Problem/Solution

Overview

This structure examines a topic through creating or identifying a need and then providing a resolution to that need.  The preacher engagingly presents a need or a conflict for the hearers that is related to the topic of the sermon and then offers a resolution of that need or conflict which is realistic and effective for the hearers.  Often, this method uses an inductive presentation to explore the problem and a deductive presentation to experience the resolution.  The common mistake of preachers is to be long on the problem and short on the solution.  When the problem is related to the law proclamation of the sermon and the solution to that problem arises from the gospel proclamation, this sermon takes the form of a law/gospel sermon.

© 2011 David Schmitt. All rights reserved.

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1 Comment

  1. Jonathan Petzold January 18, 2017
    Reply

    You end this with “When the problem is related to the law proclamation of the sermon and the solution to that problem arises from the gospel proclamation, this sermon takes the form of a law/gospel sermon.”

    My question is, when would this not happen; that is, in preaching, when would the problem not be related to the law proclamation and the solution not be related to the gospel proclamation? This is not a challenge, but I’m curious to see what a problem/solution sermon looks like that does not turn into a law/gospel sermon. How then does the law and the gospel proclamation fit in without hijacking the problem and solution?

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