EXPOSITORY PREACHING: EMBRACING GOD’S VOICE IN BIBLICAL PREACHING

By Jun P. Espina | 11/16/2025 | 9 min read

EXPOSITORY PREACHING

I always consider expository preaching the best method of communicating God’s word. I really love this approach in expounding the Scripture. Expository preaching is more comprehensible and intelligent than other methods, such as textual and topical approaches. It is just like discussing Jesus’s birth and closing the discourse with His death and resurrection. This method allows your sermon to flow smoothly, benefiting people much like a river supports life. This method is unlike a flood of sermon ideas, which only creates confusion for the church. Thus, expository preaching is a river, not a sermonic flood.

They say that a brilliant preacher, such as Spurgeon, can use either a textual or topical preaching method without us noticing any difference in the outcome. This book, Preaching the Text, however, does not require intellectual superiority or oratorical gifts in our formula for building a successful sermon and delivery. Brilliance is important, but Christ chose the unwise to shame the wise, according to the apostle Paul. I wrote this material with the God-called preacher in mind. Let the common preacher benefit from this material through a principle from Scripture, apart from a mere genius of human wisdom.

A glimpse of this book from its introduction:

EXPOSITORY PREACHING: OF HOMILETICAL INEXPERIENCE

I live in a place where the roadside public market is just a short walk away. Roadside preaching by the Pentecostals is just my weekly, almost 20-year experience. But what have they been talking about for almost twenty years? Well—experience! They have shared their experiences with God. How God changed them. And they survived so long from the principle that stories, or Christian testimonies to be exact, sell. But are they really preaching, I mean, expounding the Word of God? No. Sermons can include storytelling, but they aren’t preaching if they don’t explain God’s word verse by verse. To Timothy, Paul said, “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.” (1 Tim. 4:13)

We always share our Christian experience, but preaching is not “my-testimony preaching.” It is a scriptural exhortation, and one of the most effective ways to do it is through the expository preaching method that this book intends to teach.

In Paul’s Areopagus sermon, he spoke about God’s existence, man’s idolatry, and the call for repentance through faith in Christ, who rose from the grave. He stated,

It is preaching—biblical preaching!

EXPOSITORY PREACHING: A FOUNDATION BUILT ON SCRIPTURE

At the heart of Preaching the Text is a simple yet profound principle: preaching must be anchored in Scripture. In a world where congregants are often bombarded with ideas that sound good but lack biblical substantiation, this guide emphasizes the importance of expository preaching. Each chapter serves as a building block, guiding the preacher through the intricate process of crafting sermons that shine with clarity and purpose.

Since the conventional preaching time should have a duration of 45 minutes to an hour (maximum), the expository preacher must not take his time explaining about his hoarse voice this Sunday, hoping such would improve his sermon. His drinking too much cold water the day before, which has caused his impromptu coughing, could not help relieve his tiresome and flat preaching.

This book, taken together, demonstrates the preacher’s divine ambassadorship for Christ. We focus on “preaching the text,” and not on “preaching the text with style.”

Don’t preach around the Bible—preach through it.

Grab your copy of Preaching the Text and return to what matters most: the Word.

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I hear a preacher whose style is more about “decorating” than exposing God’s word. In preaching about God’s love, for example, he used to sprinkle more adjectives on the word “love” to sound cool. By robbing the thesaurus, he would say, “God is love. He is affectionate, caring, tender, devoted, and kind.” Ad infinitum. Expository preaching is not being verbose and redundant.

With 20 comprehensive chapters, the book lays out a step-by-step approach. Preachers will learn how to delve into the biblical text, assessing its meaning verse by verse and drawing out the truth that God intends for His people. This focus on Scripture is crucial—after all, preaching isn’t about the eloquence of the speaker; it’s about the proclamation of what God has already said.

EXPOSITORY PREACHING: CRAFTING THE SERMON

One of the standout features of Preaching the Text is the practical guidance it offers. The author understands that delivering a sermon is not just a combination of deep study, art, and discipline but faithfulness, a commitment to the Scripture, and dependence on the anointing power of the Holy Spirit. With chapters dedicated to topics such as “Finding a Sermon Idea in Scripture” and “Developing the Main Points,” preachers are equipped with tools to enhance their sermon crafting skills.

