TJC eLibrary Item

Homiletics

HOMILETICS

Homiletics is the art of preaching. The two major tasks of the church are 1) propagation of the gospel, and 2) tending the Lord's sheep, both of which are conducted through preaching. The gift of pulpit ministry substantially edifies the church and, hence, the gift is to be earnestly desired and prayed for (I Cor 14:4,1)

I. Chapter 1

Motives for Preaching

A. To edify the church (I Cor 14:4)

B. To lead more men to believe in the Savior (Acts 26:18)

C. Self-exhortation (Jas 3:1)

* Preaching is not for showing off oneself or gaining praise from others, but should come out of sincerity and love for others (I Cor 2:1-5; Jn 3:5; I Cor 13:1-3)

II. Chapter 2 Qualifications of a Preacher

A. Must believe in the Truth (I Thess 2:13)

1. Believe in the Bible (II Tim 3:6; Jn 10:34, 35)

2. Believe in the Lord Jesus (Jn 14:6; Acts 4:12)

3. Believe in the TrueChurch (Jn 15:1-6; Isa 2:2-3)

4. Must already have received baptism from the Church (Gal 3:27; Acts 22:16)

B. Must be sent by the Lord: Received the Holy Spirit (Jn 20:21-23; Rom 10:15)

C. Understand the Truth (Mt 15:14; II Pt 3:16)

D. Walk in the Truth (I Cor 9:27; I Tim 4:16)

E. A sense of mission (I Cor 9:16-17; Rom 1:14,15)

III. Chapter 3

Collecting of Preaching Materials

A. Sources of preaching materials

1. The Bible

a. Bible reveals the existence of God and the origin of the universe (Gen 1:1)

b. Bible testifies to Jesus as the Savior (Jn 5:39)

c. Bible instructs the way of salvation (II Tim 3:4,15)

d. Bible states human ethics and moral standards (II Tim 3:16, 17)

e. Bible expressly reveals the destiny of humanity (Heb 9:27)

f. Bible is the spiritual food (Ps 19:7-10)

2. The Universe

a. Testifies God's existence (Rom 1:20)

b. Manifests the power of God (Ps 9:1)

c. Shows the wisdom of God (Ps 104:24)

d. Expresses the love of God (Ps 104:9-23)

e. Speaks the glory of God (Ps 8:1)

3. Believers' experiences

a. Experiences of salvation

b. Experiences of miraculous healing

c. Experiences of deliverance form sins

d. Experiences of receiving the Holy Spirit

e. Experiences of deliverance from danger

f. Experiences of the various graces of God

4. Reading materials

a. General religious books supply us with insights into other religious faiths

b. The teachings of famous people may be cited as side illustrations of the truth

c. Newspapers and magazines help us recognize

(a) Aspects of life

(b) Times and events

B. Methods of gathering materials

1. Diligence of Bible reading

a. Reading through, memorize one thing in each chapter

b. Memorizing characters

c. Memorizing stories

d. Memorizing parables

e. Study of events

f. Study of types

g. Study of prophecies

h. Memorizing teachings

i. Memorizing chronologies

j. Memorizing verses

2. Examination of the universe

a. Extensive observations of the universe for a wider supply of materials

b. Scrutiny of the universe for a more detailed supply of materials

c. Pondering over the wonderful way of things under observation for the various supplies of materials. Observation from:

(a) Ants (Pro 6:6-11)

(b) The vineyard (Pro 24:30-34))

(d) Flowers and birds (Mt 6:26-31)

3. Collections of testimonies

a. From the Holy Spirit Monthly and related journals

b. From testimony sessions

c. From sermons

d. From direct interviews

e. When material is collected, be sure to:

(a) Be detailed

(b) Be accurate

(d) Edify listeners

4. Wide reading

a. General religious books and journals

b. Famous literary masterpieces

c. Newspapers and magazines

5. Take notes and rearrange

a. Take notes during:

(a) Sermons

(b) Bible Reading

b. Classification of materials

(a) Dogmatic such as Baptism and Eucharist

(b) Spiritual nurture such as filial piety, humility

(d) Eschatology such as Israelite revival, the second coming of Christ

(e) All topical verses, cases, stories, parables, axioms, supportive and contrary statements (Arguments) should be copied in a small notebook

