Category Archives: Robinson, Haddon

Classification of sermons 4 – Robinson

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In Biblical Preaching: The Development and Delivery of Expository Messages (3rd ed.), Haddon Robinson outlines the main forms, or shapes, that sermons can take.

Here’s a precis.

1. Deductive arrangements

The main idea is stated at the outset, and the body of the sermon explains, illustrates and applies that idea.

(a) An idea explained.  For example, Alexander MacLaren preached a sermon on Colossians 1:15-18 on the supremacy of Christ, explaining from his text that Christ is so because he is ‘the image of the invisible God; because he is ‘the firstborn of all creation’; and because he is ‘the head of the body’.…

The case for expository preaching

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Some extracts from Chapter 1 of Expository Preaching: Principles and Practice, by Haddon Robinson (1st ed., 1980).  (The headings are my own)

Is preaching past its sell-by date?

‘The word is out in some circles that preaching should be abandoned. The moving finger has passed it by and now points to other methods and ministries that are more “effective” and in tune with the times.’

Preaching takes place in a context of communication over-load

‘Preaching takes place in an overcommunicated society.…

The road from text to sermon

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The effective expository preacher is involved in two different worlds

  • The world of the Bible
  • The contemporary world of himself and his congregation

The preacher needs to know how to develop the Biblical text into a message that will address people’s needs today.

The exegetical idea should be submited to three developmental questions:

  1. What does this mean?
  2. Is it true?
  3. What difference does it make?

Just four things can be done with a declarative statement

1. …