Page 30 - Homiletics Student Textbook

Deductive Development

In deductive sermons the idea appears as part of the introduction and the body explains, proves, or
applies it.

With this type of sermon arrangement, the hearer receives the entire ‘Big Idea’ at the beginning of the
message in summary form. He knows from beginning to end what the sermon is about, not only the
subject, but also the complements in summarized form.

Example: Psalm 117:1-2
Introduction: In a world where people disappoint us, this text teaches that we should praise the Lord
because He will never disappoint us.

Transitional Sentence: Why should we praise the Lord?

Body: We should praise the Lord because 1) His love is strong and 2) His faithfulness is eternal.

Conclusion: We should praise the Lord because He will never disappoint us.

Note in this example that the proposition was stated fully at the beginning of the
sermon.

Inductive Development

In an inductive arrangement…the introduction introduces only the first point in the sermon, then
with a strong transition each new point links to the previous point until the idea emerges in the
conclusion.

With this type of sermon arrangement, the hearer receives only part of the ‘Big Idea’ at the beginning of
the message, not the whole. He knows from the beginning what the sermon is generally about, the
subject, but the complement is progressively revealed throughout the sermon with the full statement of
the ‘Big Idea’ reserved until the end.

Example: Psalm 117:1-2
Introduction: In a world where people disappoint us, this text teaches that we should praise the
Lord.

Transitional Sentence: Why should we praise the Lord?

Body: We should praise the Lord because 1) His love is strong and 2) His faithfulness is eternal.

Conclusion: We should praise the Lord because He will not disappoint us.

Note in this example that the proposition was stated fully at the end of the sermon.

Inductive/Deductive Development

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