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The Keyword methods of sermon outlining can be used with those sermons traditionally called expository, as well as with those called textual. It can also be used with so-called topical preaching with some modification.

Of all the homiletical methods presented in this handbook, the Keyword method will prove to be the most useful once it is mastered. When the preaching text is a minimum of a paragraph and deals with something other than a parable, miracle, or figure of speech, this method will be usable most of the time.

To determine whether the Keyword method is the correct method to use with a, given text, the preacher should carefully study the mechanical layout of the passage. Are there two or more parallel ideas in the text that relate in the same way to the same theme? If so, the text can probably be developed sermonically using the Keyword Method. If not, another homiletical method will be necessary. 

The parallel ideas in a text are possible main points when the Keyword method is being used. A given paragraph (or more) of text may well have several sets of parallel ideas. On one level there may be two or three independent clauses; on a second level, there may be two or three dependent clauses related to one independent clause. There may even be a series of prepositional phrases, each related to the same clause. The preacher will need to choose which set of parallel ideas he wishes to use as the basis of his main points. Usually, the main points will be based on the independent clauses of one or more paragraphs. The remaining subordinate clauses or phrases can then be used for subpoints. This method of arriving at the main ideas of a sermon is the distinguishing feature of the Keyword approach.

The Keyword method, as presented here, is made up of 12 steps. These steps are structured to ensure that the finished sermon will be unified in its theme, clear in its purpose, followable in its argument, scriptural in its authority, and applicable in its thrust. These steps should ordinarily be followed in the order presented, although in the final analysis chronology is not as important as the logical flow of the finished sermon.

These steps presuppose that the following preparation, discussed in chapter 3, has been carefully completed. Ordinarily, a minimum of one-third of the total sermon preparation time needs to be given to this “prehomiletical” effort: (1) the selection of a suitable text, (2) contextual study, and (3) textual study.

Step 1: Isolate the Subject
This step will usually be done during the textual study mentioned above. The subject of the passage should become the subject of the sermon. The only exception to this is if two subjects are discussed in the same text one being set in contrast or comparison to the other. (Romans 6:23 would be such a text.) When this is the case, one subject should be chosen as the sermon subject. Another alternative is to determine the larger subject of which these two lesser topics are a part. The subject, as stated here, should be very broad. As such, it will usually be stated as one word. 

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