I get frustrated every time I read or hear a pastor saying that expository preaching is the only right way to preach. I was listening to a podcast a few months ago where this topic came up again. Most people think expository preaching is verse by verse going through a book of the Bible. That is typically how it is presented. However, that is not true “expository” preaching. That is more of a commentary-style exposition. First let me define what expository preaching really is. Here’s a couple of definitions that were used in the podcast
Expository preaching is the presentation of biblical truth derived from and transmitted through a historical, grammatical, Spirit-guided study of a passage in its context which the Holy Spirit applies first to the life of the preacher and then, through him, to his congregation. — Haddon Robinson
Expository preaching is the Spirit-empowered explanation and proclamation of the text of God’s Word with due regard to the historical, grammatical, contextual and doctrinal significance of the given passage with the specific objective of invoking a Christ-transforming response. — Stephen Olford
Now I agree with these definitions. It is important to look at the context and meaning of the scripture that we use while preaching. The problem is that the most famous sermon in the Bible does not fall into this category. The Sermon on the Mount is a topical sermon. A powerful one that utilizes many different texts and addresses many different problems. I like to define my style as “topical expository” I like to take topics and then use passages of the Bible to clearly communicate Biblical truth that we can apply and use in our life today. I do think that too many preachers use verses out of context to make their point. However, let’s quit criticizing different styles of preaching. As long as we remain faithful to the text, then our calling is to preach so lives can be transformed. Whether you preach topically or expository, or a combination of the two, what is most important is that you are sharing what God leads you to share. In other words, remain faithful to God and don’t let critics tell you the method to use.
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I thought I was the only one who realized their could and should be a middle in their somewhere… Thanks for your words.
AMEN! i love that "topical expository" best of both
I tend to preach and teach in a blended style also. Expository preaching can be powerful if used by one who has prepared in such a way that application of the word, and not just understanding of the word, is the desired outcome. However, most expository preachers do not prepare with that thought in mind.
I also don't find any real expository sermons in the Word of God. With my understanding that we should use the Bibile as our example of how to live, I would assume that we should also use the Bible as our guide on how to preach. I see the great sermons preached by Jesus, the apostles, and the prophets as being almost purely topical.
So, I find out what God wants me to present, the scripture that supports it (using proper exegesis) and present it as topically as possible. This promotes retention, understanding and application.
Great comments Jim. I agree completely. Thanks for joining the conversation.
There is not one expository sermon in the Bible. All of them are topical. I am not fighting expository preaching, but that kind of preaching will destroy a great church. Do not be swayed by their suave teaching. The great soul-winning churches have been pastored by topical preaching. I am not talking about evangelistic church; I mean soul-winning church! If you want a soul-winning church, you must call a pastor who preaches topical sermons. – Dr. Jack Hyles
I often feel that whenever am doing my devotion and study of the word of God, my reflection always lead to specific experiences or issues of which i thought is the working of the Holy Spirit, convicting me of my sins or teaching me certain truths about diverse issues that beset the church today. So i always thought and believed that topical bible studies, of course with proper exegesis and contextual approach, have always been the correct method of exposing the truths in our time.
Bring it on!!!
I would ALSO (and have done so numerous times) describe myself as primarily a preacher who does “Topical Expository”
I challenged a friend who has jumped on the Systematic verse by verse book by book expository teaching bandwagon that it had become ‘methodolatry’ (ie. Method Idolatry) It is sad to see what is essentially a reaction against the seeker driven movement which has contained some fairly average teaching to create a new idol of methodology.
I think you misunderstood the definition of expository preaching.
It dosn’t say anything about the style or way of presentation.
As long as you preach the correct message of the text,
it is expository preaching. so, even you just followed the
commentary style preaching without sincere study of the text
and preach what you personally intented, it should not be
called “Expository preaching” at all.
Actually there is no standard definition of ‘expository preaching’. All preaching should exegete and stand faithful to scripture however the common practice of expository preaching is largely one common standard. That is book focussed, verse by verse/Chapter by Chapter exposition.
I have no problem with someone doing so but like any methodology I do have a problem with someone turning a methodology into something sacred.
