How to Prepare an Expository Sermon

Expository preaching makes the meaning of a biblical text the governing message of the sermon.

The preacher does not use the text merely as a starting quotation for preferred ideas.

The sermon explains what the inspired author communicated and applies that truth faithfully to contemporary hearers.

Select a Preachable Unit

Choose a complete unit of thought.

It may be:

• a paragraph
• narrative scene
• psalm
• prophetic oracle
• section of teaching

Avoid dividing the text where the argument remains incomplete.

Read the whole book before finalizing the unit.

Pray and Read Repeatedly

Prayer does not replace study.

It places study under dependence upon God.

Read the passage:

• in several translations
• aloud
• repeatedly
• within the surrounding chapters
• within the whole book

Record observations before consulting commentaries.

Establish Context

Study:

• author
• audience
• historical setting
• purpose
• literary genre
• immediate context
• biblical-theological context

Context controls meaning.

A sermon cannot be faithful if the text is detached from its argument.

Analyze Structure

Identify:

• main clauses
• repeated words
• contrasts
• commands
• reasons
• narrative movement
• cause and effect
• climax

Create a structