We
can do a lot with a book after we have read it. We can talk about it, we can write about it,
we can promote it, or we can even lament for having wasted our time. While I was in a
Seminary, we were assigned to read a lot of books in a very limited time with a
requirement to write a book review for some, a book summary for some, and a book
application for some. I enjoyed writing Book Application because whenever I
was writing, I thought through what to apply it in my life and ministry. Actually,
reading a book application is always edifying. A Book Review often contains both
commendation and criticism. A Book Summary summarizes the contents of the book.
A Book Application reveals the effects of the books on a reader. I am of the
opinion that many should read and write a Book Application, not just a review
or a summary. Here is the Book Application I wrote for this book of Bryan
Chapell when I first read it 5 years ago. I am sure, I would write a different
one when I reread again, now, especially after listening to the lectures of Dr.
Abner Chou critiquing the Christo-centric hermeneutics applied in this book.
TOP
10 THINGS I LEARN FROM BRYAN CHAPELL’S BOOK
“CHRIST-CENTERED
PREACHING – REDEEMING THE EXPOSITORY SERMON”
2nd
February 2015, Sancoale, Goa, India
1.
“When preachers
perceive the power that the Word holds, confidence in their calling grows even
as pride in their performance withers.” (p. 18). “Neglect of prayer signals
serious deficiencies in a ministry even if other signs of success have not
diminished.” (p. 21)
Ø These
two lines show me to focus on the study of the word of God and prayer. When
these are strong, nothing shall discourage me. On the other hand, negligence of
these will cost the ministry dear sooner or later, how effective the moment may
seem.
2.
“Statements of truth,
even biblical truth, do not automatically make a message for the pulpit.
Well-constructed sermons require unity, purpose, and application.” (p. 30)
Ø This
statement is really practical for the ministry of preaching. It challenges me
to go beyond understanding the text for myself and to present it to everyone.
3.
“The Fallen Condition
Focus (FCF) is the mutual human condition that contemporary believers share
with those to or about whom the text was written that requires the grace of the
passage for God’s people to glorify and enjoy him.” (p. 35)
Ø I
realize that finding FCF will be one of the most effective methods to prepare
for a sermon. Moreover, that would be like a bait to the ears of the hearers when emphasized in the introduction.
4.
“Mere lectures are pre-sermons
because they dispense information about a text without relevant application
from the text that helps listeners understand their obligations to Christ and
his ministry to them.” (p. 39). “Preachers who cannot answer ‘so what?’ will
preach to a ‘who cares?’” (p. 40)
Ø The
difference between a teacher and a pastor, both in terms of preparation and
shepherding.
5.
“The
application of the sermon is not merely an appendage to the discussion or a
subordinate part of it, but is the main thing to be done.” (P. 62). “However,
these traditional categories can damage expository preaching if preachers do
not see that explanation, illustration, and application are all essential
components of opening and unfolding the meaning of a text. Explanation answers
the question, What does this text say? Illustration responds to, Show me what
the text says. Application answers, What does the text mean to me? Ordinarily,
each component has a vital role in establishing listeners’ full understanding
of a text.” (p. 66). “Preachers once posted this reduction of the preaching
task in their studies: Preach Reach Each.” (p. 69)
Ø The
component of Exposition is well-written in these 3 statements. Nothing to be
taken lightly. Moreover, the “PREach” is quite informative and beneficial for
sermon preparation.
6.
1. State the truth.
2. Place the truth. 3. Prove the truth (p. 93)
Ø Perhaps, one of the most logical way to make a point in an outline. However, it may take me
time to catch up very well.
7.
“The bottom line for
structure simply requires that all expository sermons have F-O-R-M. Every
outline should be: Faithful to the text. Obvious from the text. Related to a
Fallen Condition Focus. Moving toward a climax.” (p.129)
Ø Another
insight for preparing a sermon. Easy to remember, yet broad in its
understanding.
8.
“Thus, John Broadus,
the father of modern expository preaching, declares, “Application is the main
thing to be done.” (p. 167). “The application of an expository sermon, however,
is not complete until the pastor has disclosed the grace in the text that
rightly motivates obedience.” (p. 174)
Ø Applications
to be very effective for each one, which is doable. And there should be motivation
for it, in the grace of God
9.
“Maybe there are
those who enjoy developing the universal sermon, the one that can be preached
everywhere and anywhere, that has a quality of being timeless. But as far as I
am concerned, everywhere and anywhere really means nowhere; and those who
strive to be timeless, are usually, simply not very timely.… The particular is
higher than the universal.” (p. 178). “In application, preachers pour out their
hearts. Without application, preachers have difficulty preaching with fervor.”
(p. 184)
Ø The
whole chapter of “Application” convicts me that a preacher should take
seriously of applications in a sermon. It’s true that a sermon with applications
shows the integrity of the preacher, and the shepherding spirit he has for the
flock.
10. “A
message that merely advocates morality and compassion remains sub-Christian
even if the preacher can prove that the Bible demands such behaviors.” (p. 215).
“However well intended, these sermons present a faith indistinguishable from
that of morally conscientious Muslims, Unitarians, Buddhists, or Hindus.” (p. 231)
Ø The
difference between the world and the church. The difference between true transformation and
superficial behavior modification. Yes, almost every religion is moralistic. The exclusivity of the Christian
Gospel makes Christianity differs from other religions. And that must be
preached all the time, for us to be worthy to bear the name of Christian.