IV. Chapter 4

Outline of Preparation of Sermons

A. Advantages of preparation of sermons

1. Prevents any points being missed out

2. Makes delivery of sermon smooth and systematic with clarity of ideas

3. Revise and be fully prepared before delivery

4. After sermon, make proper revisions for future reference

B. Contents of sermon

1. Theme

a. The theme is the purpose of the whole sermon: includes subject and objective

b. With the theme, sermon will have objectives

c. Read over a few times, polishing simultaneously

d. Write a clear text

2. Title

a. Focal point of the whole sermon

b. Title gives the congregation a preliminary idea about the sermon

c. Title should be chosen according to the subject

d. Choice of title should be made before sermon is written up

3. Introduction

a. The introduction is the precursor and medium to the sermon

b. The title is like the main door while the introduction is like the forecourt

c. A messy introduction bogs down the speaker

d. Cicero set down three rules of introduction:

(a) Arouse interest

(b) Whet auditory appetite

4. Main body

a. The main body is the most essential part of the sermon

b. The object of the main body is to make the audience understand the meaning of the topic

c. The main body can be divided into paragraphs, each paragraph containing its points explaining and illustrating on the title

d. There is no fixed rule for creating the main body and the length varies with the listeners

5. Conclusion

a. The conclusion should be the most moving part of the whole sermon

b. The conclusion should make the audience understand, believe, and carry out what is learned

c. A beautiful beginning with an exquisite ending should be paid attention to by the preacher

C. Principles to observe in organizing a sermon

1. Distinct paragraphs

a. Introduction, main body, conclusion must be distinct and clear

b. Ideas should be related and divided into paragraphs and with no repetition of ideas

2. Paragraphing

a. Paragraphs should be distinct yet linked together

b. Should not be interrupted by irrelevant material

3. Appropriation of content

a. Introduction and conclusion: 1/6 of the whole sermon, main body, 4/6 of the whole sermon

D. Methods of writing a sermon

1. Outline

a. Write out the main point first

2. Write out the full text

a. The methods are suggested for all beginners

b. First write out the outlines

c. Based on the outlines, write out the full text as sermon is to be delivered

d. Read several times and write a clear, neat text

V. Chapter 5

Determining the theme of the sermon

A. How to decide on the theme

1. Steps in deciding on the theme, understanding God's will and what the listeners want

a. Pray for guidance from God

b. Decide on the basis of visits or inquiries

c. From Bible study and observation, sermon may concern

(a) Concern message of the times

(b) Pinpoint prevailing defects

B. The nature of the theme could be:

1. Didactic: To make the audience understand and believe

2. Exhortative: To inspire the audience to action

3. Consoling: To give the audience hope and comfort

4. Contentious: To make the audience relinquish their view and accept the truth

C. How to select materials

1. Relevant to the theme: Biblical verses, stories, parables

2. Suit the audience: Audience must be able to understand

3. Of constructive nature: Avoid criticism, but offer constructive ideas

4. Of bright nature: Cite more bright cases

5. Encouraging nature: Select materials which exhorts to give more encouragement, and rebuke less

VI. Chapter 6

Choice of Title

A. Advantage of a title

1. The speaker may deal with salient points

2. The audience understands the main point

B. How to choose the title

1. Biblical verse as a title

a. You are the light of the world (Mt 5:14)

b. To give is more blessed than to receive (Acts 20:35)

c. Be joyful always (I Thess 5:16)

* Never use the words of Satan or wicked men as titles (Lk 4:34; Mt 2:7)

2. Biblical events as the title

a. Elijah prayed for rain (I Kg 18:41-46)

b. Naman was healed (II Kg 5:1-14)

c. Hanah prayed for a son (I Sam 1:9-18)

