TP&HP - Chapter 1 - Preacher’s Task

Question 1

Preacher’s Task:

Mediatorial

Answer 1

Though the church has no priestly system because every man can have direct access to God, yet there is a need for mediating between God and man. The preacher is to be a soul winner. Andrew brought Peter (John 1:41). Philip brought Nathanael (John 1:46). So the pattern goes. The preacher as a man of God will always be presenting God to man and interceding to God for man.

Question 2

Preacher’s Task:

Pastoral

Answer 2

As a pastor the duties of a preacher will be varied. He will be seeking to feed the flock, administer the affairs of the church, and be a builder of the work in general. He must be careful lest he get bogged down in administration and promotion and forget his main task.

Question 3

Preacher’s Task:

Prophetical

Answer 3

A prophet is a spokesman for God. He “forth tells” to people the message of God. His main task is preaching. Not to be forgotten is the element of “foretelling” also in his ministry. In the line of prophets of old he continues to tell of things that shall be - death, judgment, Heaven, Hell.

Question 4

The Meaning of Homiletics:

A Simple Talk

Answer 4

Its original meaning was to designate a simple talk or familiar discourse. This referred to an address which was not much more than simple conversation.

Question 5

The Meaning of Homiletics:

The Art of Preaching

Answer 5

A more formal definition has been “that theological science of which preaching is the art.” So Homiletics is a science which deals with (a) the purpose and nature of sermon building and delivery and (b) that skills and techniques of sermon building and delivery. So sermons and their delivery are the chief emphases of Homiletics. These should be of interest to every man who plans to be a preacher.

Question 6

The Meaning of Homiletics:

Application of Rules to Sacred Speech

Answer 6

In reality then Homiletics is the application of sound rules of communication to sacred discourse. The preacher should study grammar and composition. Knowledge of language is vital to the most efficient communication. He should also familiarize himself with proper rules and techniques in speech. His voice is his tool. Proper speech techniques will not only protect his voice but will make him an able communicator of his message.

Question 7

The Meaning of Homiletics:

In a study of both speech and language, the young preacher should avoid three things (1)

Answer 7

1. Overemphasis on rules and forms.
   These take personality out of preaching. An overly formal message is not attractive to a congregation.

Question 8

The Meaning of Homiletics:

In a study of both speech and language, the young preacher should avoid three things (2)

Answer 8

2. Imitation of Other Preachers
   The tendency in imitation is to copy the bad points of another preacher. In some areas of the country preachers have a nasal whang. Every young preacher who comes along feels that he has to attain that certain resonant sound or he is not preaching. This is bad. So are similar habits.

Question 9

The Meaning of Homiletics:

In a study of both speech and language, the young preacher should avoid three things (3)

Answer 9

3. Artificiality
   Whether it is stance, speech, or words, any artificiality in the speech or manner of the preacher tends to weaken his message. So, as Brooks advised, let rules be “helpful friends.”

Question 10

The Parts of the Sermon: (1)

Answer 10

1. The Text: The scriptural basis of the sermon.

Question 11

The Parts of the Sermon: (2)

Answer 11

2. The Subject: The main truth to be expounded.

Question 12

The Parts of the Sermon: (3)

Answer 12

3. The Introduction: that which introduces the subject.

Question 13

The Parts of the Sermon: (4)

Answer 13

4. The Main Body: the message as developed by the main points.

Question 14

The Parts of the Sermon: (5)

Answer 14

5. Illustrations: examples of enlarge understanding of the points.

Question 15

The Parts of the Sermon: (6)

Answer 15

6. The Conclusion: the summation of arguments.

Question 16

The Parts of the Sermon: (7)

Answer 16

7. The Invitation: the opportunity for response to the sermon.

Question 17

Types of Sermons (1)

Answer 17

1. The Topical Sermon - A topical sermon is one in which the subject or topic is prominent.

Blackwood says, a topical sermon is “the unfolding of the subject with which the sermon begins.”
Pattison says, “Although the topical sermon is founded on some truth of Scripture, it differs from the textual sermon in that the topical formulates truth in the words of the preacher, the textual rather in the words of the Bible.”

