Dr. S.

Jonathan Murphy PM5252A Topical Expository Preaching (3 hours)

jmurphy@dts.edu Fall 2021
Dallas Theological Seminary Wednesday 1:00-3:40 pm

TOPICAL EXPOSITORY PREACHING

SYLLABUS

I. COURSE DESCRIPTION
Instruction in preaching topical expository sermons. Students preach three topical expository sermons and write a
research paper. Required of all students in the Homiletics Emphasis. Prerequisite: PM5104 Expository Preaching II.
Enrollment limited to 12 students. 3 hours.

II. COURSE OBJECTIVES AND RATIONALE

A. Cognitive Objectives. As a result of taking this course, the student will be able to:
1. Comprehend the application of the expositional process to topical preaching.
2. Understand biblical and theological reasons for preaching in the 21st century.

B. Affective Objectives: As a result of taking this course, the student will be able to:
1. Commit to the disciplines of exegesis in various genres, theological reflection, and homiletics.
2. Embrace a biblical perspective on the pastoral role and pastoral issues within the local church.

C. Behavioral Objectives: As a result of taking this course, the student will be able to:
1. Develop and preach topical expository sermons that are TRUE to the Biblical text, INTERESTING to listen to,
CLEAR in organization and presentation, and RELEVANT to the listeners' specific needs.
2. Write a research paper identifying theological foundations for preaching.

D. Rationale
Based on an integration of exegetical and theological knowledge and communication skills this course prepares
students to communicate the Word of God by applying Scriptural truths to life and ministry in a topical expository
style.

III. COURSE TEXTBOOKS

A. Required
Kuruvilla, Abraham. “Language-Games, Textuality and Genres,” and “Application,” in Text to Praxis. London:
T&T Clark International, 2009. pp. 11-52, 174-190. (Will be provided on the course web site.)
Kuruvilla, Abraham. “Application as Improvisation,” Journal of the Evangelical Homiletics Society 9.2 (2009): 36-
52. (Will be provided on the course web site.)
Peck, Timothy. “Salvaging the Old Testament Biographical Sermon,” Preaching 15:6 (May-June, 2000): 28-30.
(Will be provided on the course web site.)
Richard, Ramesh P. “Methodological Proposals for Scripture Relevance Part 2: Levels of Biblical Meaning,”
Bibliotheca Sacra (April-June, 1986): 123-133. (Will be provided on the course web site.)
Richard, Ramesh P. “Methodological Proposals for Scripture Relevance Part 3: Application Theory in Relation to
the New Testament,” Bibliotheca Sacra (July-September, 1986): 205-217. (Will be provided on the course web site.)
B. Supplementary Readings: (See the Supplementary Bibliography)
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IV. COURSE REQUIREMENTS

A. Reading Assignments

Students will read material as assigned. Several articles or chapters are available on the course web site, for reading
before coming to class. See the course schedule for due dates.
B. Sermons (75%)
Topical Theological Expository Sermon (25%): Students will prepare and deliver (without notes) a 15-minute
topical theological expository message addressing a theological subject (for examples, check the index of Chafer’s
Theology). The sermon must involve a single Homiletical Central Proposition that encompasses the exposition of
two (or at most three) biblical texts that are central to the formulation of that doctrine.
Topical Biographical Expository Sermon (25%): Students will prepare and deliver (without notes) a 15-minute
topical biographical expository message on a biographical character of their choice (with the approval of the
professor). The sermon must involve a single Homiletical Central Proposition that encompasses the exposition of
two (or at most three) biblical pericopae in which the character is significant to the narrative and the exposition must
reflect the narrative function(s) of that character within each pericope.
Topical “Current Issues” Expository Sermon (25%): Students will prepare and deliver (without notes) a 15-minute
topical current issue expository message on a current issue of their choice (with the approval of the professor). See a
list of potential current issue topics following the “Sign Up” page.

