Gather

Much of a teacher’s life is spent in gathering information through careful study, extensive reading, and daily research.

In his book, Lectures on Preaching, W. Boyd Carpenter suggested we read four types of books, symbolised by the Bible, Euclid, Plato, and Shakespeare, so that we learn about devotion, reason, knowledge, and imagination.

This kind of diligent research should undergird all our messages. For instance, epicrisis is a rhetorical device whereby speakers appeal to past authors to give added weight to their speech.

Paul uses this device in Athens. He said, “…For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring’…” (Acts 17:28).

Although his exact sources are disputed, Paul is probably quoting from the Cretan philosopher Epimenides and the Cilician Stoic philosopher Aratus.

In his desire to connect with his audience and challenge their idolatry, he uses their own literature to make his point. In other words, he had done his research - he had prepared his life.

Do we study the Bible enough to back our arguments?

Do we read widely enough to illustrate our thoughts?

Do we research enough to engage with our audience?  

Robert