Question 18

The Advantages of Topical Sermons (1)

Answer 18

1. The topical sermon allows the preacher to preach on the subject he thinks needful for his people.

He can roam the Bible in search for a subject to meet the needs of his congregation and passages to support it. Pattison believes that the topical approach trains the mind to breadth of view.

Question 19

The Advantages of Topical Sermons (2)

Answer 19

2. Topical Preaching allows for breadth and thoroughness of treatment.

The preacher can outline and delineate the subject as he desires. He is not restricted by the thought covered in one passage of Scripture.

Question 20

The Advantages of Topical Sermons (3)

Answer 20

3. The topical sermon allows the preacher to make for unity in his own way.

Textual and expository sermons depend upon the unity already present in a particular passage. When building a topical message, the unity is developed by the preacher as he pleases.

Question 21

The Advantages of Topical Sermons (4)

Answer 21

4. Topical preaching enables the preacher to use and develop his oratorical, analytical, and literary abilities to their greatest extent.

Care needs to be taken lest the fruit of this advantages. The preacher can develop his thought as he sees fit and arrive at his goal as he prefers.

Question 22

The Advantages of Topical Sermons (5)

Answer 22

5. The topical approach permits the preacher to develop his own means of reaching his goal.

This is one of the most distinct advantages. The preacher can develop his thought as he sees fit and arrive at his goal as he prefers.

Question 23

The Disadvantages of Topical preaching (1)

Answer 23

1. Topical preaching has a tendency to encourage secularism in preaching.

It fosters the neglect of the Word and stands as the opposite of Bible-centered preaching. Liberalism with its emphasis on social issues has utilized topical preaching.

Question 24

The Disadvantages of Topical preaching (2)

Answer 24

2. Topical preaching at times has a lack of human interest.

Some preachers choose topics about which they enjoy reading and talking. These may not be of interest to the hearers. This writer recently saw a book by a layman. His cry was for preachers to preach the Word of God.

Question 25

The Disadvantages of Topical preaching (3)

Answer 25

3. The number of topics is limited. A preacher will find his resources soon exhausted unless he is disciplined to hard study. Sermons are robbed of their variety and freshness unless the preacher really applies himself.

Question 26

The Disadvantages of Topical preaching (4)

Answer 26

4. Topical preaching fosters a false concept of the purpose of preaching. Revivalism comes from the preaching of the Word of God. It is not good to preach about a passage of Scripture. The preacher is to open it up so that the hearer can receive the message of the Word.

Question 27

Illustrations of Topical Sermons

Answer 27

There are many good topical sermons in print. Some outstanding ones are: “The Jerusalem Sinner Saved” by John Bunyan: “The Great Assize” (Romans 14:10c) by John Wesley: “The Character of Christ” (Matthew 17:5) by W.E. Channing; and “The God of the Aged” by Charles Spurgeon.

Question 28

Types of Sermons (2)

Answer 28

2. The Textual Sermon The textual sermon is that sermon whose structure corresponds with or follows the parts in the text. The textual sermon deals with a short text usually not over one to three verses long. It follows closely the words of the text, phrase by phrase. It will not necessarily exhaust the meaning of the text, but it does confine itself to the meaning of the text. An outgrowth of textual preaching is a textual-topical message. This is one in which the sermon is expressed topically but treated textually.

Question 29

Advantages of Textual Preaching (2)

Answer 29

2. Textual sermons are not too difficult to prepare. Of course, this is true if the preacher has chosen a good text which lends itself to textual development. Also it depends upon his willingness to develop the depth of its message. Micah 6:8 falls into three natural points. It is up to the preacher to explore and expound upon its truth.

Question 30

Advantages of Textual Preaching (3)

Answer 30

3. A textual sermon is easy for the people to follow. If they have their Bible before them, they can watch as you unfold the riches of the chosen text.

Question 31

Advantages of Textual Preaching (4)

Answer 31

4. Textual preaching calls a preacher to prayer and bible study. He must be in a constant search for those gems of the Word which lend themselves to textual development. By prayerful search these will be found.

