Persuasive Preaching

A Biblical and Practical Guide to the Effective Use of Persuasion

R. Larry Overstreet

Persuasive Preaching: A Biblical and Practical Guide to the Effective Use of Persuasion

© 2014 by R. Larry Overstreet

Lexham Press, 1313 Commercial St., Bellingham, WA 98225

LexhamPress.com

First edition by Weaver Book Company.

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Scripture quotations marked ESV are from the Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Scripture quotations marked REB are from the Revised English Bible, copyright 1989 by Oxford University Press. Used by permission.

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Print ISBN 9781683592181

Digital ISBN 9781683592198

Copyedited by Kevin Dodge

To Lori, Lois and Reg

God gave Linda and me children who are a joy to our hearts, and a blessing to our lives. Each was persuaded by God’s Spirit, through His Word and human instrumentality, to trust Christ as Savior, and each continues to live for His glory.

CONTENTS IN BRIEF

Forewords by Michael Duduit and Warren W. Wiersbe

Acknowledgments

Prologue

Part 1 Issues Facing Persuasive Preaching

1 Identifying Persuasion

2 Problems Facing Persuasive Preaching

Part 2 Biblical Support for Persuasion

3 The Challenge to Persuasive Preaching

4 Persuasion Words in Paul’s Epistles

5 A Pauline Theology of Preaching

6 Paul’s Proclamation Exhortations

7 Biblical Persuasion Principles

Part 3 Structuring Persuasive Messages

8 Structuring Persuasive Messages: Motivated Sequence

9 Structuring Persuasive Messages: Problem-Solution

10 Structuring Persuasive Messages: Cause-Effect

11 Structuring Persuasive Messages: Refutation

Part 4 Pertinent Applications in Persuasive Preaching

12 Persuasion Versus Manipulation

13 The Holy Spirit in Preaching

14 The Invitation

Epilogue

Appendix A πείθω in Greek Literature

Appendix B πειθός = πιθανός in Greek Literature

Appendix C πειθώ in Greek Literature

Appendix D Tables of New Testament Uses of πείθω Word Group

Appendix ...