By noon of the day before the student speaks, the will have completed both a typed homiletical outline of his/her
sermon carried to three levels of subordination (i.e. I. A. 1. 2. B. II. A. B. 1. 2.) AND a separate, full, typed, double-
spaced manuscript. Of course, the homiletical outline and the sermon manuscript should be consistent. A deduction
of two marks (A- to B; B+ to B-; etc.) will occur for lateness. The student will not be required to turn this in the day
before preaching but will need to bring a hard copy of both and hand it to the professor before preaching. Students
will be expected to talk/think their way through their manuscripts at least FIVE TIMES before presenting their
sermons in class. The goal is NOT WORD FOR WORD MEMORIZATION, but rather MASTERY OF THE
FLOW of the material.
The manuscript should reflect to the fullest extent what the preacher expects to say in the oral presentation (i.e.,
ALL TRANSITIONS, RESTATEMENTS, SCRIPTURE READINGS, ILLUSTRATIONS, ETC. SHOULD BE
WRITTEN OUT FULLY). The manuscript should be written as a sermon to be heard, not as an article to be read.
STUDENTS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO SPEAK UNLESS THEY HAVE TURNED IN TO THE
PROFESSOR, BY THE TIME THEY ARE SCHEDULED TO PREACH, A FULL, TYPED HOMILETICAL
OUTLINE (CARRIED TO THREE LEVELS OF SUBORDINATION) AND A SEPARATE, FULL, TYPED
MANUSCRIPT. FAILURE TO SPEAK AT THE APPOINTED TIME, EITHER FOR UNEXCUSED ABSENCE
OR INCOMPLETE PREPARATION, WILL RESULT IN NO CREDIT FOR THAT SERMON, AND RISKS
FAILURE OF THE COURSE.
Outlines and/or manuscripts that prove deficient will be returned to the student after the sermon is preached in class
so that corrections can be made. An appropriate passing grade will not be given for any sermon until proper
corrections are submitted to the professor.
*Students must not exceed the time limits for each sermon. A deduction of one mark (A- to B+; B+ to B; etc.) will
occur for every THIRTY SECONDS a sermon extends beyond the time allowed. Students will also be expected to
use the time available to them. That is, any sermon under the 15 minutes by more than THIRTY SECONDS will also
receive a deduction on one mark for every 30 second beneath the 15 minutes.
All sermons will be recorded digitally and made available to all students in a course Dropbox for personal viewing.
(The Dropbox will be made available at the beginning of the semester.) The student is to view his/her sermon within
a week of preaching and submit a completed a "Sermon Viewing Report” to the professor. (A pdf version is
available on the course web page.). The student will not receive the professor’s written evaluation and grade until
the “Sermon Viewing Report” is submitted.

C. Research Paper (25%) Due Date 13th December

Each student will submit a research paper (7-10 pages length) following the seminary prescribed Turabian format.
Research papers will be evaluated using the RS102 “Research Paper Critique” form. The paper will demonstrate
careful research and reflection. The student will research the following subject:
• “In-Person Preaching and “Mediated” Preaching”
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This paper will explore the current movement toward adopting technology as the medium for formation from
the pulpit. The student will examine the benefits, dangers, limitations, etc., and provide a defense of a pathway
forward in light of long-term implications for the health of the local church.

V. COURSE POLICIES
A. Weight Given To Course Requirements For Grading
25% Topical Theological Expository Sermon (with homiletical outline and separate manuscript)
25% Topical Biographical Expository Sermon (with homiletical outline and separate manuscript)
25% Topical Current Issues Expository Sermon (with homiletical outline and separate manuscript)
25% Research Paper
B. Grading Standards for PM5252 Sermons

Category F for a D for a C for a B for an A

True - Significant - Texts’ exegetical - Compelling - Compelling - Compelling evidence
questions meanings and evidence that the evidence that the that the sermon’s subject
concerning structures are clear sermon’s subject sermon’s subject emerges out of the text(s’)
exegetical - Theological moves emerges out of the emerges out of the exegesis and theology
accuracy are true for the text(s’) exegesis and text(s’) exegesis and
audience theology theology

Clear - No clear - Clear proposition - Clear homiletical - Evident unity, - Evident unity, order,
proposition in any form: proposition heard as order, progress progress
heard during exegetical and/or intended
the message theological and/or - All major points or
homiletical movements heard as
intended
Relevant - No explicit - Relevance/ - At least one - Numerous strong - Evident use of the
indication of application concrete image and concrete images developmental questions
relevance suggested (but no - At least one throughout - Compelling development
concrete images) concrete reference to - Fully developed of need, relevance, and
relevance and concrete relevance application
application and application
Interestin - Major - Minimal vocal - Adequate vocal and - Good vocal and - Outstanding delivery
g vocal and/or visual visual delivery visual delivery appropriate to the preacher
and/or visual delivery problems - Shows planning for - Good verbal style in - Numerous examples of
delivery verbal style delivery good style
problems

C. Class Participation
Attendance and class participation are a requirement of the course and, more importantly, a ministry to other
students, especially when they are preaching. Please attend all classes possible.
D. Late Assignments
Late assignments will not be accepted unless prior arrangements are made.
E. Absences
More than four absences will result in a penalty. Each absence above the four allowed will result in a 4% reduction
in grade.