Question 32

Advantages of Textual Preaching (5)

Answer 32

5. Textual preaching assures a message from God when the preacher has the correct interpretation, presentation, and application. It is Bible-Based. It is up to the preacher to come through prayer and study to a correct interpretation. Then through diligent labor he is obligated to present it to his people and to apply it properly to their lives.

Question 33

Disadvantages of Textual Preaching (1)

Answer 33

1. Every passage in the Bible cannot be developed as a textual sermon. Those to be so used are those which are pithily stated and full of meaning. Not all are like John 3:16, Micah 6:8, or Isaiah 40:31 and fall into simple and clear divisions.

Question 34

Advantages of Textual Preaching (1)

Answer 34

1. Textual preaching centers attention on one important passage of the scriptures. It allows the preacher to press the meaning of a key thought. An example is Micah 6:8. This passage could be entitled “The Meaning of a Man’s Religion.” The points in the message would be obvious.

Question 35

Disadvantage of Textual Preaching (2)

Answer 35

2. A Text may contain more ideas than a preacher can handle. He may have to go to topical preaching to develop each idea involved by a series of sermons.

Question 36

Disadvantage of Textual Preaching (3)

Answer 36

3. Textual preaching can lead to mechanical preaching. It is not good for your people to learn how to anticipate how you are going to develop a text on Sunday after Sunday.

Question 37

Disadvantage of Textual Preaching (4)

Answer 37

4. Like topical preaching care must be taken lest a textual sermon should lack human interest. The preacher has the responsibility to illustrate his message with life’s experiences.

Question 38

Cautions about Textual Preaching (1)

Answer 38

1. Choose your text with great care. Do not force points out of a text that are not in it.

Question 39

Cautions about Textual Preaching (2)

Answer 39

2. Know what the text says and preach it. Do not be like the preacher who preached on “Diver’s Diseases” from Matthew 4:24 (When church is over, they dive for the door. When someone isn’t looking, they dive for the door. When someone isn’t looking, they dive for the bottle, etc.)

Question 40

Types of Sermons (3)

Answer 40

3. The Expository Sermon The Meaning of Expository Preaching 1. It is based on a passage in the Bible, either short or long. 2. It seeks to learn the primary, basic meaning of that passage. 3. It relates that meaning to the context of that passage. 4. It digs down for the timeless, universal truths stemming out of the passage. 5. It organizes these truths around one central theme. 6. It uses the rhetorical elements of explanation, argument, illustration, and application to bring the truth of the passage home to the hearer. 7. It seeks to persuade the listeners to obey the truth of the passage discussed.

Question 41

Types of Sermons (4)

Answer 41

Special Types of Sermons Characteristics of Special Sermons Some Suggestions for Revival Sermons

Question 42

Meaning of the Text (1)

Answer 42

It’s Historical Meaning: The idea of the text arose as the work of some author was read. As the speaker spoke he often made notes in the side margins or at the bottom of the page which he used to make his own comments. The work of the original author was referred to as the text to distinguish it from the speaker’s notes. The earliest preaching was a running comment on a text. A preacher would read the scriptures and make comment. What he read from the scriptures was called his text. This was to distinguish it from the preacher’s remarks which were the sermon. In time the comments of the preacher were lengthened upon a certain section. The sermon part grew as the speaker’s comments became more lengthy. As shorter passages came to serve as the basis of the comments, it continued to be referred to as the text.

Question 43

Meaning of the Text (2)

Answer 43

2. The Literal Meanings: The word text is from a Latin word which means to weave. The ideas, to put together and to construct, are derived from this basic meaning. The text came to refer to something woven into the entire web of the discourse. The text commands the structure of the whole sermon. It is not a starting point or something to introduce the sermon. It refers to a portion of the scriptures which permeates the whole message.

Question 44

Meaning of the Text (3)

Answer 44

3. The practical Meaning. A. W. Blackwood said that the text is “the Biblical source of the sermon.” The definition given by Broadus is similar. He called it “the portion of Scripture chosen as the foundation for a sermon.” This meaning of a text reminds the preacher that he is not undertaking to give his own wisdom; rather, he is trying to impart an understanding of the Word of God. The taking of a text affords him the opportunity to explaining and impressing upon the minds of the hearer some portion of the Word.