An expository sermon is a type of preaching that aims to explain and interpret a specific passage of Scripture, helping the congregation to understand its meaning and application in their daily lives. This method of sermon delivery often involves a detailed examination of the text, providing insight into the cultural and historical context, as well as the original intent of the author. By systematically unpacking the verses, the preacher seeks to elucidate theological concepts and draw practical implications, making the Word of God accessible and relevant. This approach not only enriches the listener’s knowledge of the Bible but also encourages a deeper faith as individuals reflect on how the teachings can impact their personal circumstances and spiritual growth. Furthermore, expository sermons often emphasize the importance of Scripture as the foundation of Christian belief, reminding the audience of its transformative power in guiding moral and ethical decisions.
1. Choose the Passage (Textual Unit)
Goal: Select a passage that contains a complete thought or natural section of the text, ensuring that it provides a thorough exploration of the subject matter at hand. This means identifying a segment that not only conveys a clear message but also allows for elaboration on key points, examples, or implications, thereby enriching the context and providing the reader with greater insight into the topic being discussed. By doing so, one can enhance the reader’s understanding and appreciation of the material, making the selection relevant and impactful, while still maintaining coherence and clarity throughout the passage.
- It could be a paragraph elaborating on a specific topic, a narrative scene that paints vivid imagery, a parable imparting moral lessons, or a few connected verses that create a flowing rhythm and capture emotions deeply.
- Avoid stopping mid-thought or using isolated verses without their context, as this can lead to confusion for the reader and detract from the overall message being conveyed.
Tips:
- If preaching through a book, follow the flow of the text diligently while ensuring that you stay true to the book’s key themes and messages.
- Use headings in your Bible or original language paragraph divisions for guidance, as they provide essential context and structure, helping readers to navigate the text more effectively and understand the key themes presented throughout the passages.
Example:
Daniel 6:1–10 is a strong unit—it shows Daniel’s life and the conspiracy against him.
2. Pray and Read Carefully
Before interpreting or planning, spend time:
- Praying for insight, humility, and the Spirit’s leading.
- Reading the passage multiple times in different translations (ESV, NIV, NASB, etc.) to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the text, while comparing the nuances and interpretations across each version.
- Mark key words, repeated ideas, or questions that arise during the reading process, as they can help to deepen understanding and clarify thoughts.
Why this matters:
God’s Word is spiritually discerned (1 Cor. 2:14). This profound truth highlights the necessity of a deep, attentive engagement with scripture, allowing the Holy Spirit to illuminate the text for us. Expository preaching depends on listening before speaking, as it requires a preacher to carefully study the scripture and consider the context, meaning, and application of the passage. By engaging with the Word in a prayerful manner, preachers are better equipped to convey its message effectively to their congregation, ensuring that they communicate not only information but also transformation.
3. Study the Passage Deeply (Exegesis)
This is the heart of expository preparation, where careful analysis, comprehensive research, and structured planning converge to create a solid foundation for effective communication. By delving into the intricacies of the subject matter, we lay the groundwork for clarity and insight, allowing our audience to engage deeply with the information presented.
Ask these key questions:
a. Observation: What does the text say?
- Who? Who is involved in the situation? What? What is the subject or topic being discussed? When? When did this take place or when will it happen? Where? Where is the location relevant to this context? Why? Why is this important or relevant? How? How does this affect the situation or what process is involved?
- What’s happening in the context before and after in relation to the main event or subject at hand?
b. Interpretation: What does it mean?
Use tools like:
- A study Bible
- A Bible dictionary
- Greek/Hebrew word studies (e.g., look up “integrity,” “faithful,” “spirit”)
- Commentary (read after you’ve done your own work)
c. Theological and Christ-Centered Insight
- What does this text show about God’s character, particularly in terms of His attributes, nature, and the way He interacts with humanity?
- How does it connect to the gospel or point to Christ in ways that reveal His teachings, fulfill prophetic insights, or illustrate His divine nature through specific stories or parables?
Example from Daniel 6:
- Daniel is faithful in prayer—pointing to a life that fears God, not men, emphasizing the importance of consistent communication with the Creator and reflecting a deep-seated trust in divine guidance over human approval.
- The unjust decree reminds us of Jesus’ unjust trial, highlighting the profound injustices faced and the moral dilemmas that arise in such situations, ultimately encouraging reflection on the broader implications of these events.
- Daniel’s rescue foreshadows resurrection hope, illustrating the idea that through adversity and challenges, there lies a promise of renewal and rebirth in the face of despair.
4. Find the Big Idea (Central Truth)
Definition: The big idea is the one main truth the author intended to communicate to the original audience, encapsulating the core message that serves as the foundation of the text. This central concept is often interwoven throughout the narrative, guiding the reader’s understanding and engagement with the material. By distilling complex themes and arguments into this singular idea, authors provide clarity and focus, allowing the audience to grasp the essence of their work effectively. Recognizing the big idea is crucial for readers, as it helps them connect with the author’s purpose and enhances their overall interpretation of the text.
Ask:
- What’s the main point of this passage that the author is trying to convey, and how does it contribute to the overall message or theme?
- If I had to summarize this in one sentence, what would it be, considering all the important points and key details that need to be included?
