Abstract
The Word of God – made applicably or preached applicably? A homiletical investigation In this article the focus is directed to the homiletical element of application as utilised in sermons. In the course of the discussion that specifically highlights the aspect of applying biblical material to everyday experience, basis-theoretical material is developed. By way of illustration applications in sermons are scrutinised from material taken from Romans 12, Ephesians 4:17-6:9 and Hebrews 11, 12 and 13. It is indicated that although a general application does occur in these chapters, the most obvious phenomenon is that this general application is soon directed to practical elements related to the needs and situation of the congregation. If the application is scrutinised closely it is significant that the application organically originates from the explanation and in this way forms a unity. In view of the established basis-theoretical perspectives the applicability and possible implementation of the so-called “big idea”, as developed by Haddon Robinson and others, is investigated as a possible key to “unlock” the application from the text verses on which the sermon focuses. The “big idea” entails that every pericope (larger thought unit) selected to preach on consists of a subject (theme or topic), and that this subject is supported and motivated more closely by complementary elements. The “big idea” is initially formulat-ed in exegetical terms, but it should also be formulated in homiletical terms while keeping the needs and realities of the congregation in mind. In effect the application begins by formulating the “big idea” concretely. In this way establishing the “big idea” in the relevant text verses chosen to focus the sermon on, is a useful aid in applying the Word concretely.
Highlights
The “big idea” entails that every pericope selected to preach on consists of a subject, and that this subject is supported and motivated more closely by complementary elements
It is indicated that a general application does occur in these chapters, the most obvious phenomenon is that this general application is soon directed to practical elements related to the needs and situation of the congregation
In werklikheid begin die toepassing by die konkrete formulering van die “big idea”
Summary
Sedert die ontstaan van die Nuwe-Testamentiese kerk is preke vanuit die Woord toegepas op die situasie van lidmate en op die werklikheid waarin hulle binne ’n bepaalde gemeenskap en omgewing geleef het. Dit is egter nie net in die tyd van die Nuwe Testament self dat die toepassing van die Woord as wesenlik beskou is in ’n preek nie. Dit is opvallend dat Luther, nadat hy self eers geworstel het met die Woord, hom ten doel gestel het om verstaanbaar en aanvaarbaar te preek vir die hart en gewete van die gemeente. Moet daar nie eerder ’n weg gevind word om vas te stel hoe God reeds sy Woord in die werklikheid van sy volk se lewe toegepas het en nog steeds toepas nie? Is dit nie eerder so dat God self reeds die toepassing van sy Woord in die kerk bepaal het nie?
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