Seminar 2 Expository Preaching by Pastor Jimmy Golingo

Transcription

1 Seminar 2 Expository Preaching by Pastor Jimmy Golingo What is Expository Preaching? I. What is the History of Expository Preaching? How Does One Craft an Expository Sermon? What is the Goal of Expository Preaching? II. What is Expository Preaching? Definition. Among evangelicals, there are many opinions as to what is meant by expository preaching. Any preacher can make the case that his sermon is an expository sermon. Some suggest a topical sermon can be expository in nature. It is said that a topical sermon uses a series of biblical passages to support a theme. A textual sermon takes a verse or a short passage as a starting point to a subject that may or may not be the focus of that text. But expository preaching requires a deeper understanding of the passage and its placement within the context of Scripture. Neither the topical nor textual method represents a serious effort to interpret, understand, explain, or apply God s truth in the context of the Scripture(s) used. By contrast, expository preaching focuses predominantly on the text(s) under consideration along with its (their) context(s). 1 Expository preaching is not running commentary, it is not pure exegesis (what the text means), it is not a devotional study, not a series of quotes, and not a structural outline of the passage. In simple terms, expository preaching is a matter of exposing the meaning of the passage in its own context to the wider context of the unity of the Scriptures and applying it truth to the modern believer. An expositor must expound the Word of God as Paul did at Corinth (1 Cor. 2:1-5). Paul did not come as a clever orator or astute genius; he did not arrive with his own message; and he 1 Richard L. Mayhue, Rediscovering Expository Preaching, in Rediscovering Expository Preaching, ed. John MacArthur, Jr. (Dallas: Word, 1992), p. 9. did not preach in his own strength and personal confidence. Unless this kind of dependence on God and God s Word marks the modern expositor, his exposition will lack the divine dimension that only God can provide. We must realize that Biblical preaching or expository preaching involves a great deal more than proper exegesis and word study. Exposition explains what is difficult to understand. The Scriptures must be laid open and bare to public view and comprehension. To put it more bluntly, exegesis (what the text means) must come to terms with the audience as well as with what the author meant by the words he used. 2 Biblical exposition is not so much defined by form, but by the source and the process by which the message was formed. D. Martyn Lloyd Jones, England s greatest expositor said, True expository preaching is doctrinal preaching; it is preaching which addresses specific truths from God to man. The expository preacher is not one who shares his word studies with others, but he is an ambassador and a messenger, authoritatively delivering the Word of God to me. The expository preachers says, Thus saith the LORD! 3 A preacher does not say, Listen to me because I have to say something. But, Listen to me, because I have something to say, from the word of God. If this is a staggeringly high view of preaching, it was nothing more, Dr. Lloyd-Jones believed, than what is required of the ministerial office. Men of God skilled in expository preaching assert that there is a methodical process by which to study and exegete the Scripture(s), to gather pertinent historical data, to relate the passage to its doctrinal and theological implications, and to communicate the whole of these truths understandably to the public. The authority to preach with power from God is derived from the text of Scriptures. An expository preacher must be certain 2 Walter Kaiser, Toward an Exegetical Theology: Biblical Exegesis for Preaching and Teaching, (Baker Books, 1981). 3 Iain Murray, D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones: The Fight of Faith (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1990), 2:261. seminar 2 : expository preaching page 1

