Content

Introduction
1. John R.W. Stott's biblical and theological foundations for homiletics and preaching
1.1. Scripture as the Foundation
1.2. Exegesis and Hermeneutics.
1.3. Role of Holy Spirit.
1.4. Relevance to the Audience.
1.5. Clarity and Simplicity.
1.6. Application.
1.7. Humility and Dependence on God.
1.8. Sincerity and Seriousness.

2. Jay E. Adams' arguments in this regard to Homiletics' essential responsibility is to

preach with purpose.
2.1. Centrality of Purpose.
2.2. Analysis of the Congregation.
2.3. Designing a Message.
2.4. Gathering Storytelling Materials.
2.5. Assuming the Proper "Preacher's Posture”
2.6. Developing an Engaging Style.
2.7. Opposing Abstract and Impersonal Sermons.
2.8. Promoting Devotion and Action.

3. Evaluation
Conclusion
Bibliography
Introduction

This academic paper explores Stott's theological and homiletical principles, examining how
they guide preachers into effectively communicating God's Word amidst the cultural and
societal challenges of the 20th century. This research also study looks forward to exploring
insights from Stott, find how his timeless approach remains in relation to preaching and, in
doing so, might impact on contemporary Christian ministry alongside the arguments
presented by Jay E. Adams on purposeful preaching- if those frameworks do improve the
impact and relation of sermons to contemporary ministries.

1. John R.W. Stott's biblical and theological foundations for homiletics and
preaching

John R.W. Stott’s work, particularly in Between Two Worlds: The Art of Preaching in the
Twentieth Century, provides profound insights into the principles of homiletics and
preaching. Given below is an exploration of his key foundations:

1.1. Scripture as Foundation and God’s written word (supreme authority)

Stott maintains that the word has to be founded on Scripture, which remains the
supreme authority for the Christian. He stresses that the preacher has to preach from
the Bible wherein he further emphasizes on God’s Word as powerful1 so that the
message has a basis in scripture and is therefore sound and faithful to the text.2
1.2. Exegesis and Hermeneutics.
For Stott, exegesis-the proper interpretation of a text in its own context-and
hermeneutics-applying the text to the present context-are equally vital. He urges
preachers to dig deep into the Scripture to understand its historical, cultural, and
literary context and then wrestle with its meaning for today's people. Thus, sermons
will be valid as well as timely.3
1.3. Role of Holy Spirit.
According to Stott, the role of Holy Spirit is not left out in preaching. He teaches that
preachers are to depend on the Holy Spirit for inspiration, guidance, and
empowerment. The Holy Spirit illuminates the Scriptures and helps preachers
proclaim messages to the hearts and minds of their listeners.4
1.4. Relevance to the Audience.
Sermons, Stott emphasizes, have to be relevant for the contemporary audience. He
argues that there has to be a bridge that is constructed between the ancient biblical
world and the modern world; in this way, the timeless truths in the Bible are
accessible and applicable to today's listeners. This involves learning about the
audience's context, struggles, and questions.5
1.5. Clarity and Simplicity.
According to Stott, the preaching should be clear and simple in nature. Sermons
should be straightforward and understandable, without causing unnecessary

1
John R.W. Stott, I Believe in Preaching (London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1982), 103.
2
John R.W. Stott, Between Two Worlds: The Art of Preaching in the Twentieth Century (Grand Rapids:
Eerdmans, 1982), 93.
3
John R.W. Stott, I Believe in Preaching (London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1982), 127.
4
John R.W. Stott, The Cross of Christ (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1986), 23-26.
5
John R.W. Stott, Basic Christianity (London: InterVarsity Fellowship, 1958), 92-95.
 complications or jargon. Thus, one can convey how accurately the Bible message is
communicated in effective language that listeners-all those having whatever
background and education-really understand its meaning.6
1.6. Application.
According to Stott, application is a fundamental aspect of preaching. In this view,
sermons ought not only to explain the meaning of the text but also to apply its truth to
the life of the listeners. It offers practical advice on how people should live in
everyday living based on what one read in the Scriptures.7
1.7. Humility and Dependence on God.
Stott emphasizes that the preacher must approach his task with humility and
dependence on God. He goes on to remind the preacher that his job is not to display
his own eloquence or shrewdness but to minister God's Word faithfully. This requires
the attitude of one who is humble and depends on God's strength and wisdom.8
1.8. Sincerity and Seriousness.
According to Stott, the preacher must be sincere and serious while preaching.
Authenticity and passion are essential in preaching so that the same seriousness and
importance of the biblical message are evoked from the audience. The preacher must
believe and live what he preaches to raise people's hopes and compel them.9

2. Jay E. Adams' arguments in this regard to Homiletics' essential responsibility is to

preach with purpose.

