1. Identify the Big Idea: Because (what is true), this is what-to-do.
   1. Parrot words
   2. Divine comments (in narratives, often follow's the character's 'aha' moment; becomes the 'what-is-true' of the Big Idea
   3. Plain statement--clearly announcing the 'what-to-do' from the passage
2. Identify the FCF
   1. Finite
   2. Fallen
   3. Faltering
   4. Fragile
3. Decide: Inductive or Deductive
   1. INDUCTIVE
      1. Consider an inductive approach, esp. if preaching a narrative
         1. (i.e.,leaving the big idea for the end of the sermon)
      2. The Big Idea needs a Big Question (which the Big Idea will answer)
      3. Go scene by scene, using headlines
         1. Use transitions between scenes to cross examine the Headlines
         2. Tell the story of each scene
            1. Highlight key word/phrases
            2. Help us walk in their shoes
            3. Connect to our stories
            4. Highlight surprises (what startles)
            5. Use 'Imagine...maybe...I don't know, but one thing I do know)
   2. DEDUCTIVE
      1. Begin with Big Idea
      2. Interrogate the Big Idea (who, what, where, when, why, how)
      3. Recognize differences between us and Bible characters, but analogize similarities
      4. Organize the main points and subpoints
4. Apply, seeking 'near application' (taking the intention of the text into contemporary situations)
   1. Intention of the text (i.e., the Big Idea)
   2. Human condition of the text
   3. Human situation of the text
   4. Divine provision of the text
   5. Like conditions, situations, provisions
   6. Responding to the intention of the text in our world