2 that what he says is rooted, grounded, and based on the authoritative word of God. Aside from this exalted view of preaching, there is also a place for humility. It would be irresponsible for a pastor to imagine that one expository sermon a week is sufficient nourishment from the Word for a healthy and vibrant congregation. To say that the flock needs more exposure, consumption, and ingestion of spiritual truth does not diminish the importance of expository preaching. Personal bible study and small group bible study are also important for the health and growth of the body of Christ. Other teaching ministries handled by trained laymen or train staff that agree and submit to the church s doctrinal statement can greatly assist the body and relieve the pastor of extra or excessive load. To summarize, expository preaching: Focuses on a specific passage in Scripture Considers historical context of the passage Exposes the meaning of the passage Explains the theology of the passage in relation to the rest of Scripture Applies the spiritual truth to the lives of the modern audience Does not depend on personal brilliance, personal strength, or self-confidence. III. What is the History of Expository Preaching? History of Preaching: Preaching is the unique hallmark of Christianity. No other religious belief systems worldwide have a history of preaching. Preaching is indispensable to Christianity. 4 Expository Preachers stand in a long and honored tradition going back to the apostles. Nothing must replace or diminish the primacy of preaching. The congregation can pray and praise the Lord, but the entire congregation is not called to the ministry of preaching. However, preaching is central to the life of the congregation; it is not a peripheral or sideline part of the program in a local church. Historically, good biblical preaching always attracts good listening. page 2 seminar 2 : expository preaching A. New Testament Preachers The apostles understood the importance of preaching. When the church increased numerically, they did not want to neglect the Word of God in order to serve tables. So they resisted other forms of ministry and selected men of good reputation for serving food and devoted themselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word (Acts 6:4). Jesus Christ was an itinerant preacher. He came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God (Mk. 1:14). The manner of His entry into Galilee was characterized by preaching the gospel. He did not preach a few messages, collect an offering, and then leave town, as many itinerant preachers do today. He was constantly and consistently preaching the gospel saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe the gospel (Mk. 1:15). The apostle Paul affirmed the same message, Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel (1 Cor. 1:17). B. The Early Church Fathers The Latin church father Tertullian wrote, that they assembled to read the sacred writings to nourish their faith, to animate hope, and inculcate good habits. Exhortations and rebukes are made and censures were administered. Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons stressed the responsibility of the presbytery to adhere to the apostles teaching. These also preserve this faith of ours in one God, who accomplished such marvelous dispensations for our sake; and they expound the Scriptures to us without danger, neither blaspheming God, nor dishonoring the patriarchs, nor despising the prophets. 5 Eusebius, Bishop of Caesarea in the 4th century A.D. summarized the first 200 years of the Christian era in terms of the work of preachers and teachers: They set out on journeys from home and performed the work of evangelists, making it their aim to preach to such as had not yet heard the word of faith at all, and to give them the book of the divine Gospels. 6 4 John R.W. Stott, Between Two Worlds. (Grand Rapids, Wm. B. Eerdman s: 1998), p Ibid., p Ibid., p. 20.

3 C. The Reformers to the Present From the likes of men such as Jean Calvin, Martin Luther, Jonathan Gill, the Puritans, Jonathan Edwards, and Martyn Lloyd-Jones, expository preaching pervades a strong and permanent tradition. Expository preaching is not outdated. The history of Christianity demonstrates the primacy of preaching the Scriptures. Preaching the Word of God spans more than twenty centuries beginning with Jesus Christ and the apostles, continuing through the early church fathers, and extending to the Reformers until the present. Those who come from a reformed tradition, or who are skilled exegetes such as John Calvin have a solid basis upon which to preach. Men of God study the word of God intensely. Consider what Paul said to Timothy in the pastoral epistle, Be diligent to present yourself approved unto God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15). We live in an age in which people have lost their confidence in the Bible for effective ministry. Doctrine and expositional preaching are of minor interests to people who attend church. People are more awed by sign gifts, miracles, or other forms of entertainment in church than in the Bible. In many churches, people do not own or do not bring Bibles to church. Presently in America, Evangelicals are facing the challenge to be faithful to the Scriptures in the midst of cultural Christianity. We cannot afford to diminish the importance of biblical preaching. (The following is adapted from Pastor Rick Holland, Cutting It Straight, Grace Community Church Crossroads Ministry). A. Determine the Proposition of Your Message 1. The proposition is a single statement that expresses the main theme of the passage. Henry Jowett No sermon is ready until we can express its theme in a short, pregnant sentence. I do not think any sermon ought to be preached or even written until that sentence has emerged. Jay Adams Until you can capsulize the purpose of the sermon in one crisp sentence, you probably do not yet have it clearly fixed in your own mind even if you think you do. a. The proposition answers the following questions: (1. What is the point of my message? (2. What is the essence of what I plan to communicate? b. The main idea can sometimes be found in: (1. A single statement or idea in the passage. Example: 1 Peter 2:1-3 Single Statement: Verse 2: Long for the pure milk of the word. Believers must intensely desire the Word of God. IV. How Does One Craft an Expository Sermon? It is impossible to preach the entire Bible in one sermon. The Bible must be broken down into understandable and preachable segments. The goal of an expositor is to isolate the units of thought and then determine how to expound or teach these units in succession without losing the overall intent of the original author. Keep the following table in mind when preparing a sermon. Example: 1 John 2:15-17 Single Statement: Verse 15a: Do not love the world. Believers must refrain from loving the world. (2. Recurring statements, ideas, clauses, or phrases in the passage. seminar 2 : expository preaching page 3

