What Is Expository Preaching?

Expository preaching is a powerful and effective approach to communicating the Word of God to a congregation.

It involves a systematic and in-depth exploration of a specific passage or section of Scripture, with the aim of uncovering its original meaning and context.

By exploring the nuances of the text, expository preaching helps to bring the biblical message to life, making it relevant and applicable to the modern audience.

This approach to preaching is highly valued for its faithfulness to the Scriptures and its ability to provide a deeper understanding of the Bible’s teachings.

In this article, we will explore the definition, characteristics, benefits, and preparation of expository preaching, shedding light on its importance in the church.

Definition of Expository Preaching

Expository preaching is a method of preaching that focuses on explaining and applying a specific passage or section of Scripture in a systematic and comprehensive manner.

Unlike topical preaching, which centers on a particular theme or subject, expository preaching delves into the details of the biblical text, seeking to uncover its original meaning and context.

The preacher works through the passage verse by verse, highlighting keywords, phrases, and concepts and explaining their significance within the broader context of the Bible.

The goal of expository preaching is to faithfully communicate the message of the text, helping the congregation to understand its teachings and apply them to their lives.

This approach to preaching is highly valued for its depth of biblical insight and its ability to bring the Scriptures to life in a way that is relevant and meaningful to the modern audience.

Characteristics of Expository Preaching

Expository preaching is distinguished by several key characteristics that set it apart from other preaching styles.

Systematic Approach: Expository preaching involves a systematic exploration of a specific passage or section of Scripture. The preacher works through the text verse by verse, providing a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of its content.

Focus on Original Meaning: One of the hallmarks of expository preaching is its emphasis on uncovering the original meaning and context of the text.

The preacher seeks to understand the passage as it would have been understood by its original audience, taking into account the historical, cultural, and linguistic context in which it was written.

Application to Contemporary Life: Expository preaching does not stop at explaining the text; it also seeks to apply its teachings to the lives of the congregation.

The preacher draws out the practical implications of the passage, helping the audience to see how its message is relevant to their own lives.

Depth of Biblical Teaching: Expository preaching is known for its depth of biblical teaching. By exploring the details of the text, the preacher is able to provide a rich and nuanced understanding of the Scriptures, helping the congregation to grow in their knowledge and appreciation of the Bible.

Faithfulness to the Scriptures: Expository preaching is highly valued for its faithfulness to the Scriptures. The preacher seeks to communicate the message of the text as accurately and faithfully as possible, avoiding the temptation to impose their own ideas or interpretations onto the passage.

These characteristics make expository preaching a powerful and effective approach to communicating the Word of God, helping the congregation to deepen their understanding of the Bible and apply its teachings to their lives.

Benefits of Expository Preaching

Expository preaching offers several benefits to both the preacher and the congregation, making it a valuable approach to communicating the Word of God.

Deepens Understanding of Scripture: By systematically working through a passage verse by verse, expository preaching provides a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the text.

This helps the congregation to deepen their understanding of the Scriptures and gain a richer appreciation of the Bible’s teachings.

Encourages Faithfulness to the Text: Expository preaching emphasizes the importance of faithfully communicating the message of the text. This encourages the preacher to stay true to the Scriptures and avoid the temptation to impose their own ideas or interpretations onto the passage.

Makes the Bible Relevant: Expository preaching seeks to apply the teachings of the passage to the lives of the congregation. This helps to make the Bible relevant and meaningful to the modern audience, showing them how its message can be applied to their own lives.

Promotes Spiritual Growth: By providing a deep and nuanced understanding of the Scriptures, expository preaching helps the congregation to grow in their knowledge and appreciation of the Bible.

This promotes spiritual growth and encourages the audience to deepen their relationship with God.

Provides a Balanced Diet of Scripture: Expository preaching often involves working through a book of the Bible in a systematic manner. This provides the congregation with a balanced diet of Scripture, ensuring that they are exposed to a wide range of biblical teachings and themes.

Encourages Diligent Study: Expository preaching requires the preacher to study the text carefully and thoroughly. This encourages a diligent and disciplined approach to the study of the Scriptures, helping the preacher to grow in their knowledge and understanding of the Bible.

These benefits make expository preaching a valuable and effective approach to communicating the Word of God, helping both the preacher and the congregation to deepen their understanding of the Scriptures and grow in their relationship with God.

How to Prepare an Expository Sermon

Preparing an expository sermon involves careful study and analysis of the chosen biblical passage, as well as thoughtful application of its message to the lives of the congregation.

Here are some key steps to consider when preparing an expository sermon:

Choose a Passage: Select a specific passage of Scripture that you want to preach on. This could be a single verse, a paragraph, or even an entire chapter. Make sure the passage is appropriate for the needs and context of your congregation.

Pray for Guidance: Before you begin your study, pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and wisdom as you seek to understand and communicate the message of the passage.

Study the Passage: Read the passage multiple times, paying attention to the context, literary structure, and key themes. Use various translations and consult commentaries, lexicons, and other resources to gain a deeper understanding of the text.

Identify the Main Idea: Determine the central message or theme of the passage. What is the author trying to communicate? What is the main point of the passage?

Exegete the Passage: Analyze the passage in detail, considering the historical and cultural context, the original audience, the language and grammar, and the literary genre.

Seek to understand the passage as the original audience would have understood it.

Apply the Passage: Consider how the message of the passage applies to the lives of your congregation. What are the practical implications of the passage? How does it challenge or encourage your congregation?

Organize Your Sermon: Outline your sermon, organizing your points in a logical and coherent manner. Make sure your sermon flows naturally and is easy to follow.

Illustrate Your Points: Use illustrations, anecdotes, or examples to help your congregation understand and connect with the message of the passage.

Prepare Your Conclusion: Sum up the main points of your sermon and provide a clear and compelling application for your congregation.

Pray for Your Sermon: Pray for the effectiveness of your sermon, asking God to use it to speak to the hearts of your congregation and bring about transformation in their lives.

Remember, the goal of expository preaching is to faithfully communicate the message of the passage and apply it to the lives of your congregation.

Take the time to study the passage carefully, seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and prepare a sermon that is both faithful to the text and relevant to your congregation.

Conclusion

Expository preaching is a powerful and effective method of communicating the truths of Scripture to a congregation.

By carefully studying and analyzing a specific passage of the Bible, preachers can uncover the central message of the text and apply it to the lives of their listeners.

This approach to preaching not only helps congregations gain a deeper understanding of the Bible, but it also encourages them to live out their faith in practical ways.