THE STRUCTURE OF A SERMON The methodology of

THE STRUCTURE OF A SERMON The methodology of preaching

The Body of the Sermon

Definition The body of the sermon is that part of it which is organized into main divisions and subdivisions of thought connected by appropriate transitions and in which the sermon proposition is expounded by the use of scriptural support, explanations, argument, quotation, illustration and application

• The Body of the Sermon Divisions • Definition • “The divisions are the main section of an orderly discourse” Purposes • • • Promotes clarity Promotes unity Develop proposition Proper treatment of subject Enable memorization

• The Body of the Sermon Divisions – Main Divisions

• The Body of the Sermon Main Divisions • Definition • “The main divisions comprise the conceptual structure of the sermon and are the vehicles for conveying the message of the proposition. Key principles 1) Each main division is derived form the proposition 2) Each main division must be distinct form the other divisions 3) Each main division must relate to the proposition and to the other divisions by a key word (or idea)

• The Body of the Sermon Main Divisions What it looks like Proposition THERE IS AN ANCHOR FOR YOUR SOUL. Transition And more than ever young people in Australia need hope. In light of horrific stats on youth suicide young people need to know there is an anchor for their souls. No 1 Transitions No 2 Transition No 3 - The Storms of our Soul ……………………………………. . The Hopelessness of our Soul ……………………………………. The Anchor for our Souls

• The Body of the Sermon Main Divisions Essential elements ØGrows from proposition

• The Body of the Sermon Main Divisions Essential elements ØGrows from proposition ØContributes and develops proposition

• The Body of the Sermon Main Divisions Essential elements ØGrows from proposition ØContributes and develops proposition ØDistinct from one another

• The Body of the Sermon Main Divisions Essential elements ØGrows from proposition ØContributes and develops proposition ØDistinct from one another ØProgression of thought

• The Body of the Sermon Main Divisions Essential elements ØGrows from proposition ØContributes and develops proposition ØDistinct from one another ØProgression of thought ØValidation and proof of proposition

• The Body of the Sermon Main Divisions Essential elements ØGrows from proposition ØContributes and develops proposition ØDistinct from one another ØProgression of thought ØValidation and proof of proposition ØOne basic idea

• The Body of the Sermon Divisions – Main Divisions – Sub-divisions

Proposition • The Body of the Sermon Sub-Divisions Definition Main division Sub-division Discussion explanations argumentation quotations illustrations applications “Sub-Divisions are the structured discussion that are derived from each main-division with the use of explanations, argumentation, quotations, illustrations and applications. ” Main division Sub-division discussion

Proposition • The Body of the Sermon Sub-Divisions Key essentials Main division Sub-division Discussion explanations argumentation quotations illustrations applications Ø Derived from their respective main divisions Ø Should be parallel in structure Ø Limited and not announced in sermon Ø Logical order Main division Sub-division discussion

• The Body of the Sermon Sub-Divisions - what it looks like No 1 - The Storms of our Soul A- like boating storms are not constant - In general life is good……(ill) personal story - and that is the trap, they come unannounced and uninvited B- The wisdom of the bible Ecc a time for everything, including storms. - Common sense wisdom as well teaches…. . - The bible describes these storms well in the poetic books (Quotes) - Keys words, overwhelmed, lost, devastated, fearful C/ Application, Anyone who has ever lived will, has and most likely will again have to sail their souls through these dark tempest of storms. Death, disease, family breakdown, disappointments come and go like the weather. Transitions No 2 - Yet how is it that if such storms of the soul are common place and although unannounced not unexpected t hat many of our young people are not prepared and instead of riding the storm out ends their lives? The Hopelessness of our Soul A- Back to my boating story …. . (ill) ski, fishing rods, sun screen, - our expectations determine what we bring……. - expectations for a good life……. do not include storms, yet alone death, - the sense of hopelessness is multiplied though ignorance……what anchor B- Jesus clearly taught those who do not consider deaths are fools… - Scriptures repeat the foolishness of trusting in things of this world (Quotes) -sun screen, water skies and fishing rods only added to the sense of hopelessness. (ill) c- Application, the unrelenting message of this world is one of ignorance that ignores common sense and the wisdom of the Bible. Death is inevitable and the over emphasis of life now and only now is setting people up for hopelessness Transition No 3 - Yet such hopelessness, is a travesty when there a anchor sitting there all the time, ready for use yet for ignorance it is neglected and not known The Anchor for our Souls A- Boating story ill……. the anchor open my eyes to hope really feels like. - Personal story (ill) of hope B- Main text Hebs (quots) ……. - Context of the book of Hebrews……….

• The Body of the Sermon The discussion • • • Illustrations Arguments Quotations Scripture texts Applications To be continued after the break with the conclusion.