4 Example: Isaiah 40:12-31 Recurring Statement: Verse 18: To whom then will you liken God? Or what likeness will you compare with Him? God is incomparable. Example: 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 Recurring Statement: Verse 2: that the one who had done this deed might be removed from your midst. Expel the immoral sinner from the fellowship. 2. The proposition captures and serves the central theme of all you have to say. If the proposition does not function as the central theme of all that you have to say, then either: a. your proposition does not properly reflect the text, or b. your message is straying away from the text to some degree 3. The proposition must be both: a. grounded in the text (i.e. biblically based) First discover the proposition of the original writer, often called the exegetical proposition. b. directed to your audience (i.e. easily understood) Since our task is to communicate biblical truth to modern listeners, a distinction should be made between an exegetical proposition and a homiletical proposition. The Exegetical Proposition vs. Homiletical Proposition 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. Exegetical Proposition (focuses on original readers) Paul reminds Timothy of 4 traits of Scripture that he might be encouraged to preach the Word How do these propositions differ? Homiletical Proposition (focuses on contemporary hearers) Paul describes 4 characteristics of Scripture that should motivate you to be more devoted to God s Word. The exegetical proposition can often be stated as a universal truth that is timeless, applying to people of all times and places. This might not always be the case since Scripture was written to specific generations during different dispensations. Some exegetical propositions will not be relevant to contemporary listeners. 4. The proposition is most easily expressed with a plural noun, often called a Plural-Noun Proposition. The plural noun will enable you to narrow the focus of your proposition and lead your hearers into the points of your outline. Notice the difference the plural noun makes in the examples below: Example: 1 Peter 4:1-6 Believers must intensely desire the Word of God. Plural-Noun Proposition: Peter provides 3 ways to increase your desire for God s. Word. page 4 seminar 2 : expository preaching

5 Example: 1 Thess. 4:6-8 Believers must be sanctified. Plural-Noun Proposition: Paul gives 3 Compelling Reasons to Strive for holiness. Example: 1 Peter 1:6-9 If you promise 4 reasons we should worship Jesus, don t give 3 reasons and one command: 1. Jesus is divine. 2. Jesus is powerful. 3. Jesus is holy. 4. You must love Jesus. Example: Isaiah 40:12-31 God is incomparable. Plural-Noun Proposition: Isaiah provides 9 truths that prove God is incomparable. B. Compose the Outline of Your Message. 1. A good, clear outline will allow provide a number of distinct advantages. a. It will allow you and your hearers to exactly where you are at any given time. John MacArthur The thing that kills people in what is sometimes called expository preaching is randomly meandering through a passage. b. It helps ensure you teach the message of the text. c. It will better enable you and your hears to: (1. remember the message. (2. apply the message. 2. When you compose your outline, make sure that each point: a. fits your plural-noun proposition and is coordinate with you other points. b. flows from the text. (1. Each point of your outline should be a complete thought. (2. Each point should be informed by the grammatical structure of the text. c. Each point should be clear and easy to remember. This can be accomplished through the use of alliteration and/or parallelism. (1. Alliteration means beginning key words of each point usually the first word with the same letter. Example: James 1:2-4 Proposition: 3 ways to respond when you encounter trials. Outline: 1. Consider it all joy (v. 2). 2. Cling to what you know (v. 3). 3. Capitalize on the opportunity (v. 4). (2. Parallelism consists of making sure each word in each point is grammatically parallel to each word in the other. seminar 2 : expository preaching page 5

