However, there are times I wonder if I focus too much on the illustration issue. That is, if I have done proper exegesis and have some good application for the listener, I still feel the need to illustrate (I know this is from my training). So I spend time thinking and thinking about how to illustrate a particular text instead of thinking about that particular text.

While I understand it is quite mechanical, my sermons are usually made of three parts for every “point” I may have: Explanation (Exegesis), Illustration, Application. This works well for me as I can better remember my sermon when I am standing in the pulpit and my mind works better this way. I know there may be those in the audience who are not linear thinkers but I communicate best in this mode. Otherwise, I am unorganized and unclear.

I am not sure if any of this makes sense to anyone else but I am glad the topic has been broached. Thanks for bringing it up.