the three steps: biblical interpretation for preaching

The Three Steps

A Simplified Outline for the Preparation of Biblical Sermons

Pablo A. Jiménezwww.drpablojimenez.net

Theoretical basis

This system is informed by the hermeneutics of Hans Georg Gadamer & Paul Ricoeur, among others.

Gadamer’s contribution

The system takes from Gadamer the idea that both the interpreter and the text have “worlds of meaning.”

Interpretation occurs when those worlds interface; when there is a “fusion of horizons.”

Worlds of meaning

Fusion of horizons

Ricoeur’s contribution

The system derives its three sections from Ricoeur’s theories.

An innocent reading

Ricoeur affirmed that the act of interpretation begins with an “innocent encounter” with the text. Through such encounter, the interpreter develops a working hypothesis (or “guess”) about the meaning of the text.

Validation/Explanation

The Interpreter must validate his or her “guess” about the meaning of the text. This is done through the critical study of the text. A given interpretation of a text may be “valid” or not.

Interpretation

After validating its “guess” the interpreter must read the text again. This last reading must be an informed naïve encounter with the text, a second innocent reading of the text. Such reading transcends explanation, It implies a deeper understanding and contextualization of the text.

Summary

Based on these hermeneutic theories, we have develop the following three-step system for sermon preparation.

Point of contact

Explanation

Interpretation

Methodology

You may use the following generative questions to exegete your text. Feel free to modify this system as needed. Our aim is to offer a theoretical framework that will ultimately lead you to devise your own methodology.

Point of contact

First Step in the Preparation of Biblical Sermons

A devotional time

Begin with prayer. Ask God to make you sensible to the Word and to speak through your sermon to the congregation. Keep a devotional atmosphere throughout the exercise.

Read the text

Read the text several times. Work primarily with the translation that has become part of your own being. Compare it with other translations for the purpose of comparing and contrasting emphasis, movement, and structure. Some recommended translations are: NRSV, RSV, JB, NIV, TEV and NEB. Do not use secondary sources for this exercise.

Read it aloud

Read the text once more, aloud and with feeling. Only then, proceed to answer the following questions.

Question #1

What are the questions that this text sparks?

Question # 2

What feelings surface as you read the text?

Question # 3

What memories does the text cause you to recall?

Question # 4

Imagine that you are immersed in the world of the text:– What do you see?– What do you hear?– What do you smell?– What do you touch?– What do you taste?– How does it feel to be in that world?

Question # 5

Has your perception of the text changed? How?

Question # 6

What is this text about? List the topics and ideas suggested by the text.

Explanation

Second Step in the Preparation of Biblical Sermons

Turn to secondary sources

After a direct interaction with the text, turn to secondary sources such as commentaries, dictionaries, and other homiletic aids. Insofar as possible, identify the historical context in which the text is found. Then, proceed to answer the following questions.

Question # 1

What was the situation of the community to whom the text was written?

Question # 2

Identify the form, the function and the literary structure of the text.

Question # 3

Note the key words of the text. How are they used in this particular document?

Question # 4

Have you found answers to you questions about the text?

Question # 5

What are the mayor theological claims of the text?

Question # 6

Enumerate the topics suggested by the text.

Interpretation

Third Step in the Preparation of Biblical Sermons

“Exegete” your world

Move once again to the present, exploring the message of the text for the contemporary Church. Make the hermeneutic movement self-consciously and critically. Then, proceed to answer the following questions.

Question # 1

Establish a correlation between your social location and the social location of the text. What realities function in our world in the same way as in the world of the text?

– Identify the salvific elements. Identify the sources of conflict.

– Who is the powerful? Who are powerless?– In order to interpret the text appropriately, with

whom do we should identify with in the text?

Question # 2

Does the function of the text in its ancient setting suggest a possible function for our sermon in our setting?

Question # 3

Does the form or the literary structure of the text suggest a given design for the sermon?

Question # 4

Does the text suggest any guidelines for contemporary pastoral action?

Question # 5

What are the “good news” for the congregation?

For the Church at large? For the world?

Question # 6

Enumerate the possible “sermons-in-a-sentence” suggested by the text.

We are ready!

Pick one “sermon in a sentence’ for your sermon. Save your exegetical notes for future sermons on this text.