Some people suggest there are two main types of sermons—topical and expository. Interestingly, it seems that only one of these is deemed acceptable by a vocal minority.
Let me clarify.
Topical sermons focus on specific themes such as marriage, family, parenting, finances, the end of life, and so forth. In contrast, expository sermons delve into a Biblical passage to explain it. Essentially, expository preaching means bringing forward ideas found in a text and providing a thorough explanation. So, if someone wants to be an expository preacher, they might pick a book like Ephesians and teach through it verse by verse.
There’s a small yet outspoken group that claims only expository sermons can be substantial, faithful, and true. They view topical sermons as shallow, frivolous, and even borderline heretical. In their eyes, the validity of a sermon is often judged by whether it is topical or expository, holding that expository preaching is the sole “true” or “best” form of preaching.
Personally, I’m a fan of expository preaching, and I’ve spent nearly four decades reading books like James, Philippians, Romans, Jonah, and Ephesians in an expository manner.
However, I also deliver topical sermons. To be clear, this means examining a specific topic, researching what the Bible says about it, and then communicating that. In essence, you present a Biblical theology. The most effective topical sermons are essentially expository sermons that are focused on a specific topic. You’re synthesizing all of Scripture to address a single issue, question, or concern.
This is why I studied systematic theology during my graduate education. Systematic theology encourages examining every facet—Scripture, history, philosophy—bringing them together cohesively to address doctrinal matters. I really appreciate delivering topical sermons informed by expository research; it allows the Bible to interpret itself and provides comprehensive counsel on various topics.
So, should I focus on topical or expository preaching? The answer is yes. As I mentioned earlier, the finest topical sermons are inherently expository, and vice versa. But let’s not fall into the trap of arrogance that suggests one method is superior to another. Consider names like C.S. Lewis, Billy Graham, and even Jesus—none of whom primarily preached using expository methods.
Let’s step back from lofty spiritual notions about what constitutes the “most” spiritual messaging. If you’re preaching the Bible, clarifying the gospel, and adhering to orthodox principles,
…that’s a solid message.
In fact, there’s a range of different styles and approaches that can effectively tackle a variety of topics. This is what you should strive for if you aim to be an impactful communicator of the Bible.
Because of this, I consider multiple factors when planning my teaching schedule:
- The unique needs of the church I lead.
- Questions and issues arising within the broader culture, especially among those who are unchurched.
- Leadership areas that need attention using specific leadership language.
- Engaging topics that surface new spiritual questions due to existing confusion.
- Aspects of discipleship training that have shown collective weakness.
- And more.
Each series usually aligns with specific Biblical material. Maybe a commentary series fits because a particular book directly addresses a given need. There’s also room for greater biblical theology through topical series that tie together relevant teachings on one subject. You might even want to focus on specific parts of the Bible, like the Ten Commandments or the Sermon on the Mount.
Each topic may call for a unique style. Some might be narrative, while others are more didactic. Some could be story-driven, whereas others could have a more bullet-point format. Ultimately, diversity in teaching and presentation is crucial, depending on the subject matter.
But the foundation for all this remains the same: it’s the Bible.
Every sermon should be Biblically grounded (specific scriptures) and Biblically informed (considering the entire canon) with the intention of applying Biblical truths correctly in context.
Here’s the crux of the matter. It’s not about which style reigns supreme; it’s about ensuring all styles align with the Bible. A look at the messages of the New Testament reveals no uniformity in style, approach, or structure. Whether considering Jesus, Stephen, Peter, or Paul, the diversity is striking—even within a single teacher’s messages, like Paul’s. What they all shared in common was that their teachings were Biblically based, Biblically informed, and Biblically applied.
And that is genuine Bible preaching.
