What Is Expository Preaching? by Jack Kettler
An Introduction:
Expository Preaching is a style of preaching that focuses on systematically explaining and expounding a specific passage or passages of Scripture. It aims to derive the meaning of the biblical text and present it in a clear organized, and relevant manner.
In addition, expository preaching seeks to adhere to the goal of the historical-grammatical-hermeneutic, which is to uncover the intended meaning of a passage as conceived by its author and as it would have been understood by its original audience.
Contrasting expository preaching with other forms of preaching involves considering various preaching styles and their approaches to presenting the message.
Expository Preaching in comparison with Topical Preaching:
1. Expository Preaching: Emphasizes the systematic exposition of a particular passage of Scripture, allowing the text to determine the sermon's content and structure.
2. Topical-Expository Preaching: Combines elements of expository and topical preaching by addressing a specific topic while still maintaining a focus on the detailed study and exposition of relevant biblical passages.
Expository Preaching in comparison with Narrative Preaching:
3. Expository Preaching: Concentrates on explaining and teaching the meaning of the biblical text, often involving historical, grammatical, and theological analysis.
4. Narrative Preaching: Focuses on presenting the biblical story or narrative, emphasizing the characters, events, and lessons within the context of a broader storyline.
Expository Preaching in comparison with Biographical Preaching:
5. Expository Preaching: Centers on explaining the meaning of a specific passage, emphasizing the truths found in the text.
6. Biographical Preaching: Highlights the life and experiences of a biblical character, drawing lessons and principles from their journey.
Expository Preaching in comparison with Topical-Expository Preaching:
7. Expository Preaching: Primarily involves the detailed explanation and exposition of a specific passage or passages of Scripture.
8. Topical-Expository Preaching: Combines elements of both expository and topical preaching by addressing a specific topic while still maintaining a focus on the detailed study and exposition of relevant biblical passages.
Expository Preaching in comparison with Redemptive-Historical Preaching:
9. Expository Preaching: Focuses on explaining the immediate meaning and application of a biblical text within its original historical and cultural context.
10. Redemptive-Historical Preaching: Emphasizes the unfolding plan of redemption throughout the entire Bible, connecting Old and New Testament passages in the context of God's overarching redemptive story.
Expository Preaching in comparison with Catechetical Preaching:
11. Expository Preaching: Expository preaching, also referred to as expositional preaching, is a style of preaching that delves into the meaning of a specific Biblical text or passage.
12. Catechetical Preaching:
Expository Preaching is characterized by a detailed exposition of specific biblical passages. It is like a journey through the Bible, where the preacher exegetes the depths of a particular passage. Expository Preaching is a powerful way to understand God's Word. It may be preferred because it helps the congregation understand the meaning of the text and how it applies to their lives.
Several passages emphasize the importance of teaching and preaching God's Word accurately and in context and provide biblical support for expository preaching.
The following passages are a few examples that expository preachers appeal to in support of this method:
1. 2 Timothy 2:15: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
2. 2 Timothy 4:2: “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”
3. Nehemiah 8:8: “So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.”
4. Acts 17:11: “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”
These passages highlight the importance of accurately teaching and preaching God's Word, providing clear explanations. Expository preaching aligns with these biblical principles by emphasizing the study, explanation, and application of Scripture in its proper context.
Here are a few insights related to expository preaching:
1. John Calvin: described preaching as the public exposition of Scripture, in which God Himself is present in both judgment and grace.
2. J.I. Packer: Authentic preaching is expository preaching, which accurately expounds and proclaims the Word of God.
3. David Helm: Expository preaching is empowered preaching that aligns the sermon's shape and emphasis with the biblical text.
4. John McArther: Expository preaching submits both the preacher and the congregation to God's authority and Christ's headship.
In conclusion:
Expository Preaching may be favored; however, other methods of preaching can be effective and important at times. Ultimately, the most important aspect of any sermon is that it is rooted in Scripture and helps the congregation grow in their faith. *
Note:
· The above article was written with the assistance from Grok and Grammarly
Mr. Kettler has previously published articles in the Chalcedon Report and Contra Mundum. He and his wife, Marea, attend the Westminster, CO, RPCNA Church. Mr. Kettler is the author of 17 books defending the Reformed Faith. Books can be ordered online at Amazon.