Tools For Expositing Psalms 23

HOW TO DEVELOP EXPOSITIONAL SERMONS

a). Definition of an Expositional Sermon - An expository sermon is one in which a portion of scripture is interpreted in relation to one theme or subject. The bulk of the material for the sermon is drawn directly from the passage and the outline consists of a series of progressive ideas centered around that main idea.

b). Distinguish a textual from an expository sermon. A textual sermon consists of main divisions that are derived from a small section of scripture, usually a single verse or two or even a part of the verse. The expository sermon encompasses an expanded section of the Bible, perhaps three to thirty verses.

c). Use description to help paint a mental picture for your people.

d). Use narration to let them hear the actual words spoken in the passage by the Biblical characters. Dramatize their words as if you were putting yourself in their positions.

e). Use various arguments that represent the various viewpoints to show how the scripture has an answer for every legitimate question. Avoid needless arguments however. (2 Tim.2:24)

f). Criticize wrong interpretations, applications, or men’s distortions of the truth of the passage.

g). Correlate what other commentaries or people have said about the passage.

h). Relate the passage to what is happening in the lives of your people.

i). Explain the words, phrases, themes, problems, context, and background of the people involved to give the people perspective to the text.

j). Use the various types of outlines given in the following sections of this book to present the scriptures with a variety of approaches.

Example of Expository Sermon

1). Topic - Fight the Good Fight

Subject - Equipment for Spiritual Warfare

Thematic Question - How Should We Equip Ourselves to Fight the Good fight of Faith?

Note: Each sermons should begin with a propositional statement where the Pastor summarizes (simply and clearly) what he wants the congregation to learn in one sentence. From the proposition, the preacher will discuss, develop, prove, explain, illustrate, amplify, encourage, exhort, and apply the truths of the scripture.

In other words, the propositional statement is the sermon in miniature. It captures the main theme of the message. It should be repeated several times insuring that everyone knows what is the main thing they are expected to gain from your message. One old wise preacher use to say, ``If people aim at nothing they tend to hit it everytime.’’

Note: Each title should be pertinent to the text. It should be short, simple, and easy to remember. An interesting title will stir the greatest response in your audience. The title should be stated in the form of an affirmation, interrogation, or exclamation. The title may be a brief quotation from scripture. i.e. ``Thy will be done’’; ``There we saw giants’’; ``Teach us to pray’’

Listen to some of the better titles given by some of the world’s greatest preachers: 1). The Great Gain of Godliness - Maclaren - I Kgs. 4:25-34; 2). The Defeat of Death - Pierson, I Cor. 15; 3). The Re-Action of Revenge - Macartney Esther 1-10; 4). Pay Day Someday - R.G. Lee John 3 5). Rest for the Restless - Spurgeon - Mt. 11:28-30; 6). The School of Sorrow - Thomas - Gen. 35:8-29; 7). Barrenness or Blessedness - Olford - Numb. 21:10-18

I. The Christians’ morale vv.10-14a.

A. It should be high. v.10

B. It should be steadfast vv. 11-14.

II. The Christian’s armor vv. 14-17.

A. It should be defensive in character.

14-17a.

B. It should be also offensive in character.

v.17b

III. The Christian’s prayer life,v.18

A. It should be persistent, v.18a

B. It should be intercessory v.18b

(Braga, p. 70, 1981)

d). Study the passage to be able to understand its meaning, theme, and context.

e). Emphasize the meanings of significant words or phrases that may form the main portion of your expository sermon.

f). Outlines may vary according to the type of theme. For instance your outline may be a problem-solution one, a deductive one, an inductive one, a pattern one, a cause to effect or an effect to cause etc. You are not frozen to the order in which the passages appear.

g). The order of importance of truth may determine the order with which you present the points in your expository sermon. Use different divisions to seek a good arrangement of your points i.e. chronological, geographical, topical, expositional, quantitative, paragraph, deductive, inductive, classifications, psychological, cultural, customary, cause to effect, effect to cause, similarity, dissimilarity, negation, process, or problem-solution.

h). Two or three extended passages may be brought together to form an expository sermon.

For instance - Rahab, A Woman Who Was Saved By Her Faith

1. Her terrible past - Josh. 2:1, Heb. 11:31, James 2:25

2. Her faith in God - Heb. 11:31