6 Example 1 Corinthians 4:14-21 Proposition: 6 key traits of a good father. Outline: 1. He admonishes. 2. He loves. 3. He sets an example. 4. He protects. 5. He teaches. 6. He disciplines. 3. Each point is applicable and therefore addresses your audience. Jay Adams A preaching outline is designed to thrust truth into the midst of lives in order to change those lives. This can be accomplished by using either: a. the 2nd person in general ( you, your, or yourself ) or b. specific exhortations directed to your listeners. Notice the difference an applicable outline can make. When you have a difficult time making a point applicable, wrestle with the question of how the writer of the text intended his readers to respond to the truth being enunciated. Example: 1Cor. 10:13 In 1 Corinthians 10:13a, the Apostle Paul writes, No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man. Because this sentence is a statement rather than a command it is more difficult to compose a point that is applicable in form. As you reflect on Paul s intent, however, you realize that his concern is that his readers would have a correct understanding of the nature of temptation. For this reason the point might be: Rightly regard the nature of temptation. C. Prepare the Body of Your Message 1. The body of your message will drive the proposition and consist of your homiletical outline and the meat that you put on the skeleton. 2. Each point of your outline should contain 3 main components: explanation, illustration, and application. Example: 1 Peter 2:18-25: Outline # 1: Proposition: 3 aspects of submission to unjust authority. 1. The Mandate (v. 18) 2. The Motive (vv 19-20). 3. The Model (vv 21-25). Outline # 2: 1. Submit yourself to the authorities (v. 18). 2. Entrust yourself to the sovereignty of God (vv 19-20). 3. Conform yourself to the pattern of Christ (vv 21-25). What makes the 2nd outline better than the first? Explain each point of the outline. Illustrate each point of the outline. Apply each point of the outline. a. Explanation (unfold the meaning each point). (1. Articulate the point and tie it to the proposition. (2. Tell the people what the text means. (3. Read the biblical text (always announce the verse). (4. Explain the biblical text. i. Emphasize your point in the text. ii. Define key words and phrases. iii. Capture the flow of thought. iv. Repeat significant statements. page 6 seminar 2 : expository preaching

7 v. Restate the key points in various ways. Use synonyms Use parallel phrases. vi. Keep the people in the text. vii. Major on the majors. viii. Discard what s not needed. ix. Simplify difficult concepts. x. Use simple and clear language. Use short sentences. Use familiar vocabulary. Use vivid words. Use concrete terminology. xi. Avoid the three pitfalls: Don t focus so closely on the details that you miss the big picture. Don t lose your audience with verbose language Don t drown them in irrelevant background material. b. Illustration (illuminate the meaning of each point). Illustrations should: (1. Make the abstract concrete. (2. Make the invisible visible. (3. Make the unknown known. (4. Make the obscure clear. Illustrations paint pictures in the imagination. They can be gleaned from: i. personal experience ii. newspapers iii. current events iv. books v. magazines vi. Scripture vii. quotations viii. historical accounts c. Application (get the audience to respond to each point). Application of God s word is a must. After each point is explained and illustrated, it is only natural that the truth should be applied personally. The application should be made throughout your message and not just at the end of the sermon. Application involves both: (1. pinpointing how God wants His people to respond to the text (2. exhorting them to respond in this way. Jay Adams Application refers to that process by which preachers make Scriptural truths so pertinent that their hearers not only understand how those truths should affect their lives but also feel obligated and eager to implement those changes. Application of the text can be stimulated by asking such questions as: i. Is there a truth to believe about God? ii. Is there a truth to believe about doctrine? iii. Is there a command to obey? iv. Is there a promise to trust? v. Is there a sin to turn from? vi. Is there an example to follow? vii. Is there a principle to follow? D. Write the Introduction to your Message 1. The introduction should be designed to: a. capture attention b. secure interest c. answer the question, Why should I listen to this message? d. describe the purpose of your message. e. prepare the listener to follow the path of your message. 2. The introduction can be gleaned from: a. personal anecdotes b. current events c. humorous incidents d. biblical narratives e. cultural issues f. relevant quotations g. biographies h. second-hand stories i. doctrinal positions 3. The introduction should: a. be as brief as possible, and b. be as long as necessary In other words, don t linger on, but get the job done by helping them listen. c. use as few notes as possible d. lead directly into your plural-noun proposition seminar 2 : expository preaching page 7

