Here’s the link to download the latest observation sheet in preparation for the next sermon manuscript. I use the ESV but it is by no means the only good translation. I hope this will encourage you to copy and paste your favorite translation into a word document and create your own observation sheet. I use full justify so that it spreads out the words as much as possible and I triple space between the lines. I also make the right margin larger for note taking. I prefer it to be on one sheet of paper so I do play around with the font and spacings to make it fit if possible.
Before making observations, I always translate the original text. In this case it is the Greek. This is what I create to translate the text. Give it a shot!
You can refer to last week’s blog post to see ways to make observations. I will share more ways as time allows. The textbook I used in seminary was Grasping God’s Word. I think it’s a very good resource. I have the second edition but any edition is probably useful–even a used copy.
To translate the Greek, BlueLetter Bible is a helpful online resource that is free. There are other resources available for purchase. I use Accordance Bible Software and I really like it.
I promised to post the observation sheet to work through before the manuscript dropped on Mondays. So here’s the link to download a sheet that is triple spaced and you can mark on and think through every word in this next sermon text.
Here are some things to look for: Repetition of words (For example: the verb “know” is repeated four times). Contrasts (There are several uses of the word “but” to help us see differences). Comparisons (There are some uses of “like” or “as” that indicate a comparison which show similarities). Lists (There are several lists of things that emphasize how important the issue is. If you have a list then that says something about its significance. We must figure out what that significance is). Cause and Effect (There are several of these like the one coming to the people of Thessalonica with the gospel had an effect on those who believed). Figures of Speech (There are two illustrations of a mother and a father that explain how Paul cared for those in Thessalonica). Conjunctions (These are very important to notice–and, but, for, therefore, so, so that, that, because, since–because they are the links that hold and connect sentences, paragraphs and arguments together). Verbs (The point of a passage usually revolves around the verbs–the actions being taken. Therefore, it’s important to determine what type of verb it is. What tense it is? Commands are usually more important than indicatives). Pronouns (I find it hard to determine the flow of the text if I do not know what the antecedents are because they are usually the characters of the story. And sometimes it’s really hard to decide who goes with what pronoun).
I will share more ways to make observation next time. Share the observations you find in the comments. Every word is important but do not miss the forest for the trees. The pieces of the puzzle need to be identified but the piece are meant to help us see the entire puzzle.
Beginning August 25, 2024 we will embark on a journey through the book of Ezra-Nehemiah. This week we will attempt to set the context and see an overview of the entire journey–like looking at a road map before the trip. Right now the plan is to finish before December to begin our Advent series. That means we have 14 Sundays to arrive at our destination. This will be a challenge but the book itself has several challenges too. But, this life has tons of challenges therefore, may the joy of the Lord be our strength!
I’d like to hear if you find the manuscripts beneficial. I’m not sure it’s worth my time and expense to post them. Let me know–my email is pastor@unionhillbaptistchurch.com
Here is the introduction to the next sermon from John 20:24-31.
(Jn. 20:24-21:1) 24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” 26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” 30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
There are different levels of what we might call doubt. Thomas has been given the nickname, Doubting Thomas. But he doesn’t just have doubts, he does not believe.
I have personally gone through seasons of doubt on the level of unbelief. Particularly while in seminary, the undoing of life as I knew it was very hard. I believed things based on what someone else told me (which is how things ought to work). When you don’t know what the Bible says yourself then you lean on the traditions handed to you from your church family. The problem was, some of those things did not line up with Scripture while some did. But even more important, there were a lot of things missing too.
Breaking loose from held tradition is painful. Sometimes I was angry with those who didn’t teach me all that the Bible said. At other times, I wasn’t sure I could trust the Bible or more accurately, trust God. I had trusted what others had passed on to me about God and the Bible MORE than I trusted God himself in his word.
The Lord placed some people in my life that were nothing short of merciful gifts. They prayed. They corrected. They encouraged. They stayed. They continued to point me to the Bible as the place to find the truth. And their faith in God and his word spoke volumes to me.
This text invites us in on the process this disciple went through. It was painful for Thomas, and I would imagine many would read this and never think of the hurt he went through. I, for one, am glad he went through this because I see how it ended. Mine ended the same way. That season of doubt caused me to find the source of truth and there I found Jesus. The real Jesus. The whole Jesus. The risen Jesus. My King.
The images are from my preparation for the previous sermon manuscript for John 19:16b-30. Not everything I make note of is right or makes it into the sermon. However I try to write down anything that comes to mind so that I can work through it.
I always begin by translating the text. It’s such a huge help to me. In fact, I think it makes it much easier. ALL English translations nuance words not to sound redundant but we often miss the connections the writer intends for us to make.
My hermeneutics class in seminary changed my life forever. I’ve never gotten over the simple process of observations I learned from Dr. Scott Swain.
I’m not sure if this will help anyone without explanation but there are some good resources out there. Here is the textbook we used.
The Word Is Not Imprisoned 