The common practice of Paul was largely a topical style which under present western academic standards would often get him a fail in both hermeneutics and homeletics.
In an ironic twist to the argument that it is about being ‘faithful to scripture’ I see actually little of such. It is largely a pragmatic shift in response examples such as Driscoll.
I am not a pastor, but as a follower of Christ have listened to many preacher/teachers over the years. The ones I am most inspired and motivated by are Alistair Begg, John Piper, and John MacArthur. I am not sure if you would call them expository, topical or “topical expository” as its been suggested. What I do know and like about these men, is that they do not allow the culture of our day to influence the truth of the gospel message. They stick to the Bible as absolute truth.
Expository preaching many times includes preaching through entire books of the Bible. An advantage of this is that the preacher is not choosing which topics he wishes to cover / not cover. He simply preaches on everything that is there. He will likely better give the whole counsel of God rather than his own pet topics.
You would think that it is true that a preacher doing verse by verse or chapter by chapter atleast would not be able to choose what he preaches one but it simply is not true.
Systematic Expository preachers regular skip over or glaze over verses or even chapters that make them feel uncomfortable theological or personally. For instance, I have heard Preachers regularly ignore or glaze over more experience directed material.
For instance I heard someone just recently glaze over material int he text in relation to dreams and visions because I know they are uncomfortable with the idea of spiritual gifts or unfortunately the supernatural having any real active participation objectively in their world.
I apologize, it was not my intention to attack. Merely to highlight that no methodology guarantees entire objectivity or the text being covered entirely. (such is not practically possible nor personally likely)
We all carry personal and cultural worldviews that influence us. To deny such or claim that any preacher only preaches ‘absolute truth’ (as claimed in a previous post) is to make that preacher equivalent to the catholic claim of papal infallibility.
I have made an attempt to highlight that these possibilities are even present in all preachers, including myself.
I agree that our presuppositions definitely influence what we preach and teach. I don’t always agree with the pastors that others have mentioned, but I have learned from them. I do think there is a difference between saying the Bible is absolute truth and claiming that our words are absolute truth. Thanks again
I loved this blog and I also feel that I am topical expositor. God bless you
Before I say anything else, I want to make clear that I love both topical and expository preaching. Yet I find as trends go and as many follow in hopes of being relevant, hip or whatever, it seems currently the trend is mostly topical.
The problem with this is that is what many are delivering; a “Topical” solution. Topical solutions do not penetrate and are not long lasting. They provide only temporary relief. (generally for itching)
Expositional or Expository preaching when done properly does not leave out or breeze past difficult verses. This is what the preacher must do! Spend the time studying and the time in prayer necessary to do it right.
“Expository” is a compound word derived from the word “Expose”, which is why many do not like it. Because it tends to expose things folks don’t want to deal with. Just put a little topical ointment on it. Just food for thought.
Blessings to you all
I don’t reply to all comments, but I felt like this was one that I must respond to. Your comments are not in a spirit of grace or of unity. You stated “Topical solutions do not penetrate and are not long lasting.” My question is what do you base this on? Scripture or your own opinion? Again, I urge you to go back to the messages that Jesus preached. Would you make that same argument with the sermon on the mount?
You make very strong statements that can definitely cause division because you look down upon other methods by making assumptions. You are assuming that topical preachers don’t cover tough topics. Again, what is your basis for that statement? I’ve found quite the opposite true. Many topical preachers cover very controversial subjects and aren’t afraid to take a stand.
I appreciate both topical and expository preachers, but I don’t appreciate those who take their own extra-Biblical preferences and try to use them to judge the motives of others.
Just food for thought.
My most humble apologies. I do not want to seem harsh. In the hopes of not being long winded I just was not clear. However, I’m not sure you deliberated thoroughly before posting your reply.
I did mention current trends. I made a comparison of what is currently popular to topical ointments. Poor analogy, maybe? I also started by saying “I love both”.
I see where I could have been misunderstood. Yet, you did not rebut my thought on what “Expository” means. Just branded my input as extra-biblical.
Btw, Jesus preached expositionally each time He told a parable and then explained it afterward. I believe Haddon Robinson and Stephen Olford would agree.
“topical expository” that sounds great!! and make sense.
