EXPOSITION AND THE POWERFUL PULPIT

Crafting the Sermon from What Has Been Studied Tom Pennington Senior Pastor of Countryside Bible Church Preaching an expository message involves far more than standing in the pulpit and reviewing the high points, details, and components unearthed through research. Neither a word study nor a running commentary on a passage is, in itself, an expository sermon. An expository sermon does more than simply explain the grammatical structure of a passage and the meanings of its words.The task of the expository preacher is to take the mass of raw data from the text and bridge the gap between exegesis and exposition. John MacArthur Expository preaching begins with exegesis and ends with exposition; both are crucial. One author illustrates the relationship between exegesis and exposition this way: The exegete is like a diver bringing up pearls from the ocean bed; an expositor is like the jeweler who arrays them in orderly fashion and in proper relation to each other (Rediscovering Expository Preaching, p. 17). Without exegesis, a sermon is merely a speech; without exposition, the message will be only a technical collection of grammatical and historical details. Exegesis is science with fixed laws and methods; creating an expository message from that exegesis is art. The purpose of this seminar is to take us deeper in each of the steps in the art of creating an expository message. Following is an overview of the process of building an expository message: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Writing the proposition Structuring the message Building the discussion of the body of the message Creating a logical flow Writing introductions and conclusions Formatting your pulpit notes

A careful exegesis of the passage will provide you with the key components of a solidly biblical expository message: Exegesis Theme Syntactical Structure Historical, Grammatical Expository Proposition Outline The Body of the Message

A. Writing the Proposition Although the different resources on preaching disagree on many different points, all of them agree on the need for a proposition. Terminology varies; its called the proposition, the central idea, the big idea, the theme, the thesis, and the main thought. Whatever you call it, every cohesive sermon has one. But sadly, very few preachers take the time to craft a written proposition. 1. Why is a proposition important? Charles Simeon describing the proposition, said, Every sermon should have, like a telescope, but one object in [its] field. He continued to explain how a preacher should determine what that one object should be: as soon as the [text] is chosen, the first enquiry is, What is the principle scope and meaning of the text? I beg every young minister especially to remember this. He says that once we have discovered the texts principle meaning, the next step is to express it in a categorical proposition. This is the great secret of all composition for the pulpit. (In Stotts Between Two Worlds) The biblical text has only one, unchangeable meaning that is determined by the intent of the author. A text or passage may have many implications and applications, and can even be legitimately handled in several different ways, but it has only one meaning or overriding thrust or, as Kaiser calls, a single-truth intention. That meaning is not found in some mystical search of what I think he might have meant. It is clearly expressed in the text by means of letters, words, and grammaror further fleshed out by the Spirit in later revelation. John A. Broadus writes, It is so common to think that whatever kindles the imagination and touches the heart must be good preaching, and so easy to insist that the doctrines of the sermon are in themselves true and Scriptural, though they be not actually taught in the textthat preachers often lose sight of their fundamental and inexcusable error, of saying that a passage of Gods Word means what it does not mean. One famous sentence of John Calvins explains our approach to the Scripture; he wrote: It is the first business of an interpreter to let the author say what he does say, instead of attributing to him what we think he ought to say. This is foundational. Here is the heart of our job preachersit is to find the biblical authors central theme, understand how he develops that theme, and to make that theme and his development central to our message.

Our task is not to create a central theme; it is rather to 1) find the authors central theme, 2) build a message around that theme, and 3) make that theme the central part of all we have to say (MacArthur in Expository Preaching). So the proposition is the most essential feature in the organization of the sermon. It serves as the foundation on which the entire sermon is built. It is the map that indicates to the congregation the course of the sermon. 2. What is a proposition? In his classic work, John A. Broadus says, Whether a sermon has two points or ten points, it must have one point; it must be about something. The proposition identifies that one point. It is the sermon reduced to one sentence. In an expository message the proposition is the exegetical theme of the passage put into the form of a timeless truth and stated in a single sentence. 3. What are the necessary components of a proposition? Technically and formally, when we are talking about the proposition, we are talking about a package of three elements: a. A concise statement of the timeless truth contained in the preaching text. (1) In the exegetical process, you should have identified the central idea of the text and written it in a concise, one-sentence summary. E.g., 2 Tim. 2:2 (adapted from Vine & Shaddix in Power in the Pulpit):
The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. The exegetical theme: Paul charged Timothy to faithfully pass the treasure of sound doctrine to the next generation.

