Based on Haddon W. Robinson’s “Biblical Preaching”.
1. Preaching Is Losing Importance
This book talks about expository preaching—preaching that explains what the Bible says and how it applies to life.
However, today not everyone values preaching.
- Some people think preaching is no longer important.
- Others believe different methods—like seminars, small groups, and social programs—are more effective than sermons.
- In some churches, preaching is almost ignored.
2. The Decline in Respect for Preachers
Preachers today are often liked but not respected. In the past, pastors were seen as spiritual leaders and community guides. But now, many people see them differently.
Kyle Haselden describes how many view pastors today:
- A friendly helper, always ready to serve
- A favorite of elderly women and polite with young ladies
- A father figure for youth and a companion to lonely men
- A cheerful participant at social events and luncheons
This may sound nice, but it creates a problem:
People may like the pastor, but they don’t respect his authority as a preacher.
3. Competing with Too Many Messages
We live in a world full of distractions.
- Television, radio, social media, and advertisements flood us with thousands of messages every day.
- Commercials are delivered passionately, almost like “mini-sermons.”
In this environment, when a pastor preaches, some listeners think:
“This sounds just like another advertisement.”
As a result, preaching can lose its impact.
4. Preachers Losing Confidence
Some pastors today struggle with what to preach.
- Modern theology often gives confusing ideas instead of clear Bible truth.
- Many people trust science and human knowledge more than Scripture.
- This makes some pastors doubt the power of God’s Word.
Because of this, some preachers focus on entertaining methods rather than the message itself:
- Multimedia presentations
- Lights and videos
- Sharing sessions
- Modern music
These tools can be helpful, but they can also distract from the real message if the sermon becomes more about style than Scripture.
5. Action vs. Preaching
Some church members think doing good works is more important than listening to sermons. They ask:
“Why talk about faith when people need help?”
But in Acts 6:2, the apostles said:
“It is not right for us to stop preaching God’s Word to serve tables.”
This means:
- Good works are important, but preaching God’s Word must remain central.
- Without God’s Word, the church loses its foundation.
6. Main Message of the Chapter
- Preaching is losing importance in many churches.
- Society respects pastors less than before.
- Modern distractions compete for people’s attention.
- Some preachers focus on entertainment instead of the Bible.
- Social action is important, but preaching God’s Word must come first.
The Definition of Expository Preaching
The Passage Governs the Sermon
The Expositor Communicates a Concept
The Concept Comes from the Text
The Concept Is Applied to the Expositor
The Concept Is Applied to the Hearers
Chapter 2 – What’s the Big Idea?
(Simplified Explanation)
1. Every Sermon Needs One Main Idea
Haddon Robinson says the most important rule for preaching is:
“A sermon should have one central idea.”
Many preachers make a mistake by trying to say too many things in one sermon.
- If the sermon is full of many unrelated thoughts, people get confused.
- Listeners will forget most of it and miss the main point.
Example:
Imagine carrying ten small boxes at once—you might drop them all. But if you carry one big box, you’ll deliver it safely.
A sermon should be like one big box: one clear message.
2. The “Big Idea” Has Two Parts
A good sermon comes from one main idea based on the Bible passage. Robinson explains that a Big Idea has two parts:
(A) The Subject – What the passage is talking about
Ask: “What is this passage mainly discussing?”
(B) The Complement – What the passage says about it
Ask: “What does the passage teach about this subject?”
Example:
- John 3:16
- Subject: God’s love
- Complement: God showed His love by giving His Son
- Big Idea: “God loves the world so much that He gave His Son for our salvation.”
3. How to Find the Big Idea
To discover the Big Idea of your passage:
- Study the text carefully → Read it many times.
- Ask questions → Who? What? Why? How?
- Look for repeated words or phrases → They often point to the main idea.
- Summarize in one sentence → Short, simple, and clear.
4. Why the Big Idea Is Important
- It keeps the sermon focused.
- It helps the audience remember the message.
- It guides the outline and structure of your sermon.
- It connects every illustration and example to the central truth.
Without a clear Big Idea, a sermon becomes:
- Unorganized → listeners get lost
- Unmemorable → people forget quickly
- Unhelpful → no clear application
5. Summary of Chapter 2
- Every sermon should have one main idea.
- The Big Idea = Subject + Complement.
- Study the passage carefully to find that idea.
- Build your whole sermon around that central message.
Go to Chapter 3