3. Central idea as title

a. To worship the creator of universe

b. Jesus is the Savior

c. The right way of salvation

C. Rules on choice of the title

1. Scope suitable

2. Simple

3. Inspiring

4. A religious flavor

D. Things to be aware of:

1. Not to be severe

2. Not to be rough and worldly

3. Should not interfere with politics

4. Should not be directed against a specific person

VII. Chapter 7

Introduction to the sermon

A. Method of organizing the introduction

1. Explain the title

a. Background of the title: Where, what, when, why, who, how

2. The purpose

a. Make known the objectives in the introduction; every sermon has its own objectives such as, "Christ is the Head of the Church"

b. It is not advisable to use the above method if there is no general unity among the audience. Example, "Jesus is the only Savior" is a topic which asserts that Christ is the only Savior and in an evangelical sermon, is unlikely to be favorably disposed to hear the rest of the sermon. This rash approach should be avoided in any evangelical sermon

3. Building a good impression

a. At an unfamiliar church, it is advisable to make a little self introduction in the beginning to build up a friendly relationship

b. It helps to create interest and a good impression on the audience if illustrations or direct references could be made as to the good relationship between oneself and the audience in an evangelical sermon (Acts. 22;1-5, 26:2,3)

4. Using a story as introduction

a. In a sermon of an admonishing nature, it is suitable to use a story as introduction

b. In prophet Nathan's message to David, a story was used in the introductory part which was highly effective (II Sam 12:1-4)

5. Using actual cases as the introduction

a. Stories can be hypothetical, while an actual case is what did take place

b. For example: "Life is short and evil." It is useful to speak of a popularly known accident to make and audience realize life is short, so that they are more willing to accept the discourse.

6. Using famous quotations as introduction

a. Using the sayings of famous people

b. "Feelings stirred up by the scene", using one's feelings of surroundings or recent happenings as introduction. For example, the title "Fitting preparation for spiritual assembly" supposing you are in a certain church and have seen the preparations of venue and receptions well attended to, you may in the introductory part of the sermon, offer some praise and then in the main part bring out the various spiritual preparations

B. Points to note

1. Don't use perfunctorily courteous words

2. Spend less time on the introduction and advance quickly into the main body

3. Sermon must be relevant to the title

4. Attitude must be earnest and friendly

5. Be fully prepared

VIII. Chapter 8

Main body of the sermon

* The main body must first be provided with an outline as the framework. Outlines must be based on and directed towards the theme. Setting up of the main theme can be based on (1) the nature of the theme, (2) content of material

A. Outlines based on the nature of the theme

1. Of instructional nature

a. Objective:

(a) Make the listeners understand, believe and accept the teachings

b. Main outlines:

(a) Bring out the purpose

(b) How to achieve purpose

c. Example 1): Regeneration

(a) Way must one be regeneration - - purpose

* In order to enter into the HeavenlyKingdom (Jn 3:3,5)

(b) How do we regeneration? - - mode

* Reborn through water and the Holy Spirit (Jn 3:5)

d. Example 2): Baptism of regeneration (Tis 3:5)

(a) Why must one be baptized? - - purpose

* Sins might be forgiven (Acts 2:28; 12:16)

* For salvation and righteousness (Mk 16:16; I Cor 6:11)

* Be in Christ (Gal 3:27; Rom 6:3)

* Become son of God (Gal 4:5; Eph 1:5-7)

(b) How to receive baptism? - - mode

* Believe Jesus as the Savior (Mk 16:16; Acts 8:36-37)

* True admissions and repentance of sins (Acts 2:38; Lk 3:7-14)

* In the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 10:48; 19:5)

* With head bowed (Rom 6:5; Jn 19:30)

* Total immersion in living water (Jn 3:23; Acts 8:38; Col 2:12; Zech 13:1)

2. Of exhortative nature

a. Objective: To move the audience so that they will resolve to act accordingly

b. Main outlines

(a) Brings out the objectives

(b) Suggests methods

c. Example 1): Honor Thy parents

(a) Why must on honor one's parents - - purpose

* To pay parental graces (I Tim 5:4)

* Because of God's commandment (Ex 20:12)

* In order to obtain God's blessings (Eph 6:23)

(b) How to honor? - - method

* Respect parents (I Kg 2:19; Lev 19:32)

* Obey parents (Eph 6:1; Ruth 3:5)

* Take care of parents (Mt 15:4-6; Ruth 2:2)

