When Christians search for a church, they often prioritize the style of the music, the appeal of the children's ministry, or the warmth of their welcome on the first visit. However, something even more crucial to consider is the church's approach to preaching. The messages delivered from the pulpit are the most important element of the church's life, so it's essential to seek out solid, verse-by-verse expository preaching. Here are ten reasons why:
#1 Expository Preaching Creates Depth
Commitment to expository preaching allows a church to delve into deeper and richer sermons. Often, a single text from the Bible does not align with a solitary "topic." Rather than forcing a topic onto a text, this approach lets you absorb everything the text has to offer. By unpacking the Bible verse by verse, expository preaching provides a treasure trove of understanding and insight, surpassing what is often gleaned from topic-based sermons.
#2 Expository Preaching Maintains Proper Biblical Context
Expository preaching maintains the Bible's original context, which brings clarity to truths that might otherwise be confusing. Every biblical truth is positioned within the context of surrounding texts. Often, one text is built upon or supported by the preceding or following text. Preaching verse by verse illuminates the context, enhancing our understanding of certain truths that may seem difficult at first.
#3 Expository Preaching Covers the Whole Counsel of God
With no topic off-limits, expository preaching ensures that every Sunday offers a well-rounded spiritual feast. Eventually, this approach covers everything in the Bible. If a church were limited to what I know alone, they might not learn much. But by exploring the books of the Bible verse by verse, we'll uncover everything God intends for us, often with the preacher learning right alongside the congregation!
#4 Expository Preaching Avoids the Pastor's Pet Topics
In expository preaching, each sermon is fresh and Scripture-driven rather than shaped by personal preference or the pastor's subjective ideas of what the congregation needs. It would be presumptuous of me as a pastor to assume I always know what my people need. God, in his infinite wisdom, has already provided us with a book detailing what he knows our churches need. Expository preaching places God in the driver’s seat of the pulpit, guiding the content received by the church.
#5 Expository Preaching Fosters Growth in Maturity
Expository preaching nurtures spiritual growth and maturity. This approach encourages and equips you to view all aspects of life through a biblical lens over the years. As a church goes through the Bible verse by verse, you'll learn to apply its truths across various facets of your life. Implementing these truths naturally fosters greater spiritual maturity in your life as the Holy Spirit transforms your heart.
#6 Expository Preaching Demonstrates How Scripture Interprets Scripture
Expository preaching reveals the interconnectedness of the Bible, allowing you to see how passages shed light on each other and unveil God's narrative from beginning to end. The Bible frequently refers back to itself, and the more comprehensive our knowledge of the entire book, the better we'll grasp the multitude of cross-references and allusions contained within each individual book.
#7 Expository Preaching Has Historical Roots
The church has historically valued this method for its adherence to the Word. Verse-by-verse expository preaching is neither modern nor novel; it has been a practice embraced by many throughout thousands of years of church history. Notable pastors from John Chrysostom to John Piper have used this method as a viable and effective means of imparting God’s word to His people.
#8 Expository Preaching Steers Clear of Unnecessary Trends
Expository preaching anchors your church in truth, steering clear of fads that quickly pass. It ensures that the Bible's timeless wisdom remains the focal point of the pulpit. Each era has its own obsessions, and often, the church begins to place undue emphasis on topics due to cultural trends. Expository preaching makes the preacher keep the central message of the gospel in focus, avoiding the temptation to stray from the Word of God.
#9 Expository Preaching Encourages Daily Bible Study
Expository preaching often sparks personal Bible study and reflection as it teaches you to read the Bible in its proper context. Regular exposure to this style of preaching equips you with intellectual tools to understand the Bible independently of a preacher. This method of preaching can enhance your ability to be a discerning reader of the Bible, even outside the church setting.
#10 Expository Preaching Enriches the Worship Experience
When preaching is deeply rooted in Scripture, it not only deepens the content in the pulpit but also enriches the elements of worship outside of it as you begin to understand the meaning behind prayers and songs. Far from being monotonous, this preaching can bring life to your understanding of corporate worship and stir your affections for Jesus. As you absorb God’s truths from Scripture over time, your appreciation grows for what you sing, what you pray, and what you hear during worship.
When choosing a church, remember: it's not just about the vibe, but about the Word. Find a faithful church with verse-by-verse preaching, and watch your faith grow solid, real, and strong by God’s grace.
Editor's Note: As a part of its commitment to fostering conversation within the Southern Baptist Convention, the Baptist Review may publish editorials that espouse viewpoints that are not necessarily shared by the TBR team or other contributors. We welcome submissions for responses and rebuttals to any editorials as we seek to host meaningful conversations about the present and future of our convention.
Will Standridge
Will Standridge (M.Div., Southern Seminary) serves as the lead pastor at the First Baptist Church of Geraldine, Alabama. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Kendyl, and has one daughter, Mackenzie Jo. He enjoys writing about the ways young pastors can serve and equip their people.