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.