* The unfilial son Absalom was accursed (II Sam 15:13-14; 18:9,14,15)

* Filial daughter-in-law Ruth was blessed (Ruth 1:15-18; 4:9,10,13,22)

3. Of warning nature

a. Purpose: The objective is to make the audience turn from wrong doing

b. Main outline

(a) Point out wrongs

(b) Suggest methods of correction

c. Example 1): For example: The title: The Church of Laodecea was rebuked

(a) For being lukewarm, self-complacent (Rev 3:14-17) --wrong

(b) To buy gold refined by fire, white garment and eye lotion (Rev 3:18) --method of presentation

(c) The Lord stands at the doorway, He shall knock and shall sit with these who had conquered (Rev 3:19-21) - by using the encouragement method to reprove in order to change a new life

d. Example 2): Don't break the Seventh Commandment (Ex 20:14)

(a) Whoever breaks the Seventh Commandment will receive punishment

* People at the time of Noah were destroyed for immorality (Gen 6:1-5)

* The people of Sodom were destroyed by fire from heaven for their immoral ways (Gen 19:27,28; II Pt 2:6-8)

* 24,000 Israelites died from plagues due to sexual promiscuity (Num 25:1-9)

(b) How to avoid committing the offense - suggest ways

* Keep eyes holy (Job 31:1)

* Be careful of alcohol (Gen 19:32;35)

* Avoid the opposite sex (Gen 39:8-12)

* Prayer and fasting (Lk 3:36,37)

* Body was bought with a heavy price (II Cor 6:19,20)

* Fornication is profaning the body of Christ (II Cor 6:15-18)

* Remove all evil thoughts from hearts (Mt 5:27,28) ie. Joseph overcame temptation and was greatly loved and used by God (Gen 39:7-12,41:38-43)

4. Of consoling nature

a. Purpose: To make the audience receive hope and comfort

b. Main outline

(a) Shows sympathy

(b) Indicates hope

c. Example: Title: Paul consoled the bereaved family (I The 4:13-18)

(a) For fear that they would be very grieved -- denotes sympathy

(b) To point out that there would be resurrection and the hope of meeting again (14-17)

d. Example: Title: Rejoice in Trials (Jas 1:2)

(a) All trials are painful - show sympathy

* Diseases and sicknesses of the body (Job 2:7,8,7:4,5)

* Loss of wealth and lives (Job 1:13-19)

* Mental blow (misunderstood Job 22:5-9, discarded Job 19:13-19)

(b) Trials bring blessings to men - bring out encouragement

* Help the faith of men to grow (Job 23:10; I Pt 1:7)

* Bring greater blessings to men (Job 42:12; Gen 22:16-18)

* Believe that this is the good will of God (Rom 8:28; Ps 119:71)

* Job was able to praise God during his great trail (Job 1:20-22)

* Paul was singing hymns in praise of the Lord in prison (Acts 16:25-34)

* Joy is the best way to overcome trial (Pro 17:22; II Chr 20:20-23)

5. Of contentious nature

a. Purpose: To make the audience relinquish their wrongs and accept the truth

b. Main outline

(a) Denounces the wrong way of thinking

(b) Brings out the truth

c. Example 1: The title: Should a ma wash his hands before a meal (Mt 15:1-20)

(a) First by refuting the traditional customs of opposition (3-9)

(b) Present the truth by saying, “Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man, but what comes out of the mouth defiles a man.”

d. Example 2: Title: Speaking in tongues is a proof of receiving the Holy Spirit

(a) A general view point - the wrong view of the opponent

* All who believe in the Lord have the Holy Spirit

* All who are baptized have the Holy Spirit

* All who do good deeds have the Holy Spirit

* All who serve the Lord zealously have the Holy Spirit

(b) The indication from the Holy Spirit - the position of the truth

* Believing in the Lord is not equivalent to receiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:1-2)

* Doing good deeds does not necessarily mean receiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:22,24)

* Serving the Lord zealously does not mean that the person has received the Holy Spirit (Mt 19:27; Acts 1:4,5)

* On the day of Pentecost, the recipients of the Holy Spirit spoke in tongues (Acts 2:1-4)

