Four Persuasive Elements Found in Expository Preaching

Writers on expository preaching have for generations emphasized the use of four rhetorical elements to persuade the hearer of Bible truths.

John A. Broadus originally described these forms of discourse for preaching in 1870. The most commonly used version of Broadus is the 1944 edition, edited by Weatherspoon. In it, the four functional elements are given a chapter each. Following Broadus, twentieth-century writers promoted the same varieties of supporting material for sermons. This is a classic approach to sermon development that can still guide the preacher for today’s communication challenges.

Each of the forms of development has a distinctive role to play as you enlarge on your sermon points—explanation, illustration, argumentation, and application. The better you understand what each kind of material contributes, the better you will be able to prepare the balanced support that gives real impact to your sermon ideas.

It is easy for the preacher to think that everyone is interested in the same aspects of biblical study that he is. What is needed is an appeal to the whole person—understanding, conscience, emotions, imagination, will, reason. That can be done with a balanced rhetorical appeal designed to influence the person in all these dimensions of his response. Keep reading

See also
Practice What You Preach: Consider adding these practices to your sermon prep