For a sermon to be classified as “expository,” it must derive its central message exclusively from the biblical author’s intended message. The sermon’s principles, therefore, must rise naturally from the structure and force of the text in light of the surrounding context. D.A. Carson’s explanation is important:
Expository preaching is preaching whose subject matter emerges directly and demonstrably from a passage or from some passages of Scripture. In other words, its content and structure demonstrably reflect what Scripture says, and honestly seek to elucidate it…
This essential element of expository preaching does not assume that the passages of Scripture must all be contiguous, or that only systematic preaching through a book can properly be called “expository preaching.” One might have a series on temptation, for instance, and preaching serially on the temptation of Adam and Eve, the temptation of Joseph, the temptation of Hezekiah, the temptation of Jesus, and so on – and in each case the sermon might be genuinely expository. In this instance the organizing principle for the selection of texts is topical, but the expositions themselves are expository. Nor does this definition say anything explicit about the length of the passage. One preacher may work through Romans 1-8 in eight years; another may work through the same chapters in seven or eight sermons. I have heard it done both ways, both very effectively. Different times call for different styles;…But one non-negotiable characteristic of expository preaching is that its subject emerges directly and demonstrably from Scripture. (emphasis mine)
Dr. Albert Mohler is also poignant:
As the word of God, the text of Scripture has the right to establish both the substance and the structure of the sermon. Genuine exposition takes place when the preacher sets forth the meaning and message of the biblical text and makes clear how the word of God establishes the identity and worldview of the church as the people of God.
Some of the popular preaching today just isn’t remotely covering this kind of ground. Even the best sermons from some of these mega-pastors leave the sheep with only theological-haziness, a few practical but surface thoughts about dealing with daily troubles, and a number of entertaining anecdotes from human experience to make it “relevant.” This is not expository preaching as defined above! Worse, it leaves the sheep unable to evaluate the doctrinal purity of the content. Regularly, someone will tell me that their pastor does expository preaching, and after listening to several sermons I’m left to conclude that they simply don’t know the difference.
Read the full post at: The Cripplegate
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