What defines expository preaching?

Definition and Core Principles

Expository preaching is a method of proclaiming and teaching Scripture by systematically explaining the text’s meaning as it appears in its original context and language. The goal is to illuminate the biblical passage so that listeners understand its primary message, historical background, grammatical nuance, cultural setting, and abiding relevance. Essentially, expository preaching aims to “rightly divide the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15) by focusing on the text itself rather than on the preacher’s personal ideas or topical preferences.

This style of proclamation seeks to reveal what the passage objectively says and how it applies to lives today. Expository preaching requires faithful exposition of the text from start to finish, allowing Scripture to set the agenda, outline, and emphasis for the sermon. In doing so, it highlights the authority and unity of the Bible, which is “God-breathed and is profitable for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).

Biblical Foundation for Expository Preaching

Scripture presents examples of expository preaching and teaching throughout both Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, teachers of the Law “read from the Book of the Law of God, explaining it and giving insight so that the people could understand what was being read” (Nehemiah 8:8). This clarifies that biblical instruction involved careful reading and clear interpretation to foster understanding.

In the New Testament, Jesus Himself provided expository teaching: “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was written in all the Scriptures about Himself” (Luke 24:27). Similarly, in Acts, the apostles referenced Old Testament passages to demonstrate how the Scriptures point to the Messiah. These examples underscore the early practice of guiding believers through careful, contextual interpretations of God’s Word.

The Importance of Context

Expository preaching underscores that a passage’s meaning is deeply linked to its surrounding content, historical circumstances, and literary genre. By honoring the context, expository preaching guards against misinterpretation or the injection of human bias. It also emphasizes:

• Historical Context: Understanding the cultural and societal setting in which the text was written.

• Literary Context: Recognizing the structure, genre (narrative, poetry, epistle, prophecy), and flow of the passage.

• Theological Context: Acknowledging how each passage fits within the whole counsel of God—a consistent message from Genesis to Revelation.

This holistic approach reflects the conviction that “the entirety of Your word is truth” (Psalm 119:160) and that no verse or book of the Bible stands in isolation.

Methodology and Approach

1. Careful Exegesis:

Expository preaching begins with exegesis—drawing out the meaning of the text. Preachers consult the original Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek when needed. They consider grammar, syntax, and word usage. For example, the Dead Sea Scrolls and the vast corpus of Greek New Testament manuscripts provide a wealth of evidence regarding the original language and preserved reliability of biblical texts.

2. Setting the Passage in Context:

Once the main idea of the chosen passage is discerned, it is situated within the chapter, book, and overall biblical storyline. This practice ensures that teaching remains consistent with the rest of Scripture.

3. Illustrating and Applying:

Expository sermons do not merely convey historical information; they also illustrate and apply the biblical truths to contemporary life. Anecdotal accounts, references to archaeological findings (such as evidence that supports cultural details of biblical events), and personal testimonies can show listeners that the Word of God continues to speak powerfully today.

4. Calling for Response:

Expository preaching typically includes a call to respond to God’s revealed truth. Since all Scripture ultimately points to the redemptive work of Christ, each sermon can highlight the call to faith, repentance, and righteous living.

Reliance on the Holy Spirit

While scholarship and research are indispensable, expository preaching ultimately depends on the Holy Spirit for transformation. The Spirit guides believers “into all the truth” (John 16:13) and empowers them to receive the message. Even the most precise exegesis remains incomplete without the illuminating work of God’s Spirit drawing hearts to Himself.

Practical Benefits for Listeners

Expository preaching:

• Builds Confidence in Scripture: By letting the text set the message, congregations grow in their trust of the Bible’s authority and consistency.

• Promotes Spiritual Depth: Systematic teaching through books of the Bible equips listeners to read and interpret passages for themselves.

• Fosters Unity: When the church clearly understands scriptural truths, it develops a cohesive focus on God’s purpose.

• Encourages Growth: Regular exposure to properly handled Scripture helps believers mature in faith and godliness (Ephesians 4:14–15).

Historical and Contemporary Endorsements

Throughout church history, many influential biblical teachers have embraced expository methods—compelling evidence of its enduring value. From the early apologists who quoted Scripture extensively to modern preachers who walk through entire books of the Bible, this approach has consistently strengthened believers’ understanding of the Word.

Outside academia and ecclesial circles, archaeological discoveries, including the well-preserved manuscripts from Qumran (the Dead Sea Scrolls) and the thousands of New Testament fragments circulating in the early centuries, further confirm that we have reliable access to the Scriptures being exposited. This reliability supports the validity of building entire sermons as direct expositions of the biblical text.

Common Misconceptions

1. It Is Dry or Academic Only:

Some assume expository preaching is purely academic. However, true expository messages can be passionate, practical, and deeply relevant. Far from merely reciting facts, they invite transformation.

2. Only for Seminaries or Scholars:

While careful study is essential, expository preaching can be understood and appreciated by any thoughtful believer. Pastors bring the fruit of scholarship to the congregation in an approachable way.

Conclusion

Expository preaching is characterized by its commitment to present the Word of God in a clear, accurate, and contextual way. By methodically teaching what a biblical passage says, how it was originally understood, and why it matters today, this preaching style honors the unchanging nature of Scripture and fosters spiritual growth.

As Scripture declares, “Be diligent to present yourself approved by God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, correctly handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). This guiding principle forms the heart of expository preaching—ensuring that each sermon remains grounded in, centered upon, and fully shaped by God's revealed Word.