148. Sermon, Structure of the

148. Sermon, Structure of the

148 STRUCTURE OF THE SERMON

INTRODUCTION One should know how to use to best advantage the material gathered for sermon; effectiveness depends upon proper arrangement.

I. ARRANGEMENT OF MATERIAL 1. This highly important.

2. Universal principle of unity.

(a) Unity in color, harmonize .

(b) Unity in poem.

(c) Also in sermon .

3. Arrangement should be logical.

(a) Thou ghts should be co-ordinated .

(b) This helps to hold attention .

(c) Common mind thinks logically.

II. THE INTRODUCTION 1. Few things so important as this.

2. Opening sentence should grip attention .

(a) Hearer should feel that "This man has something to say." (b) Should open minds of hearer as well as sermon.

3. Should be spoken deliberately.

4. Not begin with the climax.

(a) If one does he has no· where to go. (b) He must go downward. lll. THE DISCUSSION 1. This the main body of the sermon .

2. Text may suggest arrangement.

3. Logical order required.

(a) Begin with weakest points. (b) Advance to the strongest.

4. Do not overlap the points.

(a) Hearers tire of monotony. (b) No one looks long at a standing train, but will keep an eye on the moving one.

5. Movement from one step to a higher one.

IV. THE CONCLUSION 1. More important than the beginning.

2. Draw conclusion logically.

3. Reach the climax.

4. Do not quote poetry.

(a) Poetry too impersonal. (b) Quotations turn audience over to someone else.

5. Negative statements belong to other parts of sermon.

6. Pretended pathos out of place .

(a) Be sincere. (b) Humor does not belong in the conclusion.

7. One should always finish strong.