What is Expository Preaching? Why is it Important?

TL;DR

Expository preaching is the exposition or explanation of Scripture, where the sermon’s main point is derived directly from the biblical text.
It emphasizes the authority of Scripture, ensuring that the message comes from the Bible rather than the preacher’s ideas.
Expository preaching helps in the congregation’s spiritual growth by providing a deeper understanding of the Bible.
It ensures the whole counsel of God is taught, avoiding the neglect of difficult or less popular passages.
Expository preaching guards against false teaching and personal biases, maintaining the purity of the gospel message.

The Nature of Expository Preaching

Expository preaching, at its core, is the exposition or detailed explanation of Scripture. In this approach, the sermon is built directly upon the biblical text, and the main point of the sermon corresponds with the main point of the Scripture being discussed. This method involves systematic reading, explanation, and application of God’s Word. A key passage is typically taken, and the preacher expounds on its meaning, context, and relevance.

This approach to preaching differs from other methods like topical preaching, where the sermon is centered around a specific topic, and the preacher uses various Scriptures to support the theme. Expository preaching stays committed to the text of Scripture, ensuring that the entire message of the passage is faithfully communicated (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Importance of Expository Preaching

Authority of Scripture

Expository preaching reinforces the authority of Scripture in the life of the church. By making the Bible the source of the sermon’s content, it asserts that the ultimate authority comes not from the ideas or opinions of the preacher, but from God’s Word itself (2 Timothy 4:2). This approach helps the congregation recognize the Bible as the final authority for faith and practice.

Spiritual Growth and Understanding

Regular exposition of Scripture leads to a deeper understanding of the Bible for the congregation. It enables believers to grasp the meaning of Scripture in its context and apply its truths to their lives (Psalm 119:105). This kind of preaching equips the church with a more comprehensive understanding of the breadth and depth of biblical doctrine.

Teaching the Whole Counsel of God

Expository preaching ensures that the entire counsel of God is taught, including both the comfortable and challenging parts of Scripture (Acts 20:27). By working systematically through books of the Bible or larger passages, it prevents the neglect of less popular or more difficult texts, providing a balanced spiritual diet for the congregation.

Guarding Against False Teaching

By closely adhering to the text of Scripture, expository preaching guards against the dangers of false teaching and personal biases (Titus 1:9). It provides a safeguard for the church, as the focus remains on the intended meaning of Scripture, rather than the preacher’s personal agenda or contemporary trends.

Maintaining the Purity of the Gospel

Expository preaching plays a crucial role in maintaining the purity of the gospel message. By grounding the sermon in Scripture, it ensures that the gospel is presented accurately and fully (Galatians 1:6-9). This approach helps in preserving the integrity of the church’s teaching and protects the congregation from being led astray by erroneous doctrines.

Conclusion

Expository preaching is crucial for the health and growth of the church. By centering on the exposition of Scripture, it upholds the authority of God’s Word, fosters spiritual growth, ensures a balanced teaching of the whole counsel of God, guards against false teaching, and maintains the purity of the gospel message.

“Preaching and Preachers” by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones – A classic work that discusses the importance and practice of preaching, including expository preaching.
“Expository Exultation” by John Piper – This book explores the art of expository preaching and its role in the worship and mission of the church.