The Christ-Centered Expositor: A Field Guide for Word-Driven Disciple Makers

by Tony Merida

Second, the exegetical approach is practiced by many contemporary expositors.

Third, the preacher/teacher may use a pure exposition approach.

Fourth, one could employ the hybrid homily approach.

Fifth, the Puritan approach is another application-based way to build an expository sermon.

Sixth, the question-answer approach is also a good way to teach some passages.

Seventh, the problem-solution approach is a good way to preach redemptive sermons.

Eighth, the inductive approach is a good idea for narrative texts.

Finally, the sermonic plot approach also works well for narrative passages.

Lowry says that sermons from narrative passages can follow a five-part sequence effectively: (1) Oops!—introduce the problem; (2) Ugh!—analyze the problem; (3) Aha!—introduce the solution; (4) Whee!—bring the gospel to bear on the problem; and (5) Yeah!—apply the resolution to contemporary life.240

One key to remember is to make the points mutually exclusive. If you have three points, then use three, but if there are less or more, then adjust. Next, make your points understandable and plain.

From the initial point of the text selection to the completion of the notes/manuscript, John Stott said that beginning preachers need at least twelve hours to prepare one sermon.243 But even this does not take into consideration the amount of time for meditating late at night, thinking in the car, talking to other preachers, or doing outside reading.

The functional elements include explanation, illustration, and application.

The key question to ask is: What does my audience really need to understand about this passage?

Look for key doctrines and instruct and inspire your audience with these great truths.

Next, you can cross-reference other verses in order to explain Scripture with Scripture.

A final way to explain the text is by reading the text with emphasis.

The overall truth to remember in explaining is to avoid overly academic language.

Application basically means putting something to use.

I use the categories specific and transformative to describe the nature of biblical application.

Specific application is when you apply the text to particular situations that wil...

Robinson said, “More heresy is preached in application than in Bible exegesis.”247

Robinson encourages these categories: necessary, probable, possible, improbable, and impossible.

Too often preachers give to a possible implication all the authority of a necessary implication, which is at the level of obedience. Only with necessary implications can you preach, “Thus saith the Lord.”248

integrity. Do not confuse a suggestion with the clear, specific (and necessary) application of the text.

Addressing the heart, the sin beneath the sin, is transformative application.

He says his former approach went something like this: Here is what the text says Here is how we must live in light of that text Now go and live that way, and God will help you.251

Here is the usual flow of Keller’s application (not necessarily his sermon outline): Here is what the text says Here is how we must live in light of it But we simply cannot do it Ah—but there is One who did! Now, through faith in him, you can begin to live this way.253

Our sermons must show how the person and work of Jesus Christ bears on the subject.

We should all be growing personally in gospel application because the gospel is endlessly rich, and we need it every day. But we should also be growing homiletically in our use of running and collected application.

First, remember to go deeper than only behavioral steps when talking about how people change.

Second, edify while you evangelize and evangelize while you edify.255

Third, remember to apply the text to both individuals and the corporate body.

Fourth, engage the prodigal and the older brother. This means learn to apply the message to the (lost) irreligious person and the (lost) religious person.

Usually, when people think about applying the text to a lost person, they think younger brother (the hedonist). But we must also learn to apply it to the elder brother (the moralist).

Fifth, do the work of an evangelist from the pulpit and in your everyday life.

Eventually, unbelievers will show up for one of two reasons. (1) Some will come because they know you will address them and deal with their questions. (2) Others will come because their friends will bring them—because the friends know that you will address the unbeliever.

Finally, aim for adoration, not only information.

Jonathan Edwards stated that the religious person may find Christ useful, but a disciple of Jesus finds him beautiful.258

The business of preaching is to make such knowledge live.”259

So I prefer to give both running and collected application. I prefer to make application in all three places: the introduction, within the body of the sermon, and at the conclusion.

I generally say something like, “If you are a believer, here’s why we need this text . . .” And “If you are not a Christian, this is a great week for you to be here because . . .” My hope is that everyone will then see that the entire sermon applies to him or her.

How does the teaching in this point fit into the salvation-historical progression of the biblical storyline? What does this text say to the non-Christian? What does it say to the larger society and to policy makers? What does it say about Jesus? How does it apply to the individual Christian? Does it say anything in particular about issues of work or family? What does it say to my own local church, Capitol Hill Baptist Church?260

Certainly, there are times to say, “We need to . . .” but my advice is that if you apply the text to yourself during the week, as you should, then you have earned the right to say “you.”

Finally, present your application in a powerful, carefully worded sentence. Piper states, “Books don’t change people, paragraphs do—sometimes sentences.”262

Sharing a great illustration, by itself, is never the expositor’s goal.

Quotations from authorities or statistics and research are examples of illustrations that can help you contend for a point.

Finally, illustrations inspire or motivate the hearers. In fact, Bryan Chapell believes that the primary purpose of illustrations is “not to clarify but to motivate.”265

Second, keep your eyes open.

A third tip is related to these first two: know how to tell a good story.

Fourth, remember to use illustrations at various places in the sermon.