HOMILETICS 11 - SERMON OUTLINES

HOMILETICS - SERMON OUTLINES:

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Sermon outline are the sketchy notes that most preachers use while delivering sermons. The outline can be in the two forms: the ordinary form and the extended outline form. Some preachers oppose the use of outlines but the practice of preaching reveal that it is important to learn the art of the use of outlines. The use of outlines is beneficial to the preacher and the hearer.

ADVANTAGES OF OUTLINES:

1. To the preacher.

a. It aids the preacher in the development of thought.

b. It keeps the preacher on the track; without it the preacher would want to preach from genesis to revelation in one sermon.

c. It enables the preacher to keep the parts of the sermon in right proportion.

d. It alerts the preacher when his sermon is coming to an end
e. It saves the time of the preacher.

1. To the hearers.

a. It enables the hearer to understand what the preacher is saying and where he is heading

b. It prevents the hearer from misunderstanding the preacher.

c. It makes the hearer to follow the sermon point by point.

d. It aids the hearers to remember what has been said.

ORDINARY OUTLINE FORM:

This is a simple outline form, which the preacher writes down only the skeleton of the sermon. It is only the few points that are noted but the detail of the sermon is reserved during talking. Most preachers avoid writing down all they want to say because to them it is labourious.

When the preacher is using skeleton sermon he will be doing the thinking when preaching and sometimes, certain truth is forgotten, and he may spend more time in his preaching.

EXTENDED OUTLINE FORM:

When a preacher practices writing down all you need to say in a sermon, you are using the extended outline form. Reading sermon irritates a lot of preachers but writing out your thought helps you to be a better preacher.

Though it is cumbersome but the result is rewarding while preaching, the thoughts will easily flow rather than doing the thinking and preaching as well.

REASONS FOR WRITING OUR SERMONS:

a. Writing preserves a written record of what you have learned. As years pass by your memory will begin to fall you. Writing things down will save you as a preacher.

b. Writing forces you to think clearly about what you want to say

c. Writing helps you to avoid the necessity of thinking while on your feet preaching

d. Writing provides excellent form of mediation.

e. Writing greatly improves concentration.

f. Writing enables you to share your message with others on a broader sense or basis

g. Writing provides the foundational material for future research or study.

Note: The more time you spend in your preparation, the better result when preaching. The choice is yours either to adopt the principle of using ordinary outline form or the extended outline form. But to me I prefer writing down your sermons.

CONSTRUCTION OF SERMON OUTLINE:
Without preparation, there is no expectation. Before preaching takes place, preparation needs to be taken serious. Sermon or preaching outline need to be prepared by the prospective preacher. The understanding of the component of sermon is necessary.

A TEXT:

The text is the portion of scripture that is the basis of the sermon.

Factors to consider in connection with texts.

a. Select real or genuine texts.

b. A text should contain one major theme and should be one from which the theme is derived plainly and naturally. Do not force a text on a theme or a theme on a text.

c. Avoid sayings of uninspired men; they lack divine authority e.g Pharaoh, Satan. Pilate, job’s friends.
d. Consult several versions of the bible while choosing a text for purpose of comparison and correct interpretation. e.g Isaiah 45:11

Factors that determine the length of the text.

a. The congregation

b. The situation/ occasion

c. The type of sermon

d. Time factor available

Advantage of a text:

a. It awakes the interest of the audience

b. It gains the confidence of the audience

c. It gains the preacher’s authority and boldness

d. It aids the memory of the hearers

e. It makes the preacher scriptural

f. It will keep the sermon united and provide a methodological structure

g. It will keep the preacher’s mind from wandering.

Theme:

This is general centre of attention for the whole passage. This is the most important thing in a sermon. The theme is the preacher’s statement of the purpose of the sermon. Theme-less sermon is like a flood that spreads in every direction. Though some preachers do not feel like mentioning the theme of their sermon to the audience but it is important.

Note the following points concerning theme:

a. The Preacher should know his theme thoroughly. He must have a clear, definite, intelligent and masterly grasp of the subject.

b. Chose a theme that is in line with the need of the hearers

c. It is good to preach on themes your hearers can easily understand

d. You must have an aim as you preach on theme

c. Choose theme that fit the occasion:

Examples:

At a funeral service, what people need is comfort and thought about hereafter. At Evangelistic crusade, the sinners need salvation and assurance of salvation and not how to speak in tongue.

TOPIC/ TITLE:

Topic of the sermon is the title of the sermon. One of the best ways to determine the subject of a passage or topic of the sermon is to read the portion of the scripture several times while asking you this question. “What is the lesson of attention for the whole passage which you wish to handle”.

Normally the subjects are given in terms of a single word or at most a short phrase. The topic is the object of the discourse. The title or topic is the aspect of the theme that is intended to arouse curiosity and attract attention. It is the subject of the preaching.