The MacArthur Masterclass

5. Gettting the Meaning Right

John MacArthur often says “the meaning of Scripture is Scripture.” In other words, God’s Word is found in a true understanding of what God’s Word means. This episode shows you how John MacArthur makes sure he understands the text’s meaning and how you can be confident you’re getting the meaning right as you prepare your sermon.

Application Questions for Episode 5: Getting the Meaning Right

  1. Again, read 1 Peter 1:3–17.
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  2. Now that you’ve analyzed this text and identified its structure, you need to figure out how to interpret it. First, you need to discover this passage’s context. To do that, answer the following questions...
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    1. Who wrote this book?
    2. When did they write it?
    3. Why did they write it?
    4. What did they want their audience to learn or takeaway from the book?
    5. Where was this book first received? How is it relevant today?
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  3. Once you’ve got the text’s context figured out, answer these questions about its interpretation...
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    1. What other passages of Scripture talk about the ideas in this passage?
    2. What theological concepts are derived from this text?
    3. What parts of this text are particularly challenging to interpret?
    4. What aspects of this text are most profound to me once I understand its true meaning?
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Lesson Plan

1. What is Expository Preaching?
2. Who Can Be an Expositor?
3. Analyze the Text
4. Structuring the Sermon
5. Gettting the Meaning Right
6. The Sermon's Intent
7. Outlining the Sermon
8. Introductions and Conclusions
9. Illustrations
10. Application

Up Next

6. The Sermon's Intent

Once you understand the text’s meaning, you next need to figure out what your sermon is about. Only then can you show your audience what the Bible’s timeless truth is and what it means for their lives.

Lesson Details