Keeping Expository Preaching in Perspective

We must direct our preaching to specific ends. We must declare God's truth and call believers to bring their lives into conformity to it. There must be a point to it all. We must distinguish between preaching to a particular end and simply relaying information. Sharp, crisp preaching on specific issues must be held in balance with line-by-line preaching.

We enjoy expository preaching. Perhaps ninety percent of all our preaching follows that method. Yet, as worthwhile as expository preaching is, it can become an excuse for not addressing sin or other important issues in a timely manner. Preachers must not become so hidebound to a single method that it hinders their pastoral responsibilities.

At times abandoning the line-by-line approach and adopting a topical or thematic method is exactly what is needed. While it's often frowned upon today, selecting specific verses that address important Christian truths of duty and doctrine, and then driving those truths home with power and clarity, will sometimes do more for believers than an entire line-by-line book study.

Preachers must not stay with a method of preaching that keeps them from confronting sin or other important matters. Sometimes the line-by-line approach is too slow and doesn't get either the preacher or his people to where they need to be fast enough. Preachers must be flexible in this area. Nurturing Christians is an art--and a lot of hard work.