Reading the passage several times is not all that is required to discover the full meaning. The exegete (the person digging to pull out the meaning) must examine its details: the structure, the vocabulary, and the grammar. Here is where some knowledge of the original language is needed. This is where having the correct tools come into play.

Lexicons: Using a lexicon not only gives you the definition of a word, but also its root meanings, identification of some grammatical forms, a list of passages where the word occurs, classification of its uses in its various contexts, and some illustrations that help give color to the word.

Concordances: While lexicons, like dictionaries, define words, sometimes it is actually essential  to study a word in the passage where it was spoken or written. To determine the meaning of the words through usage, a concordance is essential.

Grammars: We must understand that meaning does not come from words alone. Words must be understood in phrases, clauses, sentences, and paragraphs. A study of syntax examines how words combine to render meaning, and grammar assist in determining meaning.

Bible Dictionaries: You can find answers to many questions about background and biography, as well as specific subjects, with the use of a Bible dictionary and encyclopedia. Sometimes you can discover how the words meaning has changed over the time.

Commentaries: Every teacher needs a teacher and a commentary can greatly assist in your learning. They provide information about the meaning of words, backgrounds of passages, and the argument of a writer.

How, What, Why, When, Where and Who

Apply these six discovery words to your proposed subject to make it more exact.

Here is an example:

"⁵If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. ⁶But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. ⁷For let not the man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; ⁸he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways."

At quick glance might lead you to say that WISDOM is the subject.  While it is the major element, it is much too broad. Here is how you use the 6 discovery words above to find the true subject or to narrow your subject..

According to the passage, "HOW is wisdom obtained?"

It says, "let him ask of God." A more precise subject then might be, "How to obtain wisdom."

"WHY doesn't he currently have wisdom?"

The passage implies that he lacks "faith, with no doubting" and "he is double-minded."

Why are you preaching this sermon?

No matter how brilliant or biblical a sermon is, without definite purpose it is not worth preaching. Imagine asking the New York Knicks, "Why do you play basketball?" If their answer is to have a good time, then no one should be surprised if they don't win games. The aim of the Knicks must be to win games.

• The purpose is what you expect to happen to those who hear your sermon.

• The purpose defines what your idea should accomplish

• The purpose is discovered by asking, "Why did the author write this? What effect did he expect it to have on his readers?"

God caused each biblical writer to jot down what was revealed to him for a purpose.

• Paul's purpose for writing to Timothy is very clear, "so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth" (1 Tim. 3:15, NKJV).

• Jude said that he "found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3, NKJV).

Your purpose statement should be clear and concise. Not only should it describe your destination (what you want the hearers to know and come to believe) and the route you will follow to get there, but it should let them know if they have obtained or arrived.

• At the end of my sermon each member should understand what it means to be justified by faith and the steps that are involved as taught in the Bible.

• At the end of my sermon each mother and father should know what it means to be a godly parent as defined by Scripture.

• At the end of my sermon each member should not only know their spiritual gifts, but be able to list all of the gifts according to God's Word.

• At the end of my sermon each member should understand God's immutable law, be convicted that it must be kept and be willing to tell one person about it.

5 - Outline

Will be posted Wednesday 6-18-2014

7 - The Introduction

Will be posted Wednesday 6-18-2014

8 - Preaching It!

Will be posted Wednesday 6-18-2014

Definitions:

Expository preaching: The communication of a biblical concept, derived from and transmitted through a historical, grammatical, literary study of a passage in its context, with the Holy Spirit first applies to the personality and experience of the preacher, then through him to his hearers.

Exegesis: To draw out the meaning of a passage by studying the background, the author, the historical and cultural setting, the original audience and the context in which the passage was used.

Homiletical idea: