HOMILETICS
Homily is a speech, a lecture, or a sermon.
Homiletics as defined by Lloyd Perry is “ science of sermon construction. It is the
systematic setting forth of a body of laws and principles on which all art rest.
(Homiletical Handbook, Hamilton; page 19 pp 3)
2 Timothy 2:14 through 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)
14Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that
they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.
15Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
What is Preaching?
Kerusso kay-roos'-so – to herald esp divine truth ( the gospel); preach, proclaim,
publish
Kataggello kat-ang-gel'-lo – to proclaim, promulgate (spread) declare, preach,
shew, speak of, teach; to tell thoroughly
These two words emphasize the activity of preaching.
Euaggelizo - yoo-ang-ghel-id'-zo - to announce good news (“evangelize”) especially
the gospel:—declare, bring (declare, show) glad (good) tidings, preach
(the gospel).
Parakello – to beseech, comfort, exhort
These two words emphasize the nature and purpose of the message being
preached
Preaching refers more to the total task of preparing and delivering a sermon; it is
both an art and a science. (Homiletic Handbook, Hamilton; page 19 pp 1)
Preaching is the communicating of biblical truth by man to man with the explicit
purpose of eliciting behavioral change. (J. Daniel Bauman, Homiletical Handbook,
Hamilton; page 13 pp 1)
Aids to Preaching as an Art
Holy Spirit - 1 Corinthians 2:4 through 1 Corinthians 2:5 (KJV)
4And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but
in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5That your faith should not stand in the
wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
Articulation – manner of expressing a thought, subject, or idea through verbal
communication.
Articulation is the adjustments and movements of speech organs involved in
pronouncing a particular sound.
Choreography – body movements used when preaching to gain and maintain the
listener’s attention
Choreography is the art of representing various movements in dancing by a system of
notations.
Time Management – Time used properly to aid in the effective presentation and
delivery of a sermon. Average Sermon time 30 minutes
Homiletics relating to Preaching as a Science (Homiletical Handbook,
Hamilton; page 32-37)
•Choice of text
•The adequate study of the biblical, historical, literary, and theological context of
the preaching passage
•Exegesis proper – an in-depth study of the content and meaning of the passage
•As a science preaching involves Homiletics in sermon structure, techniques, and
subject material.