(2) Identify and change those elements that need to be made timeless:
Past-tense verbs Proper names, except for God Dated terminology Specific circumstances Cultural issues

So, using 2 Tim. 2:2, this would be our proposition: Christian leaders must faithfully pass the treasure of sound doctrine to the next generation.

b. An interrogative

Usually one of five adverbs connects the proposition to the main points of the sermon: why, how, what, when, and where. This is called the interrogative. E.g., Eph. 4:25
Concise statement: Every believer must completely reject the practice of lying and become known for telling the truth (cf. Col. 3:9). Interrogative: But how does that happen?

c. A transitional sentence This sentence ties the proposition and the main points of the sermon together and provides smooth passage from the proposition to the main divisions (Braga). A crucial component of the transitional sentence is the key word. The key word describes the contents of the sermons main points; this key word is always a plural noun. (See Appendix One for partial list of plural nouns.) E.g., James 1:1318 - Concise statement: Temptation is a universal human experience; we will be tempted as long as we live. - Interrogative: How should we respond when we find ourselves facing temptation? Or what about when we have given in to temptation and chosen to sin? What do we do now? - Transitional sentence: James outlines four godly responses to temptation.

4. The delivery of the proposition and transitional sentence It generally fits near the end of the introduction, just before you move to the first main division. B. Structuring the Lesson 1. The main divisions The main divisions are the main sections of an organized sermon. Benefits of main divisions: Make the main points of the sermon clear Assist the congregation in remembering the sermon and the flow of the passage

a. Principles for creating main divisions: (1) Should reflect syntactical analysis

Outlining starts with understanding the natural and grammatical divisions of the textthe sermon structure is dependent onor at least influenced bythe structure of the text. - We must understand how the author put the biblical text togetherin this way, not only can we preach what the author says, but we even emphasize how he said it. - The point againWere not to force an outline on a text, but allow the text to inform our outline. (2) Should have a textual basis (3) Should grow out of the proposition (4) Should define the key word in the transition sentence (see Appendix of key words) (5) Should not overlap; but each should contain a single idea. (6) Should ordinarily show progression through the passage (7) Should be limited in number; from two to ten (8) Should be parallel - parts of speech - alliteration - word endings (9) Should be put in timeless principle form; no proper names, places, incidents, or descriptions (10)Should reflect exegetical outline b. The process of structuring the lesson (1) Identify the main grammatical divisions of the text (2) Summarize the main sections of the text (3) Reword the points of the exegetical outline to be more timeless. c. The types of structural outlines - Although the syntactical structure of the passage is set, more than one type of homiletical outline is possible. - There are three primary types of major points: (1) Directivesthe imperative mood - Accept the Responsibility - Identify the Source - Understand the Process - Unmask the Deception - Abandon Every Human Way - Embrace Only Gods Way (2) Statements/questionsthe indicative mood - We Have Peace with God. - We Stand in Gods Grace. - We Hope in Gods Glory. (3) Markers of the text

Our True Condition The Root Cause The Practical Results

d. Common errors with major outline points: - lack of connection to the proposition - lack of symmetry - redundancyneed to combine some points - too complicated - wrong divisions - no textual basis 2. The subdivisions - Have as their primary purpose keeping the preacher organized in his thinking. - Are derived from the main divisions and should be a logical development of them - Should obviously be subordinate to the main division - Should be parallel - Should be limited in number - Should appear in the outline, but usually not be formally stated C. Building the Body of the Message The body of your message will always consist of four elements Explanation Argument Illustration Application

Each main point of the outline will always include explanation and will usually include illustration and application as well. Argument is not always necessary. Usually your explanation will come first. If theres argument, it will normally come next. Application and illustration may occur several times woven throughout the main division. 1. ExplanationThis is what it says and what it means. Explanation is foundational for expository preaching and is its primary distinguishing factor. Robert Thomas said: The point that differentiates expository sermons from other types is not cleverness of their outlines or their catch clichs. Neither is it the relevance of the message to everyday life. These are helpful and necessarybut if the explanation of what the author meant is missing, so is the heart of Bible exposition (Vine & Shaddix).

When we talk about explaining the text, or telling our people what it says and what it means by what it says, we are referring to the exegetical details of the text, that come from our study of a. b. c. d. e. Context Syntax (reflected in the sermon outline, normally as well) Word studies Historical data Theological issues (as you study a text you should be looking for any theological issues that need to be explained-not exhausted, but explained).

