PREACHER AS REFLECTOR

The sermon must unfold
according to the natural flow of thought
of the biblical author...
This true and exact meaning
must then be presented in a manner
that is relevant to the contemporary listener.
...
Your first and most essential step is to thoroughly study the passage.
Spend hours reading, taking notes,
and learning all you can,
so that you can say substantively, accurately, and confidently,
"Look at what God is saying."
page 10, 11, 26, Biblical Preaching, by Donald R. Sunukjian

In proper sermon preparation, the preacher functions as a reflector, showing and explaining the meaning of God's Word and what that meaning might look like in the lives of the listeners. Sermons teach particular texts to particular people. Each end of the communication path must be respected. The text must be allowed to speak and that spoken word must be in a language and style that the listeners can understand. Discipleship takes place when this communication path is is completed. People are discipled as the Word transforms their minds. A sermon keeps both in mind.

Where does this fit in a discussion-based Bible Study? there is no sermon and each participant bears some responsibility for bringing their understanding of the text. Therefore, do all members complete this preparation process, does it remain the responsibility of the "teacher," or is there another option?

Summary

1. Study the passage (19)
- context
- questions, curiosities, and confusions
- original language insight
- good commentaries

2. Outlines (27-31)
- passage outline: history; tells what happened
- truth outline: theology; tells what happens
- sermon outline: communication; tells what is happening

Tag(s): biblical preaching

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“Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.” http://www.esv.org/