Even though this blog post is addressed to people writing a sermon, the principles stated can be used by anyone who wants to study the Bible.
As a child I enjoyed exploring the outdoors. I remember several times walking up the side of a mountain passing through bushes, stepping over fallen logs, and hearing various sounds.
I was taking in everything that was around me through my senses. The paths I walked had unique smells, sounds, and sights that were only available when I was in the woods.
The journey exploring the woods is similar to when I explore the Bible. The experience is life changing because there are unique principles that are only available when I read the Bible.
The question that has plagued my mind is, “how do I study the Bible in a way to learn those principles?”
It seems to be regardless of the intention of studying the Bible, sermon preparation, personal growth, or small group, the method used is very similar.
As a speaker you will present the Bible in a way that will affect the entire person of your hearer. The presentation of truth should stir your audience physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
In order to provide the Exploration experience, you need to have a flow to your sermon that creates that journey.
There are four parts to my finished sermon: Introduction, Exploration, Application, and Invitation, we are on the second part.
If you haven’t read the first part, Introduction, please read that post first.
Let’s begin to explore the Bible.
What Is The Bible?
The Exploration of the Bible begins with answering the question, what is the Bible?
The Bible has become the world’s most fascinating book. It is the best-selling book of all time.
It is translated into numerous languages. It has been the foundation of faith for centuries of believers. The Bible is the Word of God that makes clear the way of salvation.
It tells us how the world began, how it will end, and how to live now.
Just like the path provided a way to travel through the woods, the Bible provides a path to travel through life.
As we begin our study of the Bible there are 3 beliefs that guide our Exploration:
- The Bible is God’s Word
- The Bible is Knowable
- The Bible is Applicable
The Exploration of the Bible begins with asking questions.
The Exploration Questions Of The Bible.
Questions have become a crucial part of learning. Without asking and answering questions, information can’t be given and knowledge can’t be gained.
There are some questions you can ask to help gain a deeper understanding of the verses you are reading.
- What is the text saying? As much as you can gain understanding of the author’s intention. Read the verses in light of the author’s time and culture. Some ideas are easily understood in today’s culture, but others seem to go against today’s culture.
- Why did the text say that? As much as you can gain understanding of the author’s presentation of truth. The Bible doesn’t contradict itself so the truth presented is true for all people, in all times, and in all places.
- How do I do what the text is saying? As much as you can gain understanding of the author’s application. As truth is being presented usually there are hints to applying that truth.
These questions are not exhaustive but a launch pad into exploring the Bible. By asking what, why, and how you begin going down the path to understanding truth.
As a presenter of God’s Word revealing truth in the Exploration part of the sermon is crucial for Application.
This will be a good place to spotlight my next blog on the Application part, the call to action created in the Exploration should be laid out in practical steps in the Application.
Ok, we know what the Bible is and the questions to answer to gain the author’s mindset, how do we write an Exploration?
How Do I Write An Exploration?
The Exploration should be 10-15 minutes in length. Long enough to explain the context of the verse(s) but short enough to avoid giving too many details.
The process of Exploration will be influenced by your audience, your scripture, your setting, and your topic. Here is a simple way to explain your verse(s):
- Transition From Introduction. Let your audience know that the tension created in Introduction can be found in the Bible. We can find some good ideas of how to worship in the Bible.
- Present Background. Give the back story of the people, places, or happenings of the verse(s). Chapter 11 of Romans highlights God’s ownership of the universe. This is especially helpful if you are referencing a verse(s) in the middle of a long passage or long story.
- Read The Verse(s). Romans 12:1-2. It is still a good practice to have a physical Bible in your hands, even if the verse(s) are on the screen.
- Explain The Verse(s). This is a good place to expand on your answers to the 3 Exploration questions mentioned above.
- Illustrate The Truth. In college I went on a mission trip to South America. Show an example of how the truth in the verses is/was seen in someone’s life. This can be a personal story, newspaper article, social media post, or another person’s story.
- Transition To Application. This is how true worship looks in our daily lives. Give some practical steps to live out the truth found in the verse(s).
Writing an Exploration can be difficult at times, but there are some things you can do to make that process easier.
What Are Good Practices For Writing An Exploration?
There are some things we can do to make sure our exploring of the Bible is beneficial.
- Read the Bible every day.
- Pray for understanding.
- Listen to other preachers.
- Record and listen to yourself.
- Invite feedback from trusted friends.
- Stay within the context of the verse(s).
- Read books, articles, blogs, and commentaries.
Conclusion
The importance of an Exploration that reveals the truth of the Bible and challenges your audience is essential to life transformation.
When we truly understand that the eternal Word of God has truth that is knowable and applicable to our daily lives, we will begin to share what the Bible says, why the Bible says it, and how we can do what the Bible says.
The ability of unwrapping the truth of God in practical action steps will take time. It will be difficult at first. But your ability to reveal God’s eternal truth will become easier as you research.
So, begin researching today for your sermon tomorrow.
YouTube video link – https://youtu.be/kXgcZhvlzbs
