Page 34 - Homiletics I Student Textbook

COMMUNICATING THE ‘BIG IDEA’

Although there is to be only one ‘Big Idea’ communicated, this ‘Big Idea’ can be communicated in
different ways. This depends largely upon the sermon’s purpose. In this session we will discuss various
purposes of the sermon and then introduce the different forms a sermon can take.

Sermon Purposes

Whereas the idea states the truth, the purpose defines what that truth should accomplish…As part
of his exegesis [the expositor] should ask, “Why did the author write this? What effect did he
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expect it to have on his readers?”

1. An Idea to be Explained
Question – What does this mean?
1. Introduction = state the idea completely
2. Body = take the idea apart and analyze it
3. Conclusion = review and state the idea again

2. A Proposition to be Proved
Question – Is this really true?
1. Introduction = state the idea completely
2. Body = give reasons why the idea is true
3. Conclusion = review and state the idea again

3. A Principle to be Applied
Question – What difference does this make?

1. Introduction = state the idea completely
2. Body = explore the implications of the idea
3. Conclusion = review and state the idea again

4. A Subject to be Completed
Question – What about it?
1. Introduction = state the subject only
2. Body = discuss the subject complements
3. Conclusion = review and state the idea completely

5. A Story to be Told
Question – What was it like?
1. Introduction = give the setting for the idea
2. Body = communicate the idea indirectly
3. Conclusion = state the idea directly
Understanding an author’s intended purpose is vital for good preaching.

45 Robinson, Haddon, Biblical Preaching, (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1980), 108-109.
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