Assignment: Topical sermon on the Sluggard.
. THE INTRODUCTION. (continued)
F. The Qualities of an Introduction. 1. It does not boast or promise too much. 2. It must not be too loud, sensational or emotional. 3. It must not be too long. [Anxious or boredom set in.] 4. It MUST have a Bible relation to the theme. 5. It should contain ONE theme. 6. Natural transition. 7. It should have something striking in it. [Arrest their attention.] 8. Avoid broad and commonplace generalities. 9. Must not be too highly argumentative or impassioned. 10. Though it is simple, it should be carefully prepared. 11. Should contain a simple presentation of what is to follow. [Do not tell them everything you are going to tell them.] 12. Should make your listeners feel that you have IMPORTANT work at hand. We have something to do. G. Properties of an Introduction. 1. Simplicity--Not too involved. 2. Pertinence. 3. Courtesy. 4. Brief. 5. Interesting. 6. Arresting. 7. Natural. 8. Worthy of attention. 9. The introduction must both introduce the theme and the preacher. H. The Tests of an Introduction. 1. Interesting by NOT too exciting. 2. Short but NOT abrupt. 3. Friendly but NOT effusive (too sweet and syrupy). 4. Clear but NOT too clear. 5. Appropriate but NOT common place. 6. Should vary from sermon to sermon. [Do not let people figure you out.] I. Suggestions for an Introduction. 1. Should lead directly to the sermon. 2. Remember that an introduction that leads nowhere always takes the people with it. 3. Should not promise more than the sermon can supply. (Title) 4. Do NOT capitalize on your 'I's. 5. The only difference between a rut and a grave is its depth. Best sources. a. Occasion. b. Subject. c. Experience/burden. . DIVISIONS OF THE SERMON. Natural clevages of the text. A. Advantages of Divisions. 1. The Preacher himself. a. It holds him to the subject. b. It assists him in the composition of the sermon. A sermon is built up: skeleton, infleshing, clothing. c. It assists him in the deliverance. Divisions insure methods. Divisions are like rungs in a ladder - step - by step. 2. The Hearers. a. Excites interest. b. Helps them remember the message. c. Produces the desired effect. Will spare you from 'rabbit chasings'. B. Objections to the Major Divisions Being Too Evident. 1. [Tends to] destroy unity. We are not preaching from the paper (notes) but to the people. 2. Gives formality to the sermon. 3. Checks the progress of emotion in the hearer. C. Advantages to the Major Divisions Being Too Evident. 1. Helps the preacher in giving unity to his sermon. 2. Aids the preacher in giving symmetry to the sermon. Avoids lop-sided sermons. [Gives equal time to the divisions.] 3. Assists the preacher in keeping the subject before his hearers. 4. Aids the preacher in keeping the thread of the discourse. 5. Aids the hearer in grasping (apprehending) the main thoughts of the sermon. [What he is driving at.] 6. Aids the hearer in remembering the sermon. D. Things Necessary for Proper Order of the Divisions. 1. Each division should be distinct from the others. Bad Example: 1) Bad. 2) Not good. 2. Each division should follow in logical sequence. What order should I preach these? Bad Example: 1) Call upon the Lord. 2) See yourself as lost. 3. The order should lead towards a climax. Proper conclusion. Learn how to read an audience.