Question 1: Text-Driven Preaching
When discussing doctrinal fidelity, Ned Matthews (pp. 87-92) explains that a text-driven man will be less likely to dilute the gospel for fear of the consequences and less likely to shape the message to assure popularity. Provide at least one example of how you have personally seen dilution of the message to avoid consequences and/or assure popularity. Then explain how this challenge can be avoided.
Matthews also discusses the failure of the local church, both the seeker-sensitive and traditional models, to make disciples. Then states that when “dynamic exposition of Scripture is practiced in the churches, it is always effective in making and maturing disciples.” Is dynamic expository preaching always effective in making and maturing disciples? If not, what needs to change? If so, how does this occur? Please provide substantive evidence for any personal opinions.
Question 2: Text-Driven Preaching
Text-Driven Preaching: God’s Word at the Heart of Every Sermon
In a section entitled “A Surprising Observation,” Adam Dooley and Jerry Vines (pp. 250-253) assert that preaching must not only align with the content, but also the emotion of the text. Furthermore, Dooley and Vines suggest that “although transparency is important, exegetical faithfulness ranks more importantly.” Do you agree? Why or why not.
Finally, the authors states that transparency is manipulative if it contradicts the pathos of the author’s intent. Thus, certain situations require preachers “to ignore personal disposition for the sake of interpretive fidelity.” If a preacher’s emotional state does not align with Scripture, the authors suggest that “being transparent in the pulpit can be manipulative.” However, others would assert that if a preacher misrepresents his emotions or is not transparent (pretending) in the pulpit, he is being manipulative. Should a preacher avoid transparency or be transparent in the pulpit? Is this a contradiction? Is it resolvable? Please provide substantive evidence for any personal opinions.
Question 3: The Hermeneutical Spiral
While discussing practical methods for applying a text, Grant Osborne (pp. 444-451) explains that indirect application “forces the hearer to decide how to contextualize the point for him- or herself.” Explain the benefits of indirect application in a sermon. Also, provide examples of four different types of indirect application (these do not have to align with Osborne’s suggestions), but confirm they are indirect applications, rather than direct or persuasive. Finally, explain how preachers might effectively transition from direct to indirect sermon applications in churches that have primarily focused on direct application. Please provide substantive evidence for any personal opinions.
