Philip Arthur Bence PhD Thesis - Research@StAndrews:FullText

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passage. "1
One arrives at this spiritual meaning by the
following steps:
1. "Ask questions of your text . . . Why did he
[the Biblical writer] say that? What was his object and
purpose?' At this point, Lloyd-Jones recommended
use of lexicons and commentaries.
2. State the text's "main message and thrust . .
in its actual context and application."'3
3. Restate the truth of the text generally. (Check
the validity of this broad truth by locating other
Scriptural supports.)
4. Apply the general truth to contemporary
life.'" (Lloyd-Jones pointed out that these steps do
more than make up a preacher's preparation; they provide
his sermon introduction.)
Having discovered the truth of the text, the
preacher takes it to his people. Remembering the need
for personal contact between pulpit and pew, he speaks to
them in a warm and "lively," yet well-structured
manner." Throughout the sermon, he declares the
truth with authority.
What is needed in the pulpit is authority,
great authority. The pew is not in a position
to determine the message or method or dictate
to the pulpit. I would lay that down as an
absolute. The pulpit is to make its
assessment, and it is to do so with authority.
The greatest need in the Church today is to
restore this authority to the pulpit."
Though he became a preacher, Lloyd-Jones never