My next step as I prepare to preach a passage is to come up with an analytical (or exegetical outline). With this step we are moving closer to a preaching outline. This step takes the Greek grammatical work that we did in the last step and transitions into an English outline. This outline simply takes the text and breaks down the logic of the passage (which was determined in the previous section.
Analytical Outline
James 5:12
I. Brothers do not swear
- Above all
- by heaven
- by earth
- by any other oath
a. Let your yes be yes
b. Let your no be no
II. So that you will not be judged
This text probably is not the best to illustrate the usefulness of this step, but even from this text we can see the main points of the passage. James is clear that we are not to swear under any circumstances. He then goes on to explain that with this command he means that we are to be honest people. And finally James concludes with the reason not to swear and it is so that you will not be judged.
