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Introduction to Homiletics

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Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

Romans 10:14 How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?


Introduction - The most important message that the world will ever hear is the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the difference between life or death and heaven or hell. This message must be delivered effectively because of what is at stake. This course is about that message. Effective preaching concerns effective communication which is important to all walks of life.

Homiletics is the science and art of preaching.

Greek word for homiletics is homilia which means mutual talk, conversation or set discourse.

Preaching is the proclamation of the good news of the Gospel through man to man.


What is a Preacher?

A preacher is a man (or woman) set aside by God for the specific work of preaching the Gospel. However everyone is called to speak about the Gospel of Christ.

Because of the importance of the message, the delivery must be effective.

One side of our nature takes truth from God.

Another side of our nature gives truth to mankind.

The preacher must present and proclaim the Gospel by his personality.

Every fiber of the preacher’s moral nature must be controlled by the truth.

The life and personality of the preacher has very much to do with the effectiveness of the preacher. Personality counts in preaching.

A preacher is not limited to speaking within the walls of the church. This opens the door for many to preach.

The Gospel must be communicated at every opportunity.

An effective speaker is not an imitator. Impersonating someone else never brings glory to the Father. You will eventually be caught in your act and discredit your own message even though it was the truth!

Each one of us is created uniquely by the Father. There is no other personality that can deliver your message as effectively as you can. That is why the Lord gave it to you.

Imitators can be humorous even when they do not mean to and this again distracts from the message.

When we copy another person we are apt to not only pick up his virtues but also his faults.

An original is sincere and has much more value than a copy. A copier can never be really sincere and eventually the audience will catch on and become disinterested.


A Preacher is a Man or Woman of Godly Integrity

The difference in many sermons is simply the character of the preacher.

Showbiz appeals to the senses. Real preaching stirs the Spirit within.

Preachers cannot live a lie or they risk being put to shame by God.

Preachers must never lie or exaggerate in order to make a point. God is a God of truth.

A preacher keeps his vows, his promises, and his word.

The fruit of the Holy Spirit will be evident if the preacher is full of the Holy Spirit.

A good preacher knows that it is "not by power, not by might, but by the Spirit."

A good preacher is not a showman of the flesh but a demonstrator of the Spirit.

A Godly preacher will always have a correct motivation.


False Motivations to Preach

• Self esteem - "look at me I am somebody" syndrome
• Power - I can control large groups of people and avoid myself
• Popularity and Respect
• Money
• I can pretend to be someone I am not and no one will know
• Trying to feel good about myself

Good Motivations to Preach

• Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God
• Love of God and love for His people
• Concern for the lost
• Concern for the immature
• Desire to serve
• Desire to build the kingdom of God
• Desire to give
• Desire to feed and protect
• Desire to heal and deliver from the power of Satan
• Desire to help finish the work of Christ
• Desire to answer the call

Study Questions:

1. Explain the difference between a proclamation and an explanation.
2. Why is everyone called to be a preacher of the Gospel?
3. How does the life and personality of the preacher effect his or her preaching?
4. Discuss the correct motivations to preach.

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