This episode tackles the topical sermon.

Show Notes:

The Topical Sermon

I. A Description

The name defines it. It is a sermon built around a topic.

In a topical sermon, the divisions of the sermon must be invented by the preacher, based upon his knowledge of the subject throughout the whole Bible. This does not mean the sermon will not be biblical, but it does limit the divisions of the sermon to what the preacher knows about the subject. The divisions of the topical sermon will derive from the subject.

The preacher must gather what the Bible teaches about the subject and then he must organize that data into a logical presentation.

II. The Advantages

The topical sermon allows for the full treatment of a subject as it is dealt with by the entirety of Scripture. (I.E. Doctrine, biographical sketches, particular subjects such as fear, love, peace, etc.)

The topical sermon allows the preacher unlimited use of his skills of inventiveness and oratory.

Topical sermons are generally easier to prepare than any other variety of sermons.

III. The Disadvantages

The topical sermon is too easily colored by the preacher’s personal views and prejudices.

Topical sermons are usually too general in their scope.

The topical sermon presents too narrow a field of truth.

The preacher’s interests, knowledge, and experience hold the scope of the subjects, which are treated, captive.

Often, the divisions of the sermon become mere links in a chain. The number and order of the divisions are dictated in a purely arbitrary fashion. The number of points in most topical sermons could be reduced or enlarged without any violence being done to the sermon.

Often, the preacher will approach the Bible with a subject already in mind.

Walter C. Kaiser says the following about t

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