El Expository Sermon it is a way of preaching based on a biblical passage. With which the preacher exposes its meaning and application to the present time. In this article we will learn the keys to prepare a preaching of this type.
Preparing an expository sermon
An expository sermon focuses on a specific passage of scripture to develop a preaching. In order for this preaching to be transmitted to the church in a pleasant way and with spiritual depth, the pastor or minister of God must prepare it in advance. This type of sermon is one of the best ways for a preacher to display the scriptures or word of God before an audience.
What is expository sermon
An expository preaching is a sermon that focuses mainly on a text or passage from the Bible, to capture it in the current time. Exposing the meaning of that biblical passage and its relevance in the lives of those attending the preaching.
The main objective of the expository sermon is to impart, present or reveal the central theme exposing every detail of it, taking into account its historical context, grammar and its doctrinal or theological content.
For this, the preacher must interpret the biblical passage, study its historical, linguistic part and place it within the theme of salvation, which is the central doctrine of the Christian faith.
Keys to prepare an expository sermon preaching
Although preparing a sermon consists of developing a theme, in the case of a thematic sermon or a passage of scripture in an expository; with the revelation of the Holy Spirit. And in neither of the two cases do they come from complying with pre-established instructions. Having some experience or knowledge in how to prepare the sermon greatly facilitates being able to undertake the biblical passage. Contributing to the efficiency of time management and the preacher's energy.
To do this, many experienced pastors have outlined certain keys to follow in preparing an expository sermon. One of these schemes is based on dividing the keys into two processes to be carried out:
- an interpretive study
- The sermon study summary or homiletical synthesis
Sermon Interpretive Study
In the interpretive study of the sermon, the preacher must ask himself three questions and take into account 10 main keys. First of all, the three questions you should ask yourself are the following:
- -Who wrote the biblical passage? The main idea can be obtained from the answer, since the author is an exact reference to the original interpretation of the text.
- -Why did the author write it? The answer to this question shows the author's purpose in writing the text.
- -How is he saying or writing the text? The answer to this question is the literary nature. That is, the composition that the author used to express his idea. At this point in the interpretive study of the sermon, the argument of the text for the sermon is determined, the theme of the explanatory or exegetical scheme is specified.
Every passage of scripture contains a main idea and a specific purpose. In this sense, the first two questions form the central objective that the author had when writing the text. Here are ten keys to follow in the interpretive study of the sermon.
Pray to the Holy Spirit
Praying for the direction and guidance of the Holy Spirit is the essence of all preaching. The principle of the preparation of every sermon is that the preacher seek the presence and help of the Spirit of God to guide him in what he is going to expose to the church of God.
Define the parameters
The second thing to do is to define the unity of the biblical text. That is, its parameters according to the literary context, the biblical portion.
make a summary
It is advisable to read the biblical text several times, praying and meditating on it. As this is repeated several times the meaning of the passage will flow into thought. These thoughts that arise are made a summary of them. As provisional ideas that might need to be deepened.
Define the literary genre
By reading the passage the preacher can define what kind of literature the biblical text contains. In the bible you can find literary genres such as: history, poetry, wisdom, prophecy, gospels, parables, epistle and apocalyptic literature. You can see this in the following article. parts of the bible: Structure, books and much more, which I invite you to read.
Analyze the literary context
Study the biblical text extensively, reading the chapter, the book that contains the passage and the verses that surround it. In order to establish a broader context and interpretive study.
Consider historical and cultural environment
The study of the historical and cultural context of the biblical text is essential to define the argument of the preaching. There are many research tools that can help in the depth of this study, such as:
- biblical dictionaries
- Encyclopedias
- Specialized studies in biblical history and culture
- Commentaries made by scholars to the texts of the Bible
Study grammar and syntax
It is important to study the grammar and syntax of the biblical text in detail according to its literary genre. Emphasizing those words that are of great meaning. The preacher must analyze them from the Hebrew, Greek or Aramaic context, lexicons, concordances, grammars
The final result of this study is to achieve a conjuncture between the idea and the interpretive purpose of the text.
theological study
This consists of making a broad analysis of the theological context of the biblical text in accordance with the canons of the Church. For this, you need to ask yourself the following questions:
- How does the text under study apply to other biblical passages?
- What are the theological references of the text under study?
- What does the study text say about Christ?
Examine relevant ideas
Examining the relevant ideas drawn from the biblical text could represent a significant change from the study done so far. In other words, making a review and general study of the comments made on the text could result in some change in the conclusions themselves up to this point, thus being able to complement the interpretive study.
make a sketch
Writing the idea and the exegetical purpose or interpretation and developing a schematic structure, will begin the study of the sermon or homiletical synthesis.
The exegetical idea will be the idea of the sermon, the exegetical purpose will become the objective of the sermon, and the schematic outline of the biblical text will function as the outline of the homily or preach. This final sermon outline will connect the biblical passage with the congregants at the service.
Homiletical summary of the sermon
The summary of the homily or sermon is nothing more than the translation of the interpretive analysis already made into a popular language and adapted to current times, for a better understanding by the audience.
Just as in the first stage of preparation, the Holy Spirit is asked for spiritual guidance. Also in this part it is necessary to ask for his advice to take the annotations from the exegesis to the part of the homily or sermon. So that it is the same Holy Spirit who ministers during the preaching. In the scriptures we can read:
Juan 14: 26 (NIV): But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you.
2 Timoteo 4: 2 (NIV) Preach the Word; persists in doing so, whether or not it is opportune; He corrects, rebukes, and encourages patiently, never ceasing to teach.
Once the part of the exegetical or interpretive study is finished, it only remains to develop the foundational part of the preaching and with this the entire process of preparing an expository sermon will be completed.
Finally, I recommend reading the following articles. Tabernacle: What is it?, meaning, and much more and The map of Palestine at the time of Jesus, as teaching points at the level of expository preaching.