PREPARE

Simple steps to move from text to sermon/lesson

Pray (Psalm 119:18; James 1:5 et al)

For wisdom (James 1:5)

For illumination (Psalm 119:18)

For cleansing (Ps. 66:18)

Read (Deut. 17:1 Tim. 4:13)

Read the text multiple times

From multiple translations

Read and take notes

Examine (John 5:39)

Find the Big Idea of the Passage

Look for patterns, repetition, emphasis

Examine the Biblical Context—chronological/book/chapter/pericope

Summarize the passage in one sentence

Parse (2 Tim. 3:16)

Study the Text Word by Word

Outline the Text on the Big Idea

Develop a structure that tells the textual story or truth

Apply (Nehemiah 8:8)

Know the Human Context—know both the Bible and your culture

Illustrate appropriately from Scripture, your life, and the world around 

Draw life application from the text

Develop the Sermon/Lesson to point to the Cross

Review

Research Commentaries for difficult issues

Read Commentaries for correction and illumination

Write out the finished product (outline/manuscript/notes)

Exposition (2 Tim. 4:2)

Pray for wisdom and power

Preach the Passage/Teach the Lesson with Confidence

Bring to Conclusion and call for Decision (without application and challenge the sermon/lesson is just a history lesson)