2. ArgumentationThis is why you should believe it. Every time we speak, there are people who are sitting out there arguing with us. Our job is to anticipate their objections and answer them in the messagethis is called argumentation. The primary purpose of argumentation is to convince the listener that our interpretation of the passage conforms to the rest of Scripture and should be embraced as the truth. As expositors, there are some tools to help us successfully make our arguments. Our primary tools are: a. Scripture - Exegetical detail (e.g., Paul in Gal. 3:16seed singular) - Parallel passages of Scripture - Supporting passages of Scripture - The NASB cross references are a consistently good source for both parallel and supporting passages of Scripture. b. Logic c. Authorities that add weight to your interpretation - Commentaries - Systematic Theologies - Church History - Quotations from well-known expositors/authors 3. IllustrationThis is what it looks like. Robert Hall, William Careys mentor before he left for India, gave Carey some very straightforward advice on his preaching. Listen to what he told him: Hall criticized [Careys] sermons as too matter of fact. They lacked windows, There are not enough likes in them, whereas the Master was always saying, The kingdom of heaven is like seed or treasure or leaven.

Hes right! You will not find a major discourse of our Lords without illustrations. Thats why W.E. Sangster wrote, Only a combination of vanity and blasphemy could convince a man that the matter [of illustrating the truth] was beneath his notice. So the example of Christ makes illustrations imperative for us. a. The legitimate use of illustrations The English word Illustrate comes from a Latin word meaning to let the light in; every illustration should serve as a window to let additional light in on the truth. Illustrations should either clarify the truth, humanize the truth, or emphasize the truth. John A. Broadus writes: Good illustrations are far more easily remembered than bright sayings and trains of argument. It is a not uncommon experience with preachers to find that their finest sentences and most profound observations easily slip the memory, while some apparently trivial anecdote or illustration remains. [Dont you hate it when that happens; you pour out your heart on justification and in a passing comment you refer to something trivial and afterwards five people mention that and ignore the theme of the sermon.] If these can be made so apt as necessarily to recall the argument or train of thought, so much the better.
b. The Presentation of an illustration

Ramesh Richard in his book Preparing Expository Sermons explains the specific steps for presenting an illustration well. He identifies five steps, and I have added an illustration of each: (1) Make the pointThe good deeds that we perform here, have value here; you might be admired by people around you and even perhaps honored with some kind of award; but they are of no value to God. (2) Transition to illustrationImagine for moment (3) Illustrateprisoners of war who during their imprisonment set up a monetary system using monopoly money so they could barter; then upon being freed when they attempt to cash in their wealth at the nearest bank, they discover its absolutely worthless! (4) Transition to audienceThats how it is with us. (5) Restate or review the pointOur good works, including even our best obedience to Gods moral law has no value in heaven; perfection alone has value there. c. The primary source of illustrations 8

(1) The text itself Actual illustrations in the text E.g., James 1:18a kind of first fruits; Matt. 6:26, 28the eating habits of birds; the beauty of the lilies of the field Allusions or word pictures in the text E.g., James 1:13ffpregnancy (1:15), childbirth (1:15), Father of Lights (1:17), shifting shadow (1:17). The Bible is a book that is filled with such images and pictures Other picturesque uses of the same sense of a Greek or Hebrew word: E.g., James 1:13ffdrawn away and enticed is from the language of fishing, so a message on this passage could incorporate fishing illustrations. (2) Cross references The NASBs cross references The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge Torreys Topical Textbook or The MacArthur Topical Bible 4. ApplicationThis is what you should do with it. John A. Broadus writes: Preaching is essentially a personal encounter, in which the preachers will is making a claim through the truth upon the will of the hearer. If there is no summons, there is no sermon. a. The guiding principles of application (1) Should flow from authorial intent The most powerful application of any passage is always what the Holy Spirit intended when He inspired that passage. Every expositor should use all the exegetical tools at his disposal to strive to discern exactly how the Spirit and the human writer intended the first readers to apply that passage. Although every passage has only one meaning, it can have several legitimate applications. (See Vines & Shaddix, pp. 1856, 188, for help in making the right application.) (2) Should be placed in the message where best suited to text: - Throughout the body - In the Conclusion; this is particularly appropriate in narrative sections to make the final application of the whole story or event. - BothI prefer this approach as a rule b. The three varieties of application (from John A. Broadus) (1) Focusing the claims of truth

(2) Suggesting ways and means (3) Persuading to a responsein the sense of moral and spiritual appeal for right response. c. The sources for application Clear application in the text itselfe.g. the imperative or hortatory mood in the epistles Your own spiritual experiences with the issue the text addresses (cf. 1 Cor. 10:13no temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man). Observation of the culture in which you minister Observation of your people (but a caution: dont ever preach at individuals in the congregation by name or by intention.) CommentariesJames Boice and Martyn Lloyd-Jones are both especially helpful with solid application.