Example: “A life of integrity and consistent devotion to God will stand out—even when under pressure.”
This idea guides the entire sermon, serving as the foundational principle that shapes every aspect of the message. Every point and application should support it, ensuring that the audience can clearly see how each element connects back to this core theme. This creates a cohesive and impactful delivery, where listeners can engage with the material on a deeper level, allowing them to reflect and apply the teachings in their everyday lives. By weaving this central idea throughout the sermon, we foster a greater understanding and resonance within the hearts and minds of those who hear it.
5. Develop an Outline (Structure)
Break the passage into sections that naturally flow with the text. Each section becomes a main sermon point, and all should be connected to the big idea.
Tips:
- Keep it simple (2–5 points max).
- Each point should be:
- Rooted in a verse or section of a larger narrative that provides context and depth to the overall meaning, enriching the reader’s experience and understanding through careful textual reference and exploration of themes.
- Clearly worded, conveying the intended message with precision and clarity, ensuring that the reader can easily understand the information presented.
- Preachable.
Example Outline from Daniel 6:1–10:
- Daniel’s Excellence Made Him Stand Out (vv. 1–3)
- Daniel’s Integrity Made Him a Target (vv. 4–5)
- Daniel’s Faithfulness Could Not Be Silenced (vv. 6–10)
Each point includes:
- Explanation (What does it say?)
- Illustration (Story or analogy)
- Application (What does it mean for us?)
6. Apply the Text to Life (Application)
This is essential. Expository preaching is not just teaching—it’s preaching to the heart, calling for response. It serves as a bridge between the ancient text and contemporary life, inviting listeners to engage deeply with the Scriptures. This type of preaching not only provides clarity and understanding of the biblical message but also challenges individuals to reflect on their personal journey of faith. By carefully unpacking the Word of God, the preacher fosters an environment where transformation can occur, urging the congregation to move beyond mere knowledge to a heartfelt response that impacts their daily lives. It’s about igniting passion and commitment, leading to changed hearts and renewed spirits among the audience, ultimately drawing them closer to God.
Ask:
- What does this passage say to:
- The believer?
- The seeker?
- The struggling Christian?
- What does it call us to believe, repent of, or do?
Example from Daniel:
- Are you faithful when no one is watching?
- How do you respond when pressured to compromise your convictions?
- Are you consistent in prayer like Daniel?
Use real-life examples to illustrate how abstract concepts can be applied in everyday situations. Questions not only engage the audience but also encourage critical thinking, prompting individuals to reflect on their own experiences and beliefs. By presenting challenges that relate directly to these truths, we create an avenue for practical application, motivating action and change. This approach fosters a deeper understanding and connection, empowering individuals to take meaningful steps towards improvement in their personal and professional lives. Each example or challenge serves as a bridge that aligns theory with practical realities, making the journey towards action both relevant and impactful.
7. Craft Your Introduction and Conclusion
INTRODUCTION: In an exposition sermon, the introduction serves as a critical opening that captivates the audience’s attention and sets the tone for the message; it typically includes a hook, which may be a personal story, a thought-provoking question, or a relevant quote, followed by an overview of the main themes and objectives of the sermon, establishing context for the biblical text that will be explored.
- Grab attention by using a compelling story, thought-provoking question, or relatable situation to draw in your audience and pique their interest.
- Introduce the passage in a detailed manner, encompassing the main ideas and themes, while also providing context to ensure the reader has a clear understanding of the material being presented.
- Preview the big idea clearly and concisely, ensuring it captures the essence of the overall concept.
Example: “What do you do when your faith is tested in your workplace, your school, or your home? Daniel gives us a powerful example…”
A CONCLUSION in an exposition sermon serves as the final segment that synthesizes the key points discussed throughout the message, allowing the congregation to reflect on the core themes and apply the biblical truths to their lives. It often includes a call to action, encourages personal reflection, and reinforces the main message while providing a sense of closure to the sermon.
- Summarize your points thoroughly, ensuring that each key argument is clearly articulated and provides a comprehensive overview of the main ideas discussed in your work.
- Restate the big idea clearly and concisely, ensuring that it resonates with the audience and emphasizes its significance in the broader context of the discussion.
- Call for response: faith, obedience, repentance, worship, humility, service, love, prayer, gratitude
- Pray or lead into a moment of decision
8. Preach with Clarity, Passion, and Dependence
- Stay true to the text—don’t add or twist—but instead ensure accuracy and clarity in conveying the original message, maintaining the integrity of the content throughout the process.
- Speak with clarity and conviction when presenting your ideas to ensure that your message is effectively understood and resonates with your audience.
- Preach with love for your hearers, not just knowledge; ensure that your messages resonate deeply with their hearts and stir their emotions, creating a meaningful connection that transcends mere information.
- Depend on the Holy Spirit for fruit, allowing His guidance to shape your character and actions in accordance with divine principles and teachings.
Final Tips:
- Use illustrations, but don’t let them overpower the text.
- Keep Christ at the center of all discussions and interactions—point to the gospel where appropriate to highlight His teachings, love, and sacrifice, ensuring that His message shines through every conversation and activity.
- Practice the sermon aloud—it helps you shape transitions and stay within time.
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