Welcome to The On Preaching Podcast, the podcast dedicated to helping you to preach faithfully, clearly, and better.
In this episode, H.B. discusses the objectives of the sermon.
What is the difference between teaching and preaching? On one hand, preaching and teaching overlap. On the other hand, there is some real distinction between a lesson and a sermon. So, maybe the question is, what is a sermon? A sermon is characterized by proclamation, purpose, and persuasion.
Regarding the persuasion factor, consider the objectives of the sermon. What are you trying to do to thse people? Consider three objectives as you craft your sermon…
THINK: What should the hearer think? This question involves the teaching element of preaching. It is by the word of God that our minds are renewed by the truth (Romans 12:2). Preach to challenge your people to think God’s thoughts after him as he has revealed himself in sacred scripture.
FEEL: What should the hearer feel? Every text has a truth and a tone. To preach the truth of the text is to preach the tone of the text. Does the text seek to comfort, convict, or correct? It there the joy of Philippians or the militance of Jude? Preach the message and the mood of the text.
DO: What should the hearer do? James 1:22-25 instructs us to be doers of the word, not hearers only. It should be the preacher’s objective to call the hearer to duty. Is there a command to obey? Is there a sin to confess? Is there a promise to trust? Explain and apply the truth to your hearer.
BOOK RECOMMENDATION: A Manual for Preaching: The Journey from Text to Sermon by Abraham Kuruvilla
HBC2 RESOURCES:
- On Preaching by H.B. Charles Jr.
- On Pastoring by H.B. Charles Jr.
- On Worship by H.B. Charles Jr.
- It Happens After Prayer by H.B. Charles Jr.
- The Difference Jesus Makes by H.B. Charles Jr.
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