Page 36 - Homiletics I Student Textbook

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

The expositor develops his introduction and first point inductively, leading up to the statement of
his idea. Then the remainder of the sermon proceeds deductively to explain, prove, or apply the
idea.

With this type of sermon arrangement, the hearer is oriented to the ‘Big Idea’ at the beginning of the
message through his first and/or second main point(s), building up to the full statement of it midway
through the message. He knows from the beginning what the sermon is generally about, the subject,
and is progressively led to the full disclosure of what the sermon is about by disclosing the subject with
its complement in summarized form. From there, the ‘Big Idea’ is explained, proven, and applied, as in
the deductive arrangement.

Example: Psalm 117:1-2

Introduction: With all the disappointments in life, is it any wonder that people grow discouraged?

Body (Inductive) There is hope in God. This text exposes the fact that 1) People will always
disappoint us; however, it also teaches us that 2) God will never disappoint us. So, rather than
become discouraged when people disappoint us, we should praise the Lord because He will never
disappoint us.

Transitional Sentence: Why should we praise the Lord?

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