Definition of sermon

The word "sermon" has its roots in ancient Greece and Rome. In Latin, the term "sermonem" referred to a conversation or discourse, often on a spiritual or moral topic. During the Middle Ages, this Latin term was adapted into Old French as "sermon," and eventually into Middle English as "sermon." In the early Christian Church, a sermon was primarily a spoken teaching or exposition of scripture, often given by a bishop or clergy member. The word "sermon" became closely associated with Christian worship and homiletics, or the art of preaching. Today, a sermon is typically a formal speech delivered by a cleric or religious leader, conveying spiritual guidance, moral instruction, or relevant teachings from scripture.