When we take a biblical passage and study it in order to understand it, and then to be able to preach it, we need a variety of skills.  This post (and tomorrow’s) isn’t an attempt to exhaustively define the exegetical process, but rather a selection of elements that may prompt your self-awareness in this process – perhaps you’re weaker in one area than another, perhaps you need a reminder to include something.  Feel free to add thoughts too, this is brief and non-exhaustive!

Whole Bible Awareness – We don’t rip out the page we are studying, but read in light of the context.  We need to think consciously about how the passage fits in the progress of revelation, what the “informing theology” is that feed into the passage, as well as how the big narrative of Scripture develops after the passage.

Scholarly Awareness – We aren’t the definitive measure of truth, but do well to engage with others in informed conversation as we study a passage.  So we utilise commentaries and reference tools of various kinds, but we can’t rely on them (or just reproduce them – God has called you to preach to these people this Sunday, not FF Bruce, CH Spurgeon or John Calvin.)

Original Language Study – Whenever possible, to the extent of our ability, we should do the serious work of passage study in reference to the original language.  This doesn’t guarantee a better message.  In fact, one of the most important things about original language study is that we must know our limitations.  Sometimes there’s nothing worse for a sermon than someone with a year or two of serious study behind them, or even just a copy of Vine’s next to them at their desk, offering original language insights in a sermon.  If you are able, or if not, then utilising the skill of others, allow original language study to inform your English sermon . . . but almost never let it show when you preach.

Tomorrow I’ll add some more elements to consider, but feel free to add your thoughts below.