Bible Students

A reflection based on “Biblical Preaching” by Robinson (chapters 8-9)

This week’s reading covered chapter eight and nine of the book. Chapter eight covers the introduction and conclusion of the sermon, and chapter nine covers the fleshing out of the sermon outline. These two sections essentially give the final attributes needed for the sermon structure. Additionally, this section covered chapter ten and the final word, which explains how to preach to make people listen. 

Chapter eight covers the introduction and conclusion. It is much easier to make the introduction and conclusion after the majority of the sermon outline is finished, since at this point the preacher will know what they are talking about. This is stage ten of sermon prep. The introduction needs to command attention. It can not be wishy-washy or an unfelt need. Additionally, the introduction needs to introduce the cultural tension between sin and the gospel. Every culture can appreciate some sort of tension between good and evil, and the intro must uncover this in light of the gospel. Next, it must also introduce the actual body of the sermon. The conclusion needs to cover many things. It must give a memorable summary of the ground covered, in order to bring together all of the ideas of the sermon in the mind of the listener. It can give an illustration, quotation, or question which clearly connects the introductory tension to the conclusion presented by the passage taught. Finally, it can also conclude with a prayer or specific directions (a specific application) which helps the audience know what to do now that they understand how to resolve the tension brought about in the introduction. 

Chapter nine covers how to dress up a thought. The outline of the sermon is not the only thing needed. Now that the outline is finished and the introduction and conclusion are written, the actual sermon can be fleshed out with many stylistic and mechanical characteristics. The thoughts of the sermon can be expanded upon through many different methods. These include the use of strong transitions, which help to connect the different ideas of the sermon. Additionally, the preacher must use a clear style and outline to communicate the point without distraction. The preacher can use simple sentences, structure, and words in order to communicate to lay-people. This is not to say that lay-people are not smart, but that the point of a sermon is not to impress anyone in the pulpit, least of all theologians. The point of the sermon is to reach the common-person, which is done through the use of common words and structure. Additionally, there should be a direct and personal style used by the sermon. The sermon should not be overly styled, or make the message too complex. Again, the audience of the sermon is the common person, not the theologian. 

Chapter ten covers preaching for the purpose of having people listen and understand. First, the preacher should be dressed for the occasion. Different denominations have different thoughts on this, though I personally feel business casual or fine. Being taken care of is different than dressing extremely fancy, but it is good to be well-groomed. Additionally, preachers need to know how to gesture well. Gestures should not be scripted, but should come genuinely and in the moment (though some thought can be given to them). They should be definite. If someone is going to give a gesture, they need to actually give it. Additionally, varied gestures help them not to get old and repeated. The gestures should be properly timed at the place of importance. The preacher should give strong eye contant to the people of the congregation while delivering their sermon, and should not simply look at a manuscripted paper. The preacher should have confident vocal delivery. Personally, I have seen this go either way. One may have amazing speech and so bring to himself crowds willing to listen to him. However, I have also seen those who do not have amazing speech, and yet bring crowds to listen to the Word of God simply because of the Word. Pitch and emphasis should be given appropriately to the sermon, neither being monotone nor recklessly all over. Pauses are an important part of preaching which give a special emphasis to the sermon. Pauses give a tension to the audience which may not be felt otherwise. Lastly, rehearsal and feedback are incredibly important. The preacher must be prepared! They can not go to the pulpit irresponsibly, as they will be judged harshly for misrepresenting God’s Word. They should be willing and open to criticism from those who appreciate them, and be able to incorporate that criticism and feedback into their sermon. 

Finally, the preacher must know that they will never fully see the difference they make in the life of the one listening to their sermon. The believer will not go to the preacher and explain all the ways they have changed, nor the other people they have helped. Instead, the preacher must remain faithful no matter the season, for they do not know what the implanted Word will bring forth, whether nothing, or 50, or 100 fold. The preacher must be faithful to preach no matter what outcome they do or do not see.