I often hear people ask "what is expository preaching?" or "what are its distinctives?" The seasoned church
member seems to desire expository preaching but often is not sure what constitutes expository preaching since it is seldom practiced.
There are many good preaching approaches which I will explain below those that are based on structure only:*
Textual Sermon
The Textual Sermon derives its divisions from the text. The text provides the subject and the major divisions
of the message. One topic is usually drawn from the text and then discussed throughout the divisions of the text.
Pro's: Concise,
simple, adheres to the text for the most part.
Cons: May take text out of order missing some important points; may
ignore other subjects in the text; may not address the complete passage; easier to set one's own agenda on the text.
Topical Sermon
The
Topical sermon derives its divisions from the subject of the message rather than the text. The topic might be from a given passage
but the divisions come from the subject.
Pro's: Unified; logical; pleasing to most hearers; often directed at needs of the hearers.
Cons:
Tendency to "pick" directed topics for wrong reasons or those subjects easier to preach than focusing on true needs; tendency to think
more of one's ideas than the text; avoids or never covers the "full counsel of God".
Textual-Topical Sermon
This Textual-Topical approach is probably the most practiced structure for those concerned about preaching
scripture but is most often mistaken for Expository preaching. This method takes its divisions from both the text and the
topic. The development of the message is done with much freedom.
Pro's: Strong biblical basis, usually derived from
the text.
Cons: Tendency to manipulate the text to push a topic, often portions of the text are skipped, context
is often overlooked.
Expository Sermon
This is method takes a verse by verse approach forcing the preacher to
consider the full "counsel of God" and grapple with the inspired meaning as delivered by the biblical author. The message is
occupied primarily with the exposition of Scripture. The sermon divisions come from the text in order. Sub-points and
the entire thoughts of the message come from the Scripture passage under study
Pro's: Teaches all of scripture not selected portions;
message of the sermon is dictated by the text, not by the person; context is usually maintained, allows for expansion of important
words and concepts in the text.
Cons: Often difficult to communicate practically and in a unified manner; forces preacher
to address "not so easy" portions of Scripture.
