Homiletics (Gr. homiletikos, from homilos, to assemble together) in theology is the application of the general principles of rhetoric to the specific department of public preaching. The one who practices or studies homiletics is called a homilist. Homiletics is the study of the composition and delivery of a sermon or other religious discourse. It includes all forms of preaching, viz., the sermon, homily and theological instruction. It is further defined as the study of the analysis, classification, preparation, composition and delivery of sermons.
Different from a speech or a public address, which is usually for the entertainment of an audience, the sermon is the proclamation of God’s eternal Word. The preacher has nothing worthwhile to say if he does not minister from the Holy Scriptures. Such a proclamation may take the form of evangelistic preaching, encouragement or theological teaching, but it must always be firmly established and built upon the Bible.
Teaching (Romans 12:7)
William Glasser (psychologist) said that we learn by:
10% of what we read.
20% of what we hear.
30% of what we see.
50% of what we see and hear.
70% of what we discuss with others.
80% of what we experience personally.
95% of what we teach others.
Encouragement (Romans 12:8)
Paul encouraged people to practice what they had been taught. Those who are taught but not exhorted become “lazy sheep” that only take in and never live the Christian life. Those who are exhorted but not taught become excited and active, but have no depth or understanding of what they do and will burn out quickly or work in wrong ways. Preaching includes exhortation and practical application.
Evangelism (Ephesians 4:11)
Someone said, “It is easy to determine when something is aflame—it ignites other material. Any fire that does not spread will eventually go out. A preacher without a message of evangelism is a contradiction in terms, just as a fire that does not burn is a contradiction.” A sermon is not just proclamation, but living out a life of faith in Christ among, and in full view of, those same people, once the sermon is over.