* Cornelius and others were shown to have received the Holy Spirit from their speaking in tongues (Acts 10:44-46)

* The believers in Ephesus treated speaking in tongues as evidence of the receipt of the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:6,7)

* Our present church members all experience speaking in tongues as proof of the Holy Spirit

B. Setting the main outlines from the context of the materials

1. Characters as the subject matter

a. List good points for the audience to emulate

b. List bad points to warn the audience

c. Bring good and bad points together so that the audience can see the contrast and results and follow the good points

d. Bring out the events undergone by the characters and explain the types

e. Example 1): The good example of Zacchaeus (Lk 19:1-11)

(a) His merits

* Earnestly desired to see the Lord Jesus (2-4)

* Happily welcomed the Lord (5-6)

* Truly repented before the Lord (8)

(b) Result

* Salvation came to his house (9)

* Should seek the Lord (Jer 29:13)

* Receive the Lord (Jn 1:10-12)

* Repent whole-heartily (Pro 28:13)

f. Example 2): Bad king - Balshazzar (Dan 5:1-31)

(a) His shortcoming

* Pride (18-23)

* Used the vessels from the temple (2-3)

* Glorified idols (3,23)

* Drank (1)

(b) Result

* Died and the kingdom perished (30-31)

* Be humble before God (I Pt 5:6)

* Keep ourselves holy (I Thess 4:4)

* Glorify God in all matters (Isa 48:11)

* Do not indulge in lust (I Cor 6:9-10)

g. Example 3): Moses prefigures Jesus Christ (Duet 18:19)

(a) Moses is the Savior of the Israelites (Acts 7:35-36)

* Prefigured Jesus - the Savior of mankind (I Tim 1:15; Mt 1:21)

(b) Moses was very meek (Num 12:3)

* Jesus is gentle and lowly in heart (Mt 11:29)

* Jesus was faithful to God who appointed Him (Heb 3:2)

(d) Moses was upheld at the end (Duet 34:10; Lk 9:30)

* Jesus was highly exalted at the end (Eph 2:9-11)

2. Events as sermon material

a. Purpose: Take a historical event or a miracle from the Bible and bring out the teaching

b. Main outlines

(a) Trace the event

(b) Consider the causes of the event

(d) Bring out the teachings of the event

c. Example 1) Judah betrayed the Lord

(a) Sketch: Narrate the relationship between Judah and the Lord and a sketch of the betrayal of the Lord (Mt 10:2,4,26:47-50)

(b) Causes:

* Evil root of habitual greed (Jn 12:6)

* After being admonished by the Lord, he still refused to repent (Jn 13:21-27)

* The money obtained did him no good (Mt 27:3-5)

* Lost his apostleship (Acts 1:16, 17,20)

* Hanged himself and bowels gushed out (Acts 1:18)

* Received severe punishment after death (Mk 14:20,21)

(d) Teachings

* Don't let greed for money take over your heart (Heb 13:5: I Tim 6:9,10)

* Immediate repentance of wrong (Prov 28:13; Lk 22:60-62)

d. Example 2) Canaanite Woman (Mt 15:21-28)

(a) Sketch: Her daughter was possessed by demons. She was healed by the Lord.

(b) Reasons received peace

* She knew Jesus was the Savior (23)

* She knew to rely on Jesus (22)

* She had a persistent faith (28)

* Her daughter was healed

(d) Teachings

* Believe Jesus is the Savior (Mt 9:28-29)

* Pray persistently (Mt 7:7-8)

* Be humble and repent (II Chor 7:14)

* Do not lose faith (Gen 32:26)

3. Versed sermon

Find out the outline from the scriptural text, following the order and the contents of the verses without any modification.

a. Example 1) II Timothy 4:7-8: There is laid up for me the crown of righteousness

(a) I have fought the good battle

(b) I have finished the race

b. Example 2) Mich 6:8: What does the Lord require of you?

(a) To do justice

(b) To love kindness

c. Example 3) Psalm 15:1-2: Who shall dwell in God's mountain?

