.
• Explain the point.
• Illustrate the point.
• Apply the point.

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Inductive Development of Points
Transition
Anchor
Validate
Explain
Illustrate
State the Point
Apply
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Add supporting material.

• Repetition (say same thing in same words)
• Restatement (same thing in different words)
• Definitions (classification, synonym, contrast,
  comparisons, examples)

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• Factual Information (verifiable data, statistics)
• Quotations
• Narrations (description of individuals, events)
• Illustrations (analogies anecdotes that relate
  concepts to tangible experiences)

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• Cautions
• Avoid making illustrations so prominent they
  detract from the dominant thought.
• Choose words that are precise, simple, clear,
  vivid and honest.
• Stick to short declarative and interrogative
  sentences with few subordinate clauses.

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• Reminders
• The main points must be clearly related to the
  key word.
• The main points must be universal truths that
  addressed the audience.
• The main points must be complete sentences worded
  as declarations or imperatives.

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• The main points must be substantiated by a direct
  link to Scripture.
• The points must be proportional and not overlap
  (not coextensive).
• The points must be present answers and not just
  raise questions.

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• The expositions should show how the points were
  derived from the text.
• All significant names, terms, concepts should
  show be defined and explained.
• The exposition should tell the story of the text.

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• The slice-of-life, story illustrations should
  clarify the text and related it to contemporary
  life.
• The applications should be situationally
  specific, audience-related and compelling.

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• The preacher should offer several "for instances"
  to make the applications relevant.
• The sub-points should be a balance of
  explanation, illustration, application.

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• Summary Sentence
• This is a declarative or imperative that begins
  with THEREFORE and serves as the first sentence
  of the conclusion.
• It frequently restates the proposition
• Therefore, we should
• Therefore, we can
• Therefore, since it is better tothan to
• Therefore, having analyzed

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• TITLE
• Titles should be creative and arouse interest.

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• INTRODUCTION
• The introduction is intended to secure attention,
  arouse curiosity and whet appetites.
• It should introduce the dominant thought.
• It should provide a solid background to the
  Biblical text.
• A proper FCF should be presented to show how the
  text or passage is relevant to contemporary
  lifeimportant to the immediate audience.

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• CONCLUSION
• The conclusion summarizes the main points.
• It issues a call for a specific response from the
  audience.
• It answers the question, What do you want me to
  do and when do you want it done?
• After hearing my sermon, My audience should be
  able to

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Delivery Issues in Homiletics
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Communicate Effectively

• Personal appearance - The preachers dress and
  hygiene must represent Christ well.
• Connection - The preacher must acknowledge and
  speak directly to the audience.
• Posture and movements - Preacher must be vital
  and alive with his or her message.

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• Gestures should be spontaneous, varied, and
  properly timed.
• Eye contact should be made with all sections of
  the auditorium.
• Pitch - The preacher should move his voice up and
  down the scale with inflectionnot monotone.

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• Punch - The preacher should appropriately vary
  his volume.
• Pauses - The preacher should use pauses
  effectively.
• Speed - The preacher should appropriately vary
  his rate of delivery.

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• Words should be vivid and properly pronounced.
• Jargon and colloquialisms should be limited.
• Sentences should be designed for oral
  communicationshort with few clauses.
• Filler words or aspirations should be limited.

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• The preacher must not be "tied" to the pulpit or
  his notes.
• Humor must be used appropriately (nothing crude
  or offensive).
• The preacher must be passionate and persuasive in
  presenting the message.

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Stage Fright

• Stage fright is a phenomenon that you must learn
  to control if you want to be an effective
  preacher.

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Symptoms of Stage fright 

• Dry mouth.
• Tight throat.
• Sweaty hands.
• Cold hands.
• Shaky hands.

• Nausea.
• Fast pulse.
• Shaky knees.
• Trembling lips.

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Stage Fright

• Stage fright may diminish, but it usually does
  not vanish permanently.
• So, concentrate on getting the feelings into
  perspective and under control.
• Remember nobody ever died from stage fright.
• Most of the fear occurs before you step on-stage.
  Once youre up there, it usually goes away.

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Stage Fright

• Think of stage fright in a positive wayfear is
  your friend.
• It makes your reflexes sharper.
• It makes you conscious of your posture
  breathing.
• It heightens your energy,
• It makes you look healthier and more attractive
  for it adds sparkle to your eyes and color to
  your cheeks.

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Stage Fright Strategies

• Not everyone reacts the same and there is no
  universal fix.
• Pick out items from the list and try them until
  you find the right combination for you.

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Stage Fright Strategies

• Strategies in advance of presentation. 
• Be extremely well prepared.
• Practice in front of a group of friends.
• Organize your speaking notes.
• Absolutely memorize your opening statement so you
  can recite it on autopilot if you have to.
• Practice, practice, practice.
• Get in shape. I don't know why it helps stage
  fright, but it does.

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Stage Fright Strategies

• Change your mental focus
• Pretend you are just chatting with a group of
  friends.
• Close your eyes and imagine the audience
  responding.
• Remember happy moments from your past.
• Think about your love for and desire to help the
  audience.

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Stage Fright Strategies

• Strategies just before you start. 
• Be in the room at least an hour early if possible
  to triple check the public address system and
  everything else on your checklist.
• You can also greet people arriving early.
• Notice and think about things around you.
• Concentrate on searching for things that you can
  mention during your sermon (especially in the
  opening).

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Stage Fright Strategies

• Yawn to relax your throat.
• Put pictures of your kids/grandkids, dog, etc.,
  in your notes.
• Build in a cushion of time so you are not rushed.
• Dont eat if you dont want to.
• Never take tranquilizers.

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Stage Fright Strategies

• Say something to someone to make sure your voice
  is ready to go.
• Go somewhere private and warm up your voice,
  muscles, etc.
• Go to a mirror and check out how you look.
• Breathe deeply, evenly, and slowly for several
  minutes.

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• Take a quick walk.
• Double check your A/V equipment including the
  public address system, projectors, etc.
• Listen to music.
• Do isometrics that tighten and release muscles.

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• Strategies when beginning 
• If legs are trembling, lean on lectern or shift
  legs or move .
• Try not to hold the microphone by hand in the
  first minute.
• Dont hold notes. The audience can see them
  shake.

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• Take quick drinks of tepid water.
• Use eye contact. It will make you feel less
  isolated.
• Look at the friendliest faces in the audience.
• Joke about your nervousness.

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Isnt Homiletics fun?