The Sound Doctrine Academy/Sermons
Expository Preaching
There are two words in expository preaching: one is expository and the other is preaching. Expository is the adjective and preaching is the noun. Expository preaching defines a certain kind of preaching. It is the kind of preaching that is prescribed in Scripture itself. The word ‘expository’ carries the idea of explaining the meaning of a text.
The word ‘preaching’ describes the manner with which this instruction and explanation is brought. Expository preaching is the kind of preaching that begins with a passage of Scripture and explains the authorial intent of that passage, while making application with exhortation to the life of the listener.
I believe that the Apostle Paul lays out the essentials of preaching in 1 Timothy 4:13when he writes, “Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching.” In true expository preaching, there must be the reading of the text, the teaching of the text, and the exhorting with the text.
Expository preaching informs the mind, ignites the heart, and impels the will. The supposed preaching that only instructs the mind is not a sermon, but a lecture. The supposed preaching that merely touches the heart is not a sermon, but a mere devotion. The supposed preaching that merely challenges the will is not a sermon, but a manipulation. True expository preaching must address all three aspects of the inner life of a person — mind, emotion, and will. Anything less, is not expository preaching.
