The MacArthur Masterclass

3. Analyze the Text

What is the text saying? That’s the first question every preacher must ask as he sets out to craft an expository sermon. This episode shows you what you’re looking for, and what you need to accomplish, during the first step of the sermon building process.

Application Questions for Episode 3: Analyze the Text

  1. Read 1 Peter 1:3–17.
  2. Make 20 observations of the text.
  3. Identify every verb.
  4. Identify any words or phrases used more than once.
  5. Identify any key theological ideas in this passage.
  6. Once you’ve done the above, write out a one-sentence overview of the meaning of this text.

Up Next

4. Structuring the Sermon

You may understand every detail of the text and say true and helpful things about the Christian life, but if your sermon has no structure, your audience will struggle to understand the meaning of God’s perfect Word. This episode shows you the key tenets of sermon structure.