A simplified outline for the preparation of biblical sermons. Visit www.drpablojimenez.net

1. The Three Steps
A Simplified Outline for the Preparation of
Biblical Sermons
Pablo A. Jiménez
www.drpablojimenez.net

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

3. 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.”

4. Worlds of meaning
Text Interpreter

5. Fusion of horizons
Text Interpreter

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

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

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

11. Point of contact
Bible Preacher

12. Explanation
Bible Preacher

13. Interpretation
Bible
Preacher

14. 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.

15. Point of contact
First Step in the Preparation of Biblical
Sermons

16. 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.

17. 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.

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

19. Question #1
 What are the questions that this text
sparks?

20. Question # 2
 What feelings surface as you read the
text?

21. Question # 3
 What memories does the text cause you
to recall?

22. 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?

23. Question # 5
 Has your perception of the text
changed? How?

24. Question # 6
 What is this text about? List the topics
and ideas suggested by the text.

25. Explanation
Second Step in the Preparation of Biblical
Sermons

26. 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.

27. Question # 1
 What was the situation of the
community to whom the text was
written?

28. Question # 2
 Identify the form, the function and the
literary structure of the text.

29. Question # 3
 Note the key words of the text. How are
they used in this particular document?

30. Question # 4
 Have you found answers to you
questions about the text?

31. Question # 5
 What are the mayor theological claims
of the text?

32. Question # 6
 Enumerate the topics suggested by the
text.

33. Interpretation
Third Step in the Preparation of Biblical
Sermons

34. “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.

35. 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?

36. Question # 2
 Does the function of the text in its
ancient setting suggest a possible
function for our sermon in our setting?

37. Question # 3
 Does the form or the literary structure of
the text suggest a given design for the
sermon?

38. Question # 4
 Does the text suggest any guidelines for
contemporary pastoral action?

39. Question # 5
 What are the “good news” for the
congregation?
 For the Church at large?
 For the world?

40. Question # 6
 Enumerate the possible “sermons-in-a-
sentence” suggested by the text.

41. We are ready!
Pick one “sermon in a sentence’ for your
sermon. Save your exegetical notes for
future sermons on this text.