Sermon Tone Analysis

The Word is a Mirror

Several Examples of People Finding Themselves in the Word

David found himself facing his sin from the Word

John quoted Scriptures to frame his identity

Jesus pointed to the Scriptures to define his purpose

Paul found his purpose in the Scriptures as well

How to Use the Word as a Mirror

The purpose of a mirror is to reflect your image back to you.

I want to encourage you to use the Bible in this way, to read the Bible in such a way that you find a reflection of yourself.

And the reason, as James said, is not just to give you a picture, but to give you an opportunity to adjust your image into what is right and good, to make good decisions, and to ultimately fulfil the purpose of God in your life.

Some preliminary suggestions:

Find a good translation that you can read and understand.

Choose a suitable passage length - by any breakdown (book, chapter, verse, paragraph, header section, etc)

Read a passage multiple times.

A Suggested Method: Lectio Divina

Read (lectio)

Meditate (meditatio)

Prayer (oratio)

Contemplation (contemplatio)

Key elements

Read slowly, letting the words soak into your mind and understanding.

Ruminate.

Think carefully and prayerfully.

Consider what’s happening.

Relate.

Filter your own life over the passage, and seewhat applies to your life.

What lesson is it teaching?

Where can I use that?

What characters are in the story?

How do the events of this passage relate to the events of my own life?

Find the response pattern that applies, and see how that fits in your own life.

Apply the pattern (continue therein).

Conclusion

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