NGRK 505

BLOCK DIAGRAM INSTRUCTIONS

Using the guidelines in Thornhill: chs. 2, 3, and 15, construct a block diagram of your exegesis
passage. The goal of this exercise is to divide the passage into sections, identify the main
point(s), and determine how the remaining phrases relate to the main point(s). The skills gained
through this exercise will enable you to examine the structure of any biblical text for research or
teaching/preaching preparation. Use single-spacing, 1” margins, Times New Roman, 12 pt. font
to format your paper, and use the tab key to indent each supporting or subordinate thought (you
will likely have several layers of indentation). Be sure to include verse numbering on the far left
of the page, and indicate at the top of the page the chosen passage and the translation you have
used for your diagram (see below for an example). Since you are looking at grammatical
structure, you should use a formal equivalent translation such as the ASV, CEV, ESV, NASB,
NRSV, REB, or RSV.
The following passages may be used for Discussion Board Forum 1, Discussion Board Forum 2,
the Block Diagram, and the Exegetical Paper. You must choose the same passage for both the
Block Diagram and the Exegetical Paper.
 Matt. 6:5–15
 Mark 8:34–9:1
 John 15:1–11
 Rom. 3:21–26
 Rom. 8:1–8
 Phil 2:1–11
 Col. 1:13–20
 James 2:18–26
 1 John 1:5–10
 1 John 4:15–20

The Block Diagram is due by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Sunday of Module/Week 3.

The Revised Block Diagram is due by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday of Module/Week 7.

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 NGRK 505

Sample Block Diagram:

Colossians 3:12–17 (NASB)

12 So,
as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved,
put on a heart
of compassion,
kindness,
humility,
gentleness
and patience;
13 bearing with one another
and forgiving each other,
whoever has a complaint against anyone;
just as the Lord forgave you,
so also should you.
14 Beyond all these things put on love,
which is the perfect bond of unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,
to which indeed you were called in one body;
and be thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you,
with all wisdom
teaching and admonishing one another
with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
17 Whatever you do in word or deed,
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

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