Summary of Building the Body of the Message There are usually three stages in constructing the body of the message. a. Collecting the possible data (exegesis and meditation) b. Creating a rough sketch of the sermon At this stage you are creating a document that shows the flow of thought; think of it as a flow chart of what you intend to say. This is where you begin to show the precise order in which you will present your material. If you use a computer, use it for this step; this document will become the skeleton of your final version.

c. Writing the sermon; refine the rough sketch with more thorough explanation or, if you manuscript, complete sentences. D. Creating a Logical Flow Nothing will more quickly obscure the structure of your message than the failure to provide your listeners with a clear, logical flow from one point of your argument to the next. The tool that best ensures that kind of clarity is the transition statement. John A. Broadus: Transition may be formally defined as both the act and means of moving from one part of the sermon to another, from one division to another, and from one idea to another. Transitions are to sermons what joints are to the bones of

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the body. They are the bridges of the discourse, and by them the preacher moves from point to point 1. The Purposes of a Transition Emphasisto emphasize the main divisions of the message Movementto enable the audience to recognize that the speaker is leaving one major outline point and is moving to the next Logicto identify for the audience the logical connection between two major points Introductionto introduce the next main division

2. The Components of a Transition A brief review statement of the previous point (note: if there are more than three main points, it helps to review all the previous points in one of the transitional statements) A transition word (e.g., but, however, in addition, secondly, finally) A question or statement that draws the listener to the next point The key word (or plural noun) in your original transition sentence

3. The Logistics of a Transition It should be fully written out. It should be carefully followed. It should be stressed in a way that it stands out from the rest of the message.

Some methods for accomplishing verbal emphasis are: - Pausing briefly varying the force of speech - Varying the rate of speech - Varying the pitch of speech E. Adding an Introduction and Conclusion 1. The Introduction Must be designed to accomplish three things: Grab the hearers attention and secure his interestbut avoid sensationalism Create a need; why should I listen to you? Introduces the theme of the passage and the body of the sermon - Question so what? Note: There is a helpful list of kinds of intros in Rediscovering Expository Preaching. 2. The Conclusion 11

Objectives: - A review of the major point or theme of the text, and/or the main divisions of the outline. - The application of the truth to the listeners. This should be unmistakably personal in its aimIt should aim at the will. It should compel the hearer to respond in an appropriate manner to the message, encourage obedience and rebuke disobedience. In other words, the conclusion answers the question so what? Miscellaneous considerations: - Should be prepared carefully and written out. - Should not be announced (and in conclusion) - Best not to add much new material. - Should incorporate an appeal to unbelievers to repent. - Could include an illustration, question, quotation, specific instructions, list of practical propositions to employ or guidelines to follow, a hymn or poem, or the recitation of some portion of the text itself.

F. Formatting Your Notes The format of the notes you take into the pulpit will depend on your personal preferences. Here are some of the issues you should consider. 1. Form Handwritten Computer-generated; there are numerous advantages to preparing and archiving your messages on computer: - Readable - Searchable - Easily edited for format or content - Easily blocked and copied to different messages - Easily transportable - Easy to backup for redundancy (the expositors sermon file represents his most valuable possession; store digital copies of your messages at two or more separate locations in case of fire, flood, theft, etc.) 2. Volume Manuscript Simple outline Extemporaneous (see Expository Preaching without Notes) 3. Paper Size (common: 8x11"; 6x 9") 4. Highlighting/underlining

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Create your own key so that at a glance you can quickly identify the following in your notes: Main points Key words or points Conclusion Charles Jefferson writes: It is surprising how stoutly and stubbornly the churches insist upon preachers knowing how to preach. They will forgive almost everything else, but they will not forgive inability to preach. No man who knows how to preach with grace and power need stand idle in the marketplace a single hour. The churches are scouring the country in search of such a man, and he cannot escape if he would. Whoever speaks, let him speak, as it were, the utterances of God (1 Peter 4:11).