For those who may feel lost when attempting to extract a meaningful theme from the Biblical text, this book serves as a reassuring companion. It encourages preachers to ask pivotal questions: What is the Author’s intent? How does this passage relate to the larger narrative of Scripture? Each chapter culminates in thoughtful reflection questions, ensuring that readers not only grasp the principles but also engage with them on a deeper level.

EXPOSITORY PREACHING: STRUCTURE AND CLARITY

As any experienced preacher knows, the structure of a sermon is vital. A well-structured sermon not only aids in the preacher’s delivery but also enhances the audience’s understanding. Chapters like “The Structure of an Expository Sermon” and “Crafting the Introduction” provide valuable insights into organizing thoughts in a coherent manner. The emphasis on clarity ensures that the message resonates powerfully with congregants, enabling them to grasp God’s word and its implications for their lives.

Furthermore, the book goes beyond mere structural outlines. It encourages the preacher to illustrate their points effectively. With practical advice on “The Art of Illustration in Expository Preaching,” it empowers speakers to create vivid, memorable connections that enhance the message. This blend of structure and storytelling engages the audience and invites them into a more profound understanding of scriptural truths.

Preaching the Text does not just wheel around outlines and illustrations but, most importantly, on the anointing power of the preacher. Expository preaching is just like a machine with essential parts attached to it. Devoid of oil, however, it is worthless. You can be a brilliant and seminary-trained preacher who has mastered the art of biblical exposition like no other. But without the anointing power of the Holy Spirit, your preaching becomes powerless and can save not one single soul.

The apostle Paul said,

EXPOSITORY PREACHING: PURPOSE AND CONVICTION

Preaching the Text is not just a manual for crafting sermons; it’s also a rallying cry for preachers to engage in their sacred calling with seriousness and conviction. The chapter titled “Preaching with Purpose — A Call to Faithfulness” serves as a reminder that preaching is, ultimately, about glorifying our Lord Jesus Christ and serving His church. It challenges preachers to uphold the integrity of the message they deliver and ensure it aligns with biblical teachings.

The apostle Paul states, “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” (2 Cor. 5:20) Two things are revealed here: First, preachers are Christ’s ambassadors or messengers, and second, their message should always anchor in humanity’s salvation and spiritual growth.

This purpose and conviction in the born-again preacher’s heart is further set in stone as when Christ said, “As the Father has sent Me, so also I am sending you.” (John 20:21)

The book acknowledges the role of the Holy Spirit in the preaching process. Preachers are reminded that prayer should be interwoven throughout their preparation; they are called to rely on divine guidance in their study and delivery.

EXPOSITORY PREACHING: FOR PREACHERS OF ALL LEVELS

Whether you’re a novice preacher stepping into the pulpit for the first time or a seasoned teacher looking for ways to refine your craft, Preaching the Text has something to offer. The straightforward approach and practical insights provide encouragement and instruction for all. In a world full of distractions, this guide calls preachers back to their primary task—feeding the church and exalting Christ through faithful exposition of the Word.

Most preachers are tempted to use the topical or textual method for convenience’s sake. C. H. Spurgeon, for example, didn’t have a sermon for his Easter Sunday preaching. He wasted hours sitting and walking around as he contemplated his message. Then, a thought dawned on him that Jesus was risen. He realized that Jesus was still alive and thriving today. Spurgeon (fyi, he is considered the “prince of preachers” for a reason, a title that has been sculpted from his extraordinary ability in expository preaching) started building his sermon idea by starting with a topic. And we don’t have a problem with that since we can support our topic with Scriptures. But as advocates of the expository preaching method, we constantly look for our sermon materials (our theme and main points) from our supporting Scriptures and not from our preconceived topic.

A topical preacher may outline the topic, “Christ is alive today,” with the following format:

Table 1:

CONCLUSION: PROCLAIMING THE TRUTH

Ultimately, Preaching the Text serves as a vital resource in the ongoing journey of those called to preach. By emphasizing the importance of being firmly rooted in God’s Word, it not only reshapes how we approach sermon preparation but also revitalizes our commitment to proclaiming the Gospel. It beckons us to “Preach the Word. Every Text. Every Time.”

Let this book guide you as you step into your calling. Feed the church, exalt Christ, and above all, preach the text.

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