3. The proclamation, explanation, and application of scriptural truths with perspicuity of form and structure must constitute our continuous conscious endeavor.
a. Definition and explanation of terminology
1) Form and structure
2) Perspicuity
3) Continuous, conscious, endeavor
1 Tim. 5:17
b. Importance of perspicuity of form and structure
John A. Broadus, On the Preparation and Delivery of Sermons, (Birmingham, AL: Solid Ground Christian Books, 2005), p. 258.
Robert L. Dabney, Sacred Rhetoric, (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 1979), p. 130.
1) For the preacher himself
a) It will impart discipline and clarity in the detailed preparation of the sermon.
John A. Broadus, On the Preparation and Delivery of Sermons, (Birmingham, AL: Solid Ground Christian Books, 2005), p. 260.
William G. T. Shedd, Homiletics & Pastoral Theology, (London: Banner of Truth Trust, 1965), pp. 186-187.
b) It will greatly assist freedom in the actual delivery of the sermon.
James S. Stewart, Preaching, (London: English Universities Press, 1955), pp. 158-159.
John C. Ryle, The Upper Room, (London: Banner of Truth Trust, 1983), pp. 41-42.
2) For the listeners
a) It is a major factor in making what we say intelligible.
1 Cor. 2:14; 1 Cor. 14:9
James Stewart, Preaching, (London: English Universities Press, 1955), pp. 108-109.
John A. Broadus, On the Preparation and Delivery of Sermons, (Birmingham, AL: Solid Ground Christian Books, 2005), pp. 261-262.
C. H. Spurgeon, “The Necessity of Ministerial Progress,” in Lectures to My Students, Book II, (Pasadena, TX: Pilgrim Publications,1990), p. 28.
b) It is a major factor in making what we say aesthetically pleasing.
Gen. 1:31
Eccl. 12:9-10
John A. Broadus, On the Preparation and Delivery of Sermons, (Birmingham, AL: Solid Ground Christian Books, 2005.), p. 263.
c) It is a major factor in making what we say morally persuasive.
Acts 26:28
2 Cor. 5:11
Acts 24:25
Acts 26:24
Rom. 10:13-15
1 Cor. 15:12-19
d) It is a major factor in making what we say intellectually retainable.
Ps. 1
2 Pet. 1:13
Eccl. 12:11
Charles H. Spurgeon, “Attention!” in Lectures to My Students, Book I, (Pasadena, TX: Pilgrim Publications, 1990), pp. 140-141.
Robert L. Dabney, Sacred Rhetoric, (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 1979), p. 130.
Ebenezer Porter, Lectures on Homiletics and on Preaching and on Public Prayer and Lectures on Eloquence and Style, (Andover, MA: Gould and Newman, 1836), pp. 118-119.
c. The price of perspicuity of form and structure
1) It will cost you the price of maintaining a single eye to the God ordained end of preaching the salvation and edification of men.
Which is in contrast with other ends such as:
a) Current ministerial fads
b) Reputation
c) Elegance and eloquence
2) It will cost you the price of constant death to the opinions, wishes, and tastes of those who do not want perspicuous Bible preaching, the end of which is to pierce them with ethical implications.
Jn. 3:20-21
Gal. 1:10
1 Cor. 4:4-5
3) It will cost you the agony and toil of intense mental labor.
1 Tim. 5:17
John A. Broadus, On the Preparation and Delivery of Sermons, (Birmingham, AL: Solid Ground Christian Books, 2005), p. 265.