Various subdivisions and dimensions of the FCF may be developed as a sermon unfolds, but the main theme should remain clear.This agenda makes sense when we remember that a text's contents are God's response to and provision for an aspect of our fallenness. The FCF sets the tone, determines the approach, and organizes the information in a sermon to reveal this divine provision and direct our response to it. Thus, the FCF is usually directly stated or strongly implied in the introductory portion of a sermon.

Determining the FCF

Proper understanding of a passage and formation of a sermon require a clear FCF If we do not determine the FCF of a text, we do not really know what the passage is about, even if we know many true facts about it.10 The FCF reveals the Spirit's own purpose for the passage, and we should not presume to preach unless we have identified his will for his Word. We must ask, What is an FCF that required the writing of this text? before we can accurately expound its meaning. This FCF will enable us to interpret the passage properly, communicate its contents, and give the congregation the Holy Spirit's own reason for listening.

The more specific the statement of the FCF early in the sermon, the more powerful and poignant the message will be. An FCF of "not being faithful to God" is not nearly as riveting as "How can I maintain my integrity when my boss has none?" A message directed to "the prayerless patterns of society" will not prick the conscience or ignite resolve nearly as effectively as a sermon on "why we struggle to pray when family stresses make prayer most necessary" Generic statements of an FCF give the preacher little guidance for the organization of the sermon and the congregation little reason for listening. Specificity tends to breed interest and power by demonstrating that Scripture speaks to the real concerns of individual lives.

Specific sins such as unforgiveness, lying, and racism are frequently the FCF of a passage, but a sin does not always have to be the FCF of a sermon. Grief, illness, longing for the Lord's return, the need to know how to share the gospel, and the desire to be a better parent are not sins, but they are needs that our fallen condition imposes and that Scripture addresses. Just as greed, rebellion, lust, irresponsibility, poor stewardship, and pride are proper subjects of a sermon, so also are the difficulties of raising godly children, determining God's will, and understanding one's gifts. An FCF need not be something for which we are guilty or culpable. It simply needs to be an aspect or problem of the human condition that requires the instruction, admonition, and/or comfort of Scripture. Thus, an FCF is always phrased in negative terms. It is something wrong (though not necessarily a moral evil) that needs correction or encouragement from Scripture.