02.01. Sermon Prep (Observe)

Keep on being doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves.

James 1:22 ISV OBSERVE“What do I see?”

Write all of the observations down. Ask these questions.

1.    Who is writing or speaking and to whom?

2.    What is the passage about?

3.    What are the commands?

4.    What are the promises or cause/effect relationships?

5.    What are the repeated words or ideas?

6.    What problems are the recipients facing?

7.    Where does this take place?

8.    When does this take place?

9.    Why does the speaker or author say/write what s/he does?

10.    What do I learn about God?

11.    What do I learn about Jesus?

12.    What do I learn about the Holy Spirit?

13.    What do I learn about me (or humanity)?

Write down additional observations. Include contrasts, comparisons, lists, etc.