F. Letter/Numerical Grade Scale

A+ 99-100 B+ 91-93 C+ 83-85 D+ 75-77 F 0-69
A 96-98 B 88-90 C 80-82 D 72-74
A- 94-95 B- 86-87 C- 78-79 D- 70-71

VI. COURSE SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

It is a departmental requirement that all papers turned in must be typed and must include the following information:
Student's name, student file #, name of professor, title of assignment, and course with section number.
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DTS does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the operation of any of its programs and activities. To avoid
discrimination the student is responsible for informing the Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities and the
course instructor of any disabling condition that will require modifications.

VII. COURSE LECTURES AND ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE

No. Date Lecture Topic Assignment Due Due Dates

1 Introduction to the Course Read the Syllabus
8/25 The Expositional Process
2 (review) & Hermeneutics for
Homiletics
3 Richard’s “Levels” & “Applications”
Kuruvilla, “Text to Praxis,” pp. 11-52 & 174-90;
9/1 Topical Expository Preaching
4 Peck
Kuruvilla ‘Improvisation’
5 Topical Theological Sermons Outlines Preachers 1-3
9/8
6 Topical Theological Sermons Outlines Preachers 4-6
7 Topical Theological Sermons Outlines Preachers 7-9
9/15
8 Topical Theological Sermons Outlines Preachers 10-12
9 Topical Theological Sermons Sermons Preachers 1-3
9/22
10 Topical Theological Sermons Sermons Preachers 4-6
11 Topical Theological Sermons Sermons Preachers 7-9
9/29
12 Topical Theological Sermons Sermons Preachers 10-12
13 Topical Biographical Sermons Outlines Preachers 1-3
10/6
14 Topical Biographical Sermons Outlines Preachers 4-6
15 Topical Biographical Sermons Outlines Preachers 7-9
10/13
16 Topical Biographical Sermons Outlines Preachers 10-12
17 Topical Biographical Sermons Sermons Preachers 1-3
10/20
18 Topical Biographical Sermons Sermons Preachers 4-6
19 Topical Biographical Sermons Sermons Preachers 7-9
10/27
20 Topical Biographical Sermons Sermons Preachers 10-12
21 Topical Current Issue Sermons Outlines Preachers 1-3
11/3
22 Topical Current Issue Sermons Outlines Preachers 4-6
23 Topical Current Issue Sermons Outlines Preachers 7-9
11/10
24 Topical Current Issue Sermons Outlines Preachers 10-12
Reading Week & Thanksgiving Break
25 Topical Current Issue Sermons Sermons Preachers 1-3
12/1
26 Topical Current Issue Sermons Sermons Preachers 4-6
27 Topical Current Issue Sermons Sermons Preachers 7-9
12/8
28 Topical Current Issue Sermons Sermons Preachers 10-12
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VIII. SUPPLEMENTARY BIBLIOGRAPHY ON A THEOLOGY OF PREACHING AND TOPICAL PREACHING

Adam, Peter. Speaking God’s Words: A Practical Theology of Expository Preaching. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity
Press, 1996. 173 pp.
Allen, J. Ronald, Barbara S. Blaisdell, Scott Black Johnston. Theology for Preaching: Authority, Truth and Knowledge of
God in a Postmodern Ethos. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1997. 239pp.
Anderson, Kenton C. Choosing to Preach. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006. 287 pp.
Bartow, Charles L. God’s Human Speech: A Practical Theology of Proclamation. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans Publishing
Company, 1997. 193 pp.
Beaudean, John William. Paul’s Theology of Preaching. Macon, GA: Mercer University Press 1988. 216pp.
Berkley, James D. Leadership Handbook of Practical Theology, Volume One: Word and Worship. Grand Rapids:
Christianity Today and Baker Book House Co., 1992. 499 pp.
Bounds, Edward McKendree. Preacher and Prayer. Wilmore, Kentucky: Christian Outreach, 1981. 63pp.
Brooks, Phillips. The Joy of Preaching. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1989. 237 pp.
Carrick, John. The Imperative of Preaching: A Theology of Sacred Rhetoric. Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth Trust, 2002.
202 pp.
Duduit, Michael, Editor. Handbook of Contemporary Preaching. Nashville: Broadman Press, 1992. 607pp.
Edwards, J. Kent. Deep Preaching: Creating Sermons that God Beyond the Superficial. Nashville: B&H Publishing,
2009. 202 pp.
English, Donald. An Evangelical Theology of Preaching. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1996. 144 pp.
Grasso, Domenico. Proclaiming God’s Message: A Study in the Theology of Preaching. Notre Dame: University of Notre
Dame Press, 1968. 272 pp.
Johnson, Darrell W. The Glory of Preaching: Participating in God’s Transformation of the World. Downers Grove, IL:
IVP Academic, 2009. 278 pp.
Lischer, Richard. A Theology of Preaching: The Dynamics of the Gospel. Nashville: Abington, 1981, revised 2001. 112
pp.
Lose, David L. Confessing Jesus Christ: Preaching in a Postmodern World. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing
Co., 2003. 264 pp.
Piper, John. The Supremacy of God in Preaching. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1990. 110 pp.
Pitt-Watson, Ian. Preaching: A Kind of Folly. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1976. 109 pp.
Richard, Ramesh. Preparing Evangelistic Sermons. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2005. Chapters 1 and 2.
Rust, Eric C. The Word and Words: Towards a Theology of Preaching. Macon, GA: Mercer University Press, 1982.
130pp.
Sargent, Tony. The Sacred Anointing: The Preaching of Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones. Wheaton: Crossway, 1994. 344 pp.
Stott, John R. W. Between Two Worlds: The Art of Preaching in the Twentieth Century. Grand Rapids: William B.
Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1982. 351 pp.
Willimon, William H. Proclamation and Theology: Horizons in Theology Series. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2005. 106
pp.
Wilson, Paul Scott. Preaching and Homiletical Theory. St. Louis: Chalice Press, 2004. 184 pp.
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PM5252 Sign Up

