Tag Archives: Greek

Preparing for Sermon #4

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.


Sermon Prep

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.

Grasping God’s Word: A Hands-On Approach to Reading, Interpreting, and Applying the Bible https://www.amazon.com/dp/0310492572/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_074RHWKFWHE7M9PXDS7Q

Leave me a comment if you have questions or would like more resource suggestions or if you would like more posts like this.

2 Timothy 2:7

[7] Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.