(a) Righteous man

(b) Justice man

d. Example 4) I Timothy 4:12: Be a good example to the members

(a) In speech

(b) In deed

(d) In faith

(e) In purity

e. Example 5) I John 2:15-16: Do not love the world

(a) Lust of flesh

(b) Lust of eyes

4. Expository sermon

Elicit the main points or teachings of a longer Bible text describing a complete event or truth, making a main outline thereof. This is a sermon whose title is based on the main theme or important points of the Bible text.

a. Example 1) I Corinthians 10:1-12: Warnings for the chosen people

(a) Do not desire evil (6)

(b) Do not be idolaters (7)

(d) Do not to put the Lord to the test (9)

(e) Do not grumble (10)

b. Example 2) Proverbs 31:10-31: The prudent wife

(a) A diligent worker (13,15,18,19,27)

(b) Full of wisdom (26,15,16)

(d) A good teacher of her children (28)

(e) Fears God (30)

c. Example 3) Psalms 128:1-6: Blessed are those who fear God

(a) Prosper (3-4)

(b) A perfect family (3)

(d) Longevity (6)

d. Example 4): II Kg 7:3-15: The four leprous men spread good

(a) Good news (3-7)

(b) They hid themselves (8)

(d) They reported immediately (10-15)

e. Example 5): Mt 2:1-12: The true worshippers (wise men) from the east

(a) Had no regard for time nor the length of the journey (1)

(b) Knew whom they should worship (2,11)

(d) Brought gifts for offering (11)

(e) Obeyed and went on their way as directed (12)

5. Topical Sermon

The sermon is based on the main theme according to the title. This type of sermon is widely used and has more variations. Variations of the topical sermon are listed below.

a. Illustrative (Using cases to support the statement)

(a) Example 1) Filial piety brings blessings (Eph 6:2)

(i) Joseph

(ii) Judah

(iii) Ruth

* List out manifestations of filial piety and blessings

(b) Example 2) Pride goes before destruction (Pro 16:18)

(i) King Asa

(ii) Amaziah

(iii) Uzziah

* List out pride and failure

(i) Abraham

(ii) Woman of Shunem

b. Analytical (Answer the questions arising from the title)

(a) Example 1) How shall we repay the Lord? (Ps 116:12)

(i) Give thanks unceasingly to the Lord

(ii) Sacrificing (money, time, energy)

(iii) Good behavior

(iv) Proclaiming the grace of the Lord

(b) Example 2) Who is Jesus?

(i) He is the Savior

(ii) He is the Judge

(iii) He is the true God

(i) Not because of sin

(ii) Not forced to die

(iii) He died for sinners

(d) Example 4) What shall we do to be saved? (Acts 16:30)

(i) Believe

(ii) Repent

(iii) Receive baptism

(iv) Receive Holy Spirit

(v) Be holy

(vi) Love God and love man

c. Interrogative (Using why and how as questions to the title and using comparison to conclude)

(a) Example 1) Draw near to God

(i) Who draws near to God

(ii) How do you draw near to God

(iii) Comparisons (using cases of those who received blessings from drawing near to God and examples of woe from drawing away from God)

(b) Example 2) Love one another

(i) Who loves one another

(ii) How to love one another

(iii) Comparison (cite cases of loving one another and cases of failing to love one another)

(i) “Why” must we pursue after peace(give reasons)

(ii) “How” to pursue after peace(point out the methods)

(iii) “Comparison” list out two examples directly opposing each other for comparison purpose

d. Deductive (Ideas emanating from the central theme)

(a) Example 1) The effects of faith (Ref: Hebrews 12)

(i) Faith can help man see the unseen things

(ii) Faith can help man please God

(iii) Faith can help man have confidence

(iv) Faith can help man truly offer himself

(v) Faith can help man obtain salvation

(b) Example 2) What is Love (I Cor 13:4-7)

(i) Love is not jealous

(ii) Love is not boastful

(iii) Love does not insist on its own way

(iv) Love is not irritable

(v) Love is not resentful

(vi) Love does not rejoice at wrong

(vii) Love believes all things

(viii)Love bears all things

(i) There is no limit to its length

(ii) There is no limit to its breadth

(iii) There is no limit to its height

(iv) There is no limit to its depth

(d) Example 4): Title: The gifts of the Holy Spirit (I Cor 12:4-11)