Speaker Name Theological Topic Biographical Topic Current Issue

Topic

10

11

12
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Potential Message Topics

OT NT Current Issues
(examples) Theological Topics (examples)
Biographical Biographical
Adam Joseph Abortion Theology Proper: an attribute of God
Noah Mary Adoption Theology Proper: the Fatherhood of God
Abraham The Herods Abuse (specific) Christology: Christ’s natures
Jacob John the Baptist Capital Punishment Christology: Christ’s ministries
Joseph Andrew Debt Pneumatology: identity of the Spirit
Moses Philip Gambling Pneumatology: ministries of the Spirit
Pharaoh Peter/Simon Gender Angelology: nature & purpose
Joshua John Homosexuality Angelology: guardian angels?
Caleb Judas Race Relations Anthropology: nature
Rahab Thomas Politics Anthropology: image of God
Hannah Matthew/Levi War Anthropology: eternal design & destiny
Eli Nicodemus Addictions Hamartiology: source or effect of sin
Saul The Blind Men Pornography Soteriology: justification
The Conflict
Jonathan Soteriology: sanctification
Centurion(s)
The Tax Immigration
David Soteriology: spiritual life
Collector(s)
Mary and Etc. Ecclesiology: church as Christ;s
Absalom
Martha ‘community’
The Gentile Etc.
Bathsheba Ecclesiology: corporate discipline
Women
Joab Caiaphas Etc. Eschatology: the ‘Day of the Lord’
Solomon Pontius Pilate Etc. Eschatology: destiny of God’s people
Rehoboam / Joseph / Virgin Etc.
Jeroboam Mary
James, Jesus’ Etc.
Ahab Eschatology: Christ’s return(s)
brother
Hezekiah Stephen Etc. Eschatology: believer’s judgement
Josiah Paul Etc. Eschatology: future Judgement
Esther / Etc.
Timothy Eschatology: Eternal State
Mordecai
Ezra Barnabas Etc. Bibliology: nature of the Bible
Nehemiah John Mark Etc. Bibliology: use of the Bible
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RESEARCH PAPER CRITIQUE Name

Interdivisional Research Seminar RS5100
Reader

Grade % Box

Exc. Good Acc. Min. Poor

I. INTRODUCTION

A. Statement of topic/issue

B. Introduction to paper’s argument

C. Sufficient attention to relevancy & scope

II. BODY

A. Survey of differing positions

(both contemporary & historical)

B. Survey of Scriptural sources (including

biblical theology)

C. Presentation, logic and defense

of the student’s systematized position

D. Presentation and assessment of the evidence

pro and con on major positions

1. Appropriate use of resources

(thorough research, good bibliography)

2. Selectivity of source material (current,

primary, appropriate secondary)

3. Logical argumentation

III. CONCLUSION

A. Concise review of main points

B. Significance of topic restated

C. Appropriate application(s) to life/ministry

IV. FORMAL CONSIDERATIONS

A. Adherence to Turabian style

B. Use of English grammar

C. Spelling and proofreading

D. Clarity of expression