Page 33 - Homiletics I Student Textbook

The sources of temptation are 1), 2), and 3).
The reasons why God leads us into difficulties are 1), 2), and 3).
Those who receive rewards in heaven are 1), 2), and 3).

2. Each new complement tells us what is being said about the subject, and each new complement
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forms a different idea. Each idea can be explained, proved, illustrated, and applied.

Example of the ‘Big Idea’
THE BIG IDEA OF PSALM 117:1-2 Everyone should praise the Lord because His love is strong and his
faithfulness is eternal

What is the subject of Psalm 117:1-2?
Answer: Subject = Praising the Lord

What is Psalm 117:1-2 saying about Praising the Lord?
Answer = Why everyone should praise the Lord

What is the subject-phrase of Psalm 117:1-2?
Answer = The reasons why everyone should praise the Lord…

What are the complements of Psalm 117:1-2?
Answer = His love is strong and His faithfulness is eternal.

‘Big Idea’ preaching is first discovering the central idea of the text and then communicating that central
idea via a subject/complement propositional statement. This type of preaching eliminates ‘buckshot’
sermons and focuses on ‘bullets’ that are not only easily understood, but also easily remembered.

Mechanics of Expository Preaching - The Interpretation Phase

44 Robinson, 40.
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