What is homiletics? A primer By Jack Kettler
Definition, homiletics:
That branch of theology concerned with preaching, and sermons and the proper way in which to deliver them. *
Question: What is homiletics?
Answer: The term homiletics comes from the word homily, which means “a sermon.” Homiletics is the art of preparing sermons and preaching. **
We can conclude that homiletics is preaching.
Should a pastor prepare to preach?
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth (2Timothy 2:15 NAS).
Additionally, Paul told Timothy, “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching” (1Timothy 4:13 ESV).
Observations about preaching:
Biblical preaching must be Scriptural; this means that the preacher is preaching the word of God.
Biblical preaching must be contextual; out of context manipulation of the Bible is what cults do.
Presentation of a biblical sermon; nothing the preacher does should take away from the listener’s ability to absorb the word of God. Examples of how this could: nervousness, fidgeting, clothing that draws attention to the man.
KJV Dictionary Definition: preach
PREACH, v.i. L. proeco, a crier, precor.
1. To pronounce a public discourse on a religious subject, or from a subject, or from a text of Scripture. The word is usually applied to such discourses as are formed from a text of Scripture. This is the modern sense of preach.
2. To discourse on the gospel way of salvation and exhort to repentance; to discourse on evangelical truths and exhort to a belief of them and acceptance of the terms of salvation. This was the extemporaneous manner of preaching pursued by Christ and his apostles. Matt.4. 10. Acts 10. 14.
Preach, to proclaim, to publish in religious discourses.
What ye hear in the ear, that preach ye on the housetops. Matthew10.
The Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings to the meek. Isaiah 61.
1. To inculcate in public discourses.
I have preached righteousness in the great congregations. Psalm 40.
He oft to them preach'd
Conversion and repentance.
To preach Christ or Christ crucified, to announce Christ as the only Savior, and his atonement as the only ground of acceptance with God 1Corinthians.
To preach up, to discourse in favor of.
Can they preach up equality of birth?
PREACH a religious discourse.
PRE'ACHED, pp. Proclaimed; announced in public discourse; inculcated.
Preaching
PRE'ACHING, ppr. Proclaiming; publishing in discourse; inculcating.
PRE'ACHING, n. The act of preaching; a public religious discourse.
Excerpt from the Preacher’s Catechism:
Table of Contents:
Foreword by Sinclair B. Ferguson
Part 1: The Glory of God and the Greatness of Preaching
1. Preaching, above All - What is God’s chief end in preaching?
2. Enjoying God - How do we enjoy God?
3. The One We Preach - Who is God?
4. By the Book - What do the Scriptures primarily teach?
5. Preaching Christ - What is Preaching?
6. All Our Days - What is the preacher’s chief end?
7. Confident of This - How can we rest in God’s power and purposes?
8. Called to Preach - Why do we believe that God called us to preach?
9. For God, for People - Why does God call us to preach?
10. Not a Square Inch - What else did God ordain?
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!” (Isaiah 52:7)
“To God, only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.” (Romans 16:27) and “heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:28, 29)
Mr. Kettler has previously published articles in the Chalcedon Report and Contra Mundum. He and his wife Marea attend the Westminster, CO, RPCNA Church. Mr. Kettler is the author of the book defending the Reformed Faith against attacks, titled: The Religion That Started in a Hat. Available at: http://www.TheReligionThatStartedInAHat.com