8 E. Form the Conclusion of Your Message 1. Your conclusion deserves careful thought and attention. 2. Your conclusion: a. helps distinguish a sermon from a lecture. b. prevents an abrupt ending. 3. Your conclusion should have 2 primary goals: a. briefly summarize the content and points of your message b. forcefully exhort your listeners to respond to the message John Stott Our expectation as the sermon comes to an end, is not merely that people will understand or remember or enjoy our teaching, but that they will do something about is. Alex Montoya The conclusion must solicit a verdict from the hearers. They must be forced to choose for themselves whether or not they will conform their lives to the truth of the message. 7 Alex Montoya, Preaching With Passion, (Grand Rapids, Kregel Pub.: 2000), p Ibid., p. 14. page 8 seminar 2 : expository preaching V. What is the Goal of Expository Preaching? Preaching requires that we be men of God, that our character is free of glaring and obvious defect. Without holiness and godliness, our doctrine will lack power and authenticity. Satan toys with many so-called men of God when they un-preach their sermon by their actions and lifestyle. The immature and ungodly, Satan labels as hypocrites rather than preachers. Homiletics: Do not preach to be understood! Preach so that it is impossible to be misunderstood! We must be very articulate and very accurate in what we say so that we do not confuse our audience. It is too easy to be vague and unclear so we must work hard at what we are called and gifted to do: communicate and deliver the Word of God. The challenge of expository preaching is to close the gap between what is in the text, transfer that into our head (biblical exegesis & biblical theology), and communicate the text to their hearts with the fewest mistakes possible. Since the audience does not generally comprehend exegesis and theology, we communicate to close that gap. The ability to deliver the goods must not rely on technological ingenuity, human wisdom, or human strength. Preaching is partly an exercise of faith in the Word of God and as such faith must ultimately rest on Christ and His cross, the content of the message, and not on the one who delivers the message (1 Cor. 1:17, 2:4-5). Yelling or a raised voice is not necessarily the marker by which we should gauge the effectiveness of our sermons. At the same time, a dull preacher is contradictory in terms; if he is dull, he is not a preacher. In other words, standing in a pulpit does not make one a preacher. 7 If we have a theme and message from the Bible, it should be anything but boring. God forbid that we declare His Word in a lifeless and listless manner. 8 The ultimate goal of preaching however is not animated delivery. People should not come to see us on fire or to get excited about our ministry. God can use a man who is not a great homiletician, but a great teacher. Whether we deliver the message with great power or with great clarity or both, the glory of preaching belongs to God. If we understand that the content, the intent, and the delivery of the message are all from God, then the entire process of sermon production and delivery must glorify God. Therefore, the ultimate goal of preaching is the Glory of God. If we glorify our gifts, our stories, or ourselves, we have failed and sinned against God. God aims to exalt Himself, not a preacher nor any other man. And if a man should lift up God through preaching, then God will also elevate such a preacher. It is therefore irresponsible and rebellious to exalt one preacher above another. Does God have a favorite preacher? J.I. Packer said of D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, He brought me more of a sense of God than any other man. He did not receive a greater awareness of a preacher, but of God Himself. People should not see us, they should see God. The implication is that we should never study a passage to find a sermon. We should not read the Scriptures only to conduct a bible study. We must study to understand what they Lord says and how He wants us to respond to that truth. We must study and preach to see how God is and will be most glorified. If you have no desire to glorify God in preaching or in ministry, then you are neither holy, nor godly, nor fit for ministry.

