#162 | What to Look for in Observations

<p><em>Welcome to The On Preaching Podcast, the podcast dedicated to helping you to preach faithfully, clearly, and better. </em></p> <p>The sermon preparation is a twofold process of getting the text right and getting the truth across. </p> <p>In terms of biblical exegesis (getting the text across), I commend to you the inductive Bible study process: </p> <ul> <li>Observation: What does the text say? </li> <li>Interpretation: What does the text mean?</li> <li>Application: How does the text apply?</li> <li>Correlation: How does the text relate?</li> </ul> <p>In this episode, H.B. focuses on doing observations. The tools you need for this part of your word work are a Bible, something to take on, and the illumination of the Holy Spirit. </p> <p>What should you look for in observations? </p> <ol> <li>Key words.</li> <li>Key places. </li> <li>Key people. </li> <li>Vital statistics. </li> <li>Figurative language. </li> <li>Literary genre. </li> <li>Diagnostic questions. </li> <li>Circles of context. </li> <li>Cross-references. </li> <li>Passage structure. </li> <li>Rhetorical functions. </li> <li>What's not stated. </li> <li>Dominating theme. </li> <li>Authorial intent. </li> <li>Gospel focus. </li> <li>Practical implications. </li> <li>Sanctified brainstorming. </li> </ol> <p>For contact, information, or resources, visit hbcharlesjr.com. You can also sign up for the Cutting It Straight weekly newsletter at hbcharlesjr.com. </p> <p> </p>