(i) The utterance of wisdom

(ii) The utterance of knowledge

(iii) The gift of faith

(iv) The gift of healing

(v) The working of miracles

(vi) The gift of prophecy

(vii) The ability to distinguish between spirits

(viii)The ability to speak in various kinds of tongues

(ix) The ability to interpret tongues

e. Statement (Using the verse or meaning of the title as the main outline)

(a) Example 1) He who believes and is baptized shall be saved (Mk 16:16)

(i) What is meant by "being saved"

(ii) What do we believe in

(iii) How is one baptized

(b) Example 2) Always abound in the work of the Lord (I Cor 15:58)

(i) Constantly do the Lord's work

(ii) Do your utmost

(i) Serve the Lord

(ii) From the heart

(iii) Often

(d) Example 4): Title: Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake

(i) The meaning of righteousness’ sake

(ii) The kind of persecution

(iii) What sort of blessing?

(e) Example 5): Title: Life is short and bitter

(i) Life is short

(ii) Life is bitter

(iii) What must we do?

(f) Example 6): Title: Jesus is the Lord of salvation

(i) He can save us from sickness

(ii) He can save us from the evil of sin

(iii) He can deliver us into the heavenly kingdom

(iv) Do not hesitate to believe in Jesus

C. Outline arrangement

Usage of the five types of topical sermon is to avoid monotony. This section deals with the sequence of arranging sermon outlines, from simple to complex. As in learning arithmetic, one should start from addition to subtraction and then proceed to multiplication and division. (Ref: Mt 13:3-9, 18-23; Lk 11:5-13)

1. From light to heavy

a. Example 1): There is only one true Church

(a) A man has only one body

(b) A man can only marry one wife

(d) The church is the wife of the Lord

b. Example 2): God will take care of you

(a) Which father is there who does not take care of his own children

(b) The love of the Heavenly Father is deeper than that of the natural father

c. Example 3): Title Affliction is good for us

(a) The uncut jade cannot be made into ornaments

(b) A body without exercise cannot be made strong

(d) One should be joyful over the afflictions

2. From simple to complex

a. Example 1): Know the true God

(a) Is there a God

(b) How many true Gods are there

(d) What are the attributes of the true God

(e) The relationship between man and the true God

b. Example 2): The power of the True God

(a) Omniscient (All knowing)

(b) Omnipotent (All powerful)

c. Example 3): Title: The characteristics of the true God

(a) He is the holiest

(b) He is the most loving

d. Example 4): Title: The omniscient God

(a) He knows our deeds

(b) He knows our words

(d) He is omniscient

3. From Broad to Narrow

a. Example 1): What a man should worship

(a) Man is greater than inanimate matter, vegetation and animals

(b) Man is greater than the heavenly bodies (sun, moon and stars)

(d) A great man should not worship what is created

(e) We should worship the creator of the universe

b. Example 2): Have you received the Holy Spirit

(a) The believers in Ephesus did not receive the Holy Spirit when they believed in the Lord (Acts 19:1,2)

(b) Not one of the disciples at Samaria received the Holy Spirit after they were baptized (Acts 8:14-16)

(d) Cornelius had both good deeds and charity, but still did not receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:1-4)

4. Gradual ascent

a. Example 1): The power of change in prayer

(a) Change oneself

(b) Change the family

(d) Change the society

(e) Change the country

(f) Change the world

b. Example 2): He who draws near to God benefits

(a) Beneficial to oneself

(b) Beneficial to family

(d) Beneficial to the country

c. Example 3): Adam sinned

(a) Lose the paradise

(b) Body suffered

(d) Died of the flesh

(e) Passed on the curse to all human beings that man has to die

5. Intensification of idea

a. Example 1): The omniscient God

(a) He knows our behaviors

(b) He knows our words

b. Example 2): The Lord Jesus saved me (Testimony)