9 Here are some requirements for personal assistance in preaching:. A. Requirements for the Preacher: There is no greater challenge that a man can take upon himself than that of preaching the Word of God. Preaching is beyond human ability. Preaching is a supernatural event that cannot be contrived, artificial, or insincere. If God has not called you to the task of preaching faithfully week to week, what you say in the pulpit and do out of the pulpit will demonstrate the credibility of your calling to preach. To preach the word of God faithfully, in season out of season (1 Tim. 4:2) is no small task. If God has certainly confirmed the call and gift to preach with power it should be evident that you are a holy instrument in His hands (1 Thess. 1:5). We must face the reality that not all Christians are called to preach the Word. The call to preach is non-transferable gift. We cannot transfer, pass on, or duplicate the gift of preaching to our children, to a sibling in the family, or our wife. 1. You Must Know the Scriptures in its Entirety If any man dare undertake the task of preaching, he must be thoroughly convinced that what he says is completely true. There is little to no room for error in what a preacher says or claims is the Word of God. James 3:1 says, Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we shall incur a stricter judgment. A preacher must be completely certain the words he speaks are from the Word of God. Otherwise he must remain silent until God has fully etched and carved a message on his soul from the Scriptures, relevant for today. If a man has not completely read and understood the Scriptures from beginning to end, he will speak out of ignorance. If a man does not have a good grasp on Biblical Theology and Exegesis, he will speak on matters that may irrelevant, irreverent, or irresponsible. Preaching the Scriptures demands solid biblical instruction in Bible Survey, Original languages, and in Theology so that what is spoken can be uttered with complete confidence. Memorizing Scripture and using a Biblical text does not guarantee our preaching is essentially biblical or expositional. While some may argue that Peter was uneducated, should we make Peter the rule or standard? Poor study habits make a poor sermon. We must labor diligently to ensure that our preaching lines up with the text and is relevant to our audience. a. The Theology of the Scriptures (Biblical Theology). Paul said For I determined not to know anything among you, except Christ and Him crucified (1 Cor. 2:2). In other words, Paul did not preach Christ in a predictable and superficial manner. There are innumerable and inexhaustible riches in Christ, not merely as a person, but also as a doctrine, which none can fully comprehend, but must fully proclaim. Apart from Christ, the Scriptures are under a veil. But through the veil of His flesh, through the gospel of His cross, He entered the Holy of Holies intercedes and reveals spiritual truths. Unlike Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the end of what was passing away. But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unremoved in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ. Nevertheless, when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away (2 Cor. 3:13-16). The Old and the New Testament only make sense through Christ because the theme that consistently runs throughout the Bible is the salvation of God. The theological theme of salvation begins in Gen. 3:15 continues through the history of Israel s rebellion and disobedience, the Old Testament (Isa. 43:11; Jer. 46:27; Zech. 10:7), and the New Testament (Rom. 10:13; Tit. 3:5; Rev. 21:24) consistently speaking of a faithful Savior. Righteousness did not come by the law, but through faith (Rom. 3:22, 28). If we are to develop expository sermons from both the Old and the New Testament we must understand how they are connected and disconnected. For example, the anticipated kingdom of the Messiah that the nation of Israel expected and disciples prayed for seminar 2 : expository preaching page 9

10 (Matt. 6:10) joins the Old and New Testaments through Christ. The message of the Kingdom of Heaven initiates the gospel of repentance that Jesus preached (Matt. 4:17). And prior to His Ascension and Pentecost, the disciples asked Christ, Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel (Acts 1:6)? It ought to be very clear, the entire Bible hinges and revolves around the saving work of God through the gospel and its relation to His Kingdom. Every sermon has as its basic goal the redemptive purposes and plan of God. There are 5 recurring themes that are constantly emphasized: 1. The attributes or character of God 2. The judgment for sin and disobedience 3. The blessings for faith and obedience 4. The Lord Savior Jesus Christ and sacrifice for sin 5. The coming kingdom and glory page 10 seminar 2 : expository preaching Problems with Plural Noun Propositions: Realize that not every Old Testament narrative bears relevance to the modern reader and hearer, but through the cross, facets of the gospel (faith or sin), judgment, or the kingdom of God bears direct application to the modern hearer. A sermon dressed in a plural noun proposition will not always work well in an Old Testament narrative. The Bible is not a book on systematic theology. The majority of the Bible contains stories and narrative history, not propositions and commands. This means we must work hard to illustrate and communicate the Scriptures. Preaching a plural noun proposition can be easily extracted from the New Testament Epistles. But attempting to drawing applications from a plural noun proposition based on an Old Testament narrative is difficult. How does a contemporary preacher make application to Joshua s entrance into the promised-land if we are not Jews currently living in ancient Israel? (Notice that virtually all of the sermons preached during the course of this conference are from the New Testament Epistles.) Biblical theology and application of the text plays an important role in expository preaching. The evangelical preacher needs to resist the modern hijacking of hermeneutics by purely literary and linguistic interests that ignore the ultimate purpose of God s word, which is to proclaim Christ to a lost world. 11 In other words, people need more than skilled exegesis and word studies to affect their lives. While the Bible is sufficient to equip all the saints for every good work, a technical commentary tends to communicate stories and narrative very poorly. The goal of preaching is not that we become scholars, but holy men qualified and skilled to deliver the Word of God faithfully! May God raise-up and bless a new generation of pastors for the Philippines!! Bibliography Goldsworthy, Graeme, Preaching the Whole Bible as Christian Scripture. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdman s, Kaiser, Walter Jr., Toward An Exegetical Theology. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, Montoya, Alex, Preaching With Passion. Grand Rapids: Kregel, Murray, Ian, Martyn Lloyd-Jones: The Fight of Faith Edinburgh: Banner of. Truth, Piper, John, The Supremacy of God in Preaching. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, Stott, R. W. John, Between Two Worlds. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdman s, 1982.