Jay E. Adams works, particularly, “Preaching with Purpose: The Urgent Task of Homiletics”
provides a detailed framework for the understanding of purpose in/with preaching. Here are
some insights:

2.1. Centrality of Purpose. According to Adams, each sermon must have a

purpose that the word must be based upon the scriptures for a ministry of
the spirit for the edification and spiritual growth of the listeners. He insists
that senseless preaching is sheer, lifeless, and impersonal speeches that do
not exhort or change the audience.10
2.2. Analysis of the Congregation: The sermon differentiates by
specifically analyzing the congregation. Here, the preacher has to analyze
and understand the needs, struggles, and spiritual state of the congregation
so as to craft a real message that can readily win over the congregation.11
2.3. Designing a Message: Meaningful One Based on the above analysis,
the preacher should design a message that could meet the specific needs of
their audience. The message in such a scenario should: be clear,
compelling, and actionable; explain how to live out the principles of
Scripture in everyday life.12

6
John R.W. Stott, The Message of the Sermon on the Mount (Leicester: InterVarsity Press, 1978), 30-33.
7
John R.W. Stott, Why I Am a Christian (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2003), 76-79.
8
John R.W. Stott, Your Mind Matters: The Place of the Mind in the Christian Life (Downers Grove, IL:
InterVarsity Press, 1973), 10-13.
9
John R.W. Stott, The Message of Romans: God’s Good News for the World (Leicester: InterVarsity Press,
1994), 112-115.
10
Jay E. Adams, Preaching with Purpose: The Urgent Task of Homiletics (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1986),
16-19.
11
Ibid.
12
Ibid.
 2.4. Gathering Storytelling Materials: Adams encourages the use of
storytelling to make sermons more engaging and relatable. Stories can
illustrate biblical principles and make the message more memorable and
help the listener connect with the content on a personal level13.
2.5. Assuming the Proper "Preacher's Posture": Adams encourages
preachers to posture themselves as modest and dependent persons. Their
authority, he implies, lies in God's work through them, not in their own
eloquence14. It is the same posture that develops authenticity and
trustworthiness into the preacher's message.
2.6. Developing an Engaging Style: Adams highlights the importance of
developing a preaching style that captures the audience's attention and
communicates the message effectively. This involves using appropriate
language, tone, and delivery techniques to engage the listeners and convey
the message with clarity and conviction.
2.7. Opposing Abstract and Impersonal Sermons: Adams condemns
abstract and impersonal sermons, suggesting the preachers to make these
very concrete and practical for people to apply to everyday life.15 The
author feels that concrete and practical preaching motivate people more
effectively than abstract sermons.16
2.8. Promoting Devotion and Action: Effective preaching is to promote
devotion and action of the congregation-where the congregation would be
urged to take an active and zealous life out of faith.17 A clear and
compelling message has the power, Adams maintains, to stir listeners to
action in their own spiritual journey.18

3. Evaluation

In exploring the theological and homiletical principles of John R.W. Stott and Jay E. Adams,
this paper highlights the critical importance of integrating solid biblical theology with
practical homiletics. Stott’s emphasis on the foundational role of Scripture, the necessity of
exegesis and hermeneutics, and the active work of the Holy Spirit provides a comprehensive
framework for preachers. His insistence on relevance, clarity, simplicity, application,
humility, and sincerity underscores the transformative potential of preaching that faithfully
communicates God's Word.

Complementing Stott's insights, Jay E. Adams' focus on purposeful preaching underscores the
need for sermons to have a clear, actionable purpose. Adams' principles of congregational
analysis, purposeful message design, storytelling, proper preacher’s stance, engaging style,
and practical application further enhance the effectiveness of sermons. His emphasis on
avoiding abstract and impersonal messages ensures that preaching remains relevant and
impactful.

13
Ibid.
14
Ibid.
15
Ibid.
16
Jay E. Adams, How to Help People Change (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1971), 45-47.
17
Jay E. Adams, Preaching with Purpose: The Urgent Task of Homiletics (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1986),
11-12.
18
Jay E. Adams, How to Help People Change (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1971), 45-47.
Conclusion

On the whole, the methods of Stott and the reflections of Adams, give a firm foundation to
modern ministry: while it teaches preachers to preach sermons that are not only productive
of biblical soundness but also convincingly relevant and meaningful, embracing these
principles enables a preacher to inspire dedication, provide spiritual growth in the
congregation, and make his people live out their faith sincerely and passionately. The long-
lasting salience of Stott's and Adams' approaches to homiletics and preaching forms a
precious resource for addressing the challenges that modern Christian ministry faces and
the need to update and enhance the scope and relevance of sermons in our world today.

Bibliography

Adams, Jay E. How to Help People Change. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1971.

Adams, Jay E. Preaching with Purpose: The Urgent Task of Homiletics. Grand Rapids:
Zondervan, 1986.

Stott, John R.W. Basic Christianity. London: InterVarsity Fellowship, 1958.

Stott, John R.W. Between Two Worlds: The Challenge of Preaching Today. Grand Rapids:
Eerdmans, 1982.

Stott, John R.W. I Believe in Preaching. London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1982.

Stott, John R.W. The Cross of Christ. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1986.

Stott, John R.W. The Message of Romans: God’s Good News for the World. Leicester:
InterVarsity Press, 1994.

Stott, John R.W. The Message of the Sermon on the Mount. Leicester: InterVarsity Press,
1978.

Stott, John R.W. Why I Am a Christian. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2003.

Stott, John R.W. Your Mind Matters: The Place of the Mind in the Christian Life. Downers
Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1973.