Homiletics and pastoral theology - Shedd - IX - Chapter 7

Required reading
Homiletics and pastoral theology by William G T Shedd (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 7 (The nature and choice of a text).

My summary
This week Shedd gives us suggestions on how to choose a sermon text.

Firstly he tells us what is a 'text'.  Then gives us reasons for selecting a passage of Scripture as the foundation of a sermon.  Doing so
(i) puts honor on Revelation;
(ii) results in the extended exposition of the Scriptures to the general mind;
(iii) means the sermon is more likely to possess unity and methodical structure;
(iv) aids the memory of the hearer;
(v) imparts authority to the preacher's words.

Then Shedd lays down some rules that should guide in the choice of a text.  The passage of Scripture should be one which:
(i) the mind at the time spontaneously moves;
(ii) is complete in itself;
(iii) the proposition of the sermon is derived plainly and naturally;
(iv) avoids oddity and eccentricity;
(v) is not disputed.

What grabbed me
Regular readers of the blog could probably guess where I would disagree with Shedd in this chapter.

But I did like this point: 'Fifthly, the text imparts authority to the preacher's words. The sermon, when it is really founded upon a passage of inspiration, and is truly pervaded by it, possesses a sort of semi-inspiration itself It is more than a merely human and secular product. The Holy Spirit acknowledges it as such, by employing it for purposes of conviction and conversion, A merely and wholly human production, properly secular eloquence, is not one of those things which the Holy Ghost " takes and shows unto the soul." A truly scriptural discourse, provided we do not strain the phraseology too far, has much of the authority of Scripture itself.'

If I don't preach from the Scriptures, then no one should bother listening to me.  After all, without the Scriptures, what makes me an authority on God?!?

Next week's reading
Commence Chapter 8 (The plan of a sermon) by reading up to the paragraph beginning: '4. The Conclusion is that part of the sermon which vigorously applies the truth which has been established in the proof, or developed in the treatment or discussion.'

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.