4. The Homiletical Process

1. Choose a text that comprises a single unit of thought (pericope).

2. Discover the exegetical outline.

• Take into account the natural division markers (but, therefore, and, etc.)
• Mark out the natural divisions (each section should not have many divisions—probably not more than three)
• Give each division an exegetical heading that summarizes and interprets the division from the viewpoint of the original audience.

3. Discover the exegetical proposition from the viewpoint of the original audience.

• Subject: What is the passage talking about?
• Compliment: What does it say about what it is talking about?

Theological Process:

1. Using your exegetical outline, discover the theological outline.

Ask the questions:

1. “What does this mean for all people?”

2. “What does this say about God?”

3. “What does this say about man?”

2. Using your exegetical proposition, discover the theological proposition.

• Subject: What is the passage talking about?
• Compliment: What does it say about what it is talking about?

Homiletical Process:

1. From your theological outline, discover the homiletical outline.

2. From the theological proposition, discover the homiletical proposition.

Example: Matt. 18:20

Homiletical Proposition (Big Idea):

PRINCIPLES IN BIBLICAL TEACHING SIGN-UP SHEET

Next week: Prepare a 3min (AND WE MEAN 3 MINUTES) introduction to your passage. Remember, you must find the “Big Idea” of the passage in order to introduce it correctly. However you introduce it (personal illustration, general illustration, revelation of a problem, etc.), it must accomplish two things: 1) does it point to the “Big Idea” of the lesson/sermon? and 2) does it create an “itch” to where people want to hear it?

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Michael Patton is the director and teacher of The Theology Program (TTP). He holds a Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary and an ordination from Stonebriar Community Church. TTP Instructors are Michael Patton, Th.M. and Rhome Dyck, Th.M. The Theology Program is copyrighted and published by Reclaim. More