(a) The Lord saved me from insomnia

(b) The Lord cured my bone cancer

c. Example 3): Count the blessings of God

(a) The Lord supplies all my daily needs

(b) The Lord gives me good health

6. Using causative chains

This methods makes use of the cause and effect of the event in the order of its happening. This is useful in the type of sermon used for exhortation (Acts 13:16-41)

a. Example 1): The life of Moses

(a) Period in the Pharaoh's palace

(b) Period in the wilderness

b. Example 2): From Egypt to Canaan

(a) Egypt to the Red Sea

(b) Forty years in the wilderness

D. The main body is its fuller presentation

1. Explaining the Bible verses

a. Avoid quoting out of context by looking at the whole passage

b. Background: Who made the statement? To whom was it addressed? When? Where? What was said? Why was the statement made?

c. Use "Bible verse", explaining only the relevant part, and leave the rest alone. It is the same with the use of story.

d. Where mere explanation is insufficient, illustrations or analogies can be used to make the meaning clear

2. Application (or exhortation)

a. "Illustration" is merely a means of underlying the truth while "application" is a master inactive control over everything

b. "Application" helps the audience to apply what has been heard to their own life

c. "Application" is not limited to the conclusion but may appear in any part of the sermon

IX. Chapter 9

Conclusion

A. Organization

The conclusion will be the most important part of the sermon. It will decide whether the sermon is a success of failure. How we conclude depends on the purpose

1. Review the important points

a. Go over the importance of the sermon--suited for teaching type of message

b. Summarize the contents with simple and easy to understand words.

2. Encourage the congregation to practice

a. Mention the most touching encouragement that will inspire the congregation to practice the teachings of your sermon

b. Use the method of comparison as the conclusion, such as mention two contrasting examples

3. Raise the warnings

a. Use a very sincere encouragement of warning--suited for warning type of message

b. In the deliverance of warnings, do not forget to give listens a glimpse of light (Mt 23:37-39).

4. Conclude with a story

a. Talk about a person's story with some well fitting words.

b. When Lord Jesus concluded the Beatitudes, He used the parable of the two kinds of foundation as the conclusion (Mt 7:24-27).

5. Conclude with a verse

a. Sermons that uses a passage of verses should conclude by reading the same passage to remind the congregation

b. Other types of sermon can also use this method to conclude

6. Conclude with no conclusion

a. Let the congregation meditate and think so that they will want to practice the teaching willingly and happily

b. To conclude without conclusion is to pose a question and let the congregation think and find the answer for himself

7. The final words

a. The conclusion is important, so even more the final words. Therefore, we must let the congregation hear it clearly. One should not close the Bible or pick up the hymn book to indicate that the sermon is over and draw away the attention of the congregation

B. Points of consideration

1. Conclusion must be short and powerful

2. Must be conservative and influential

3. Must be sure and confident

4. Stop at the most crucial point

5. Do not mention any socializing words

6. Do not mention jokes

7. Do not add any new/worldly matters

8. Do not stop suddenly

9. Our attitude must be sincere, fervent, and full of love

C. Form

1. Attitude must be devout, kind, and natural. Do not show any fear, and do not shake your body or walk around without any reason

2. Legs must be straight, but not too wide or too close together

3. Let the hands be placed naturally. Do not scratch your head or place the hands behind you or across your chest or put them into packets

4. Scan the congregation, do not be afraid to look at people. Do not just focus on your notes, the ceiling, or just a part of the congregation

5. Let your facial features be natural. If your cast is too cold, too sorrowful, or vicious, try to find ways of improvement

D. Volume

1. Match your own emotions. When happy--loud/exciting voice, when sad--heavy voice

2. Match the place of gathering. The people sitting on the last row should be able to hear, yet the volume should not cause discomfort for the people in the front

3. Match the progress of your sermon

4. Pronunciation must be clear and correct. Words must be sincere, good, kind, and confident. One must eliminate habitual words or jokes

5. When turning to a verse, declare the chapter and verse at least twice

6. Considerations before going up to the podium

a. Spiritual preparation: pray before the deliverance and review notes.

b. Physical preparation: do not be too busy, must rest for a while.

c. Check for necessary tools: Bible, Hymn-book, notes, watch, handkerchief, etc...

d. Check your clothing: see if the tie if straight, if the shoelaces are tied, if your hair is neat, etc...

7. Others

a. Talk about matters the congregation would need

b. Talk about things that would move ourselves

c. Use truthful materials