Find the Main Point - Subject and Function of the Passage
Thomas Long's Two Tools:
1) Focus statement answers "what do I want my listeners to know as a result of this passage?
2) Function statements answers "what do I want my listeners to do as a result of hearing this passage?
Most Important Hermeneutical Principle
CONTEXT
Hebrews 13:17
Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work may be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.
2 Timothy 2:15
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.