Episode 353: An Exchange on the Expository [Method]
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The hosts of Three Guys Theologizing dive deep into the heart of expository preaching, challenging the common misconception that it simply means verse-by-verse commentary. Barry York, Scott Hunt, and Kyle Borg unpack the nuanced reality: true expository preaching is about faithfully uncovering the central message of a biblical passage—often a pericope, not a single verse—within its broader literary and theological context. They argue that this method, especially in Reformed circles, ensures the 'whole counsel of God' is preached, preventing pastors from cherry-picking only the 'safe' or popular texts. Yet they also issue a crucial warning: when expository preaching becomes rigidly dogmatic—treated as the only valid method—it risks becoming a legalistic trap. The conversation reveals that even the Bible itself isn't always structured for strict exposition, with books like Proverbs and Lamentations resisting the 'pericope-by-pericope' model. The real strength lies not in the method alone, but in the mutual commitment between preacher and congregation: the preacher faithfully proclaims God’s Word, and the hearer humbly receives it, even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient. This isn’t about entertainment or personal preference—it’s about spiritual formation through sustained, Spirit-led engagement with Scripture.
Expository preaching is not just verse-by-verse commentary; it's preaching the central message of a manageable section (pericope) of Scripture within its full context.
The goal of expository preaching is to deliver the 'whole counsel of God,' not just the pastor's favorite or most comfortable topics.
Preachers should not feel pressured to cover every detail of a passage in one sermon; returning to a passage over multiple weeks deepens understanding and spiritual impact.
Not all biblical books lend themselves equally to strict expositional preaching—Proverbs, Lamentations, and collections of wisdom sayings often require a more topical or thematic approach.
Congregations must embrace their role: receive every sermon as God’s Word for their life, even when it’s challenging or inconvenient.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction and Campaign Banter
The hosts open with lighthearted banter, teasing Scott Hunt’s political campaign for prosecuting attorney in Grant County, Indiana, and joking about campaign slogans and yard signs. The playful tone sets a warm, conversational stage.
Defining Expository Preaching: Beyond Verse-by-Verse
“Expository preaching isn't always the most useful name. It would be more reflective of what is sometimes called Lectio Continua preaching.”
The Strengths of Expository Preaching
“When you have an expository approach to preaching, and I'm using that in the broad sense of expository, and you go, you know, through a book... of the Bible, you get the whole counsel of God.”
The Preacher’s Perspective: Preparation and Spiritual Feeding
“It is truly food for my soul because you're grappling with what is Paul doing right now? Why is he doing this?”
The Westminster Directory: Wisdom on Preaching
“You need to be mindful of the order in which it's presented, which homiletically is not always the way that you read the text.”
“God doesn't care about your attention span. God, as Scott has said, has communicated his word the way that he has.”
“When you have an expository approach to preaching, and I'm using that in the broad sense of expository, and you go, you know, through a book... of the Bible, you get the whole counsel of God.”
“It is truly food for my soul because you're grappling with what is Paul doing right now? Why is he doing this?”
Hosts
Kyle Borg
person
Scott Hunt
person
Barry York
person
Proverbs
book
Westminster Directory of Public Worship
other
Reformed Presbyterian Church in North America
organization
Galatians
book
Deuteronomy
book
D.A. Carson
person
John Piper
person
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