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Appendix OneKey Words

The key word is always a plural noun that characterizes the main points. The following are a few of the many key words: abuses actualities accusations admonitions affairs affirmations agreements alternatives angles answers applications approaches areas arguments aspects aspirations assertions assurances assumptions attitudes attributes avocations axioms barriers beginnings beliefs benefits bequests bestowments blemishes blessings blows blockades blots blunders boasts bonds books boundaries breaches burdens calls categories causes certainties challenges changes charges circumstances commands commitments comparisons conceptions concessions corrections criteria criticisms crowns cults cultures customs dangers debts decisions declarations deeds deficiencies definitions degrees departments details differences directives disciplines disclosures discoveries divisions doctrines doubts doors dreams duties editions effects elements encouragements examples excesses exchanges exclamations experiments explanations exponents exposures expositions expostulations expressions extremes facets facts factors faculties failures falls families faults fears feelings fields finalities flaws forces forms formalities foundations functions fundamentals gains generalizations gifts graces groups guarantees guides habits handicaps honors hopes hungers hurts ideas ideals idols ills illuminations illustrations imitations impacts impediments imperatives imperfections implements implications impossibilities impressions improvements inadequacies incentives incidents ingredients injunctions invitations irritations issues items joys judgments justifications keys kinds labors lapses laws leads lessons levels liabilities liberties lifts lights limits

links lists loads locations looks losses loyalties manifestations manners marks materials means measures meetings members memories mentions mercies methods ministries miseries misfortunes mistakes models moods motives mountains movements mysteries names narratives natures necessities needs nights norms notes numbers objects objectives obligations observances obstacles occasions occurrences offenses offers offices omissions

operations opinions opponents options orders organizations origins panaceas parables paradoxes paragraphs parallels particulars parties parts paths patterns peaks peculiarities penalties perceptions perfections performances perils periods perplexities persons personalities petitions phases philosophies phrases pictures pieces places plagues plans pleas pledges plots points positions possibilities powers practices prayers precautions predicaments predictions premises

preparations prescriptions pressures pretensions principles privileges prizes problems processes products profits prohibitions promises proofs prophecies propositions prospects provisions punishments purposes pursuits qualifications qualities quantities queries quests questions quotas quotations ranks ratings reactions reasons recommendations records recruits references regions regulations rejections relapses relations responses restraints results revelations rewards roads roles

roots routes rules sacrifices satisfactions sayings scales scars schools schemes seals secrets selections sentiments sequences services shields situations skills solicitations solutions sources spheres states statements steps stipulations stresses strokes styles subjects sufferings superlatives suppositions superiorities supports symptoms systems tactics talents tasks teachings tendencies tests theories theses thoughts ties times

titles tokens tones topics traces traits treasures trends trials triumphs troubles truths types uncertainties undertakings units urges uses vacancies values variations varieties ventures verifications views violations virtues visions vocations voices wants warnings ways weaknesses weapons words works worries wrongs yieldings yokes zones

Appendix TwoHelpful Resources

A. On Exegesis Beekman, John Callow. Translating the Word of God. Zondervan, 1974. Fee, Gordon D. New Testament Exegesis. John Knox Press, 1993. Fee, Gordon D. & Douglas Stuart. How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth. Zondervan, 1993. Kaiser, Walter C., Jr. Toward an Exegetical Theology. Baker, 1981.

B. On Preaching Braga, James. How to Prepare Bible Messages. Multnomah, 1969. Broadus, John A. On the Preparation and Delivery of Sermons. Rev. ed. Reprint, Harper & Row, 1979. Dabney, R.L. Evangelical Eloquence. Reprint, Banner of Truth Trust, 1999. Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn. Preaching and Preachers. Zondervan, 1972. Logan, Samuel T., Jr. ed. The Preacher and Preaching. Presbyterian and Reformed, 1986.

MacArthur, John, Jr. Rediscovering Expository Preaching. Word Publishing, 1992. Morgan, G. Campbell. Preaching. Reprint, Baker, 1974. Piper, John. The Supremacy of God in Preaching. Baker, 1990. Stott, John R. W. Between Two Worlds. Eerdmans, 1982. Various Authors. Feed My Sheep. Soli Deo Gloria Publications, 2002. Vines, Jerry & Jim Shaddix. Power in the Pulpit. Moody, 1999.