When Preaching Is Not !: Expository

When Preaching is NOT Expository! * PCJB PP Presentation devised and prepared at Gujranwala Theological Seminary may be copied for non-commercial use only March 2005

Doctrinal preaching is not expository preaching. Though all Christian doctrine originates in Scripture, expounding a doctrine adopts a different approach to that of expounding a single text.

Thematic preaching is not expository preaching. It may well go to various Scriptural texts for its material. But it will not be constrained by the nature, theme and contents of one passage.

Narrative preaching is not expository preaching (unless it is expounding a parable, or other short story from Scripture). Its focus is upon a story it has to tell, rather than upon a text it has to expose.

Topical preaching is not expository preaching.  Like

doctrinal preaching it may refer to several passages, but only to support the topic being studied. Or  It

may be topical in the sense of treating a contemporary subject that is “in the news” and searching Scripture for light and guidance upon the subject or issue.

Apologetic preaching is not expository preaching. Preaching in defence of a Biblical truth will refer to many passages, and may expound many individual texts with the purpose of expounding an argument, rather than a passage.

Evangelistic preaching is not expository preaching. Its sole purpose is to convict sinners and present the claims of Christ by any means (though it may expound a passage in the process)

Expository Preaching NOTE: Expository preaching is not simply commenting on every verse in a passage in turn. Rather it involves exposing the central message of a passage and expounding its implications for today.

The End