Expository Preaching is Bible Preaching

As Bible-believing Christians, we believe that the Word of God changes people’s lives and Romans 10:17 tells us “…faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” However, not just any preaching will do. Expository preaching is a method of preaching that focuses on explaining and applying a specific passage of Scripture. It involves carefully examining the text in its context, drawing out its main ideas and doctrinal truths, and then communicating those truths to the audience in a clear, relevant, and compelling way. Here’s seven reasons why this is the optimal type of Bible preaching.

Faithfulness to the Text

Expository preaching is deeply rooted in the principle of being faithful to the text. This approach ensures that the preacher does not impose their own ideas or biases onto the scripture but instead allows the Bible to speak for itself. The Bible commands preachers to "preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine" 2 Timothy 4:2. This verse underscores the importance of sticking to the Word and not deviating from its teachings.

By adhering to the text, expository preaching helps to maintain the integrity of the message. It prevents the preacher from cherry-picking verses that fit their agenda and instead forces them to deal with the entirety of the scripture, including parts that may be challenging or uncomfortable. This faithfulness to the text is crucial in ensuring that the congregation receives a balanced and accurate understanding of God's Word.

Clarity and Understanding

Expository preaching is designed to bring clarity and understanding to the congregation. The Bible emphasizes the importance of clear communication, stating, "For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?" 1 Corinthians 14:8. This verse highlights the need for clear and precise teaching that equips believers for their spiritual journey.

Through expository preaching, the preacher systematically unpacks the scripture, explaining its context, meaning, and application. This approach helps to eliminate confusion and ensures that the congregation has a solid grasp of the biblical truths. By providing a clear and comprehensive understanding of the scripture, expository preaching empowers believers to live out their faith with confidence and conviction.

Spiritual Growth and Maturity

Expository preaching is instrumental in fostering spiritual growth and maturity within the congregation. The Bible teaches, "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby" 1 Peter 2:2. This verse underscores the importance of feeding on the Word of God for spiritual nourishment and growth.

By delving deep into the scripture and exploring its various themes and teachings, expository preaching provides believers with a rich and balanced diet of spiritual food. This approach helps to build a strong foundation of biblical knowledge, which is essential for spiritual maturity. Through expository preaching, believers are equipped to discern truth from error, make informed decisions, and live a life that honors God.

Protection from Error

Expository preaching serves as a safeguard against error and false teaching. The Bible warns, "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ" Colossians 2:8. This verse highlights the danger of being led astray by false doctrines and human traditions.

By sticking to the scripture and allowing it to interpret itself, expository preaching protects the congregation from being misled by erroneous teachings. This approach ensures that the message is grounded in the Word of God, rather than in human opinions or speculations. Through expository preaching, believers are shielded from the influence of false prophets and are instead guided by the timeless and unchanging truths of the Bible.

Authority and Power

Expository preaching is based on the conviction that the Bible is the ultimate authority in all matters of faith and practice. By preaching the Word of God, expository preachers are able to speak with authority and power, rather than relying on personal charisma or persuasive techniques. This approach also recognizes that the power of preaching lies not in the preacher themselves, but in the Word of God that they proclaim.

In Hebrews 4:12, we read that "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." This verse emphasizes the power and authority of God's Word, which is able to pierce the heart and bring about transformation in the lives of those who hear it. By preaching the Word of God, expository preachers can be confident that their messages will have a lasting impact on their congregations.

Relevance and Application

Expository preaching is not just about explaining the meaning of the text, but also about applying its teachings to everyday life. By showing how the Bible speaks to contemporary issues and concerns, expository preachers can help their congregations to see the relevance of God's Word to their own lives. This approach also encourages preachers to be sensitive to the needs and concerns of their audience, and to tailor their messages accordingly.

In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, we read that "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." This verse highlights the practical relevance of Scripture, which is able to equip believers for every good work. By applying the teachings of the Bible to everyday life, expository preachers can help their congregations to grow in their faith and to live out their Christian values in a practical way.

Accountability and Humility

Expository preaching is a humble and accountable approach to preaching, which recognizes that the preacher is not the ultimate authority, but rather a servant of the Word of God. By being faithful to Scripture and avoiding personal opinions or agendas, expository preachers can be confident that their messages are grounded in the truth of God's Word, rather than human pride or arrogance. This approach also encourages preachers to be open to correction and feedback, and to be willing to adapt their messages in response to the needs and concerns of their audience.

In 1 Corinthians 2:1-2, the Apostle Paul writes that "And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified." This verse highlights the humility and accountability of the preacher, who recognizes that their role is not to impress or entertain, but to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a clear and faithful manner. By adopting this approach, expository preachers can be confident that their messages will be a blessing to their congregations, and will bring glory to God.

Conclusion

In conclusion, expository preaching is a biblical approach to preaching that is grounded in the conviction that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. By being faithful to Scripture, emphasizing clarity and understanding, speaking with authority and power, applying the teachings of the Bible to everyday life, and adopting a humble and accountable approach, expository preachers can be confident that their messages will be a blessing to their congregations and will bring glory to God.

As the church seeks to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a world that is increasingly hostile to biblical truth, the importance of expository preaching cannot be overstated. By returning to the Scriptures and allowing them to shape our preaching, we can be confident that our messages will be guided by the Spirit of God and will have a lasting impact on the lives of those who hear them. As the Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:21, "For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe." May we be faithful to this calling, and may our preaching be a means of salvation to all who hear.