I think when Jesus used a parable, He was dealing with a specific issue or ‘topic’ if I may use that term here. He certainly didn’t use an entire passage from Deut or Isaiah to deal with it.
Whether expository or textual or topical, what is needed more is the unction of the Holy Spirit and not just reliance on yet another technique. I suspect this is why so many sermons lack ‘life’ and make little impact even though they tick all the boxes.
I believe that as Christians it is important that we follow the teachings of the Bible and not the teachings of man. I feel it is easier to achieve this when a sermon is based on the Bible and uses events to ‘make it relevant’ rather than having a sermon that is based on a topic or event and uses verses from the Bible to ‘back it up’. Topical sermons may be more interesting but how much of the Bible verses used in such sermons are merely ‘proof text’? I have often found that the short verses used in a topical sermon get lost amongst the lesson the preacher is teaching.
May I ask why a ‘topical’ sermon is considered a sermon of man and an ”expository sermon’ one from God? Both are just methods. It’s true that some people uses verses to back up what they say from the wrong passage, but that is no reason to throw out the baby with the bath water. There are expository preachers that do the same, and focus on what they want to talk about from a passage. do we say its no good because of this? The bottom line is that both are just methods, and the Holy Spirit can use both.
BTW Can someone enlighten me and show which sermon of Jesus was based on the expository method?
I really like the way it is put in this post: http://www.pleaforpower.com/2011/09/3-types-of-preaching-sermons-part-1-topical-sermons/
I’m not great at explaining what I mean but I’ll try:
It’s not that ‘topical’ sermons are ‘bad’ it’s just that when you stick to a verse/passage it’s easier to follow and it is easier to identify if it is unscriptual. For an example, someone who has a sound knowledge of the bible may be able to follow a topical sermon and identify points that are unbiblical but it is very hard for a new or growing Christian to do the same. With a verse/passage/scripture based sermon it is easier for new or growing Christians to identify points that are unbiblical (and learn from the teaching of the Bible not just of man). I’m not saying topical sermons have no place, just that if ALL we are fed from day one as a Christian are topical based sermons then we will struggle to develop a sound knowledge of the Bible.
What I’m trying to say is I agree with the article in the link I posted – that topical sermons have a place and can be very powerful but they should not be used all the time as they don’t seem to get too deep into scripture and I feel that as we grow as Christians it is very important to get deep into scripture – for the most part I would like to see sermons that have a scripture base rather than a topic base.
Thanks for the link. He has put it nicely. I apologise if I have been too strong in my reaction. I do agree that there are preachers who string together verses to make whatever they want to make.
It’s just that I heard a few preachers that put down the topical method and put the expository method up like it is inspired. These same people do not expose the passage when they’re preaching but still goes on and on with what they want to say anyway. On the other hand I have also heard really good expositors like DA Carson who can bring out so much from a passage. But there are not many like him. No method can replace bad bible study.
I read the link as well, but I would disagree with his statement that topical preaching is the easiest method. The truth is that all methods, if done correctly, take time and effort. I have seen expository preachers just pick up their Bible without preparation and just talk about their understanding of the text. I have also seen topical preachers rant on and on about their opinion. But when the preacher prays, studies, listens for God’s guidance, and preaches boldly, I think God’s Word is honored, and lives are changed.
Personally, I have found topical preaching the be the hardest to do correctly. But I also see that it serves a vital purpose within the church. The Great Commission commands us to not only teach people the Bible, but to teach them how to obey the Bible. That is an important distinction that we cannot forget.
I would also disagree that expository sermons are deep and topical sermons are shallow. Arguments like that do nothing but create division and are simply not true. You can go very “deep” and leave people confused. But is our goal to create smart sinners, or to create people who are transformed by the power of the Gospel. I heard a pastor once say that you are only as deep as the last person you served. To that I say Amen!
Thanks for your comments.
Both topical and expository preaching are powerful and effective especially when the Word Of God remains central.
Paul’s charge to Timothy was, “Preach The Word…” And since we know that Jesus is the Word and the Word is Jesus (John 1); and if our priority is the great commission, the topical and expositional become inextricably intertwined.
In the end, The Word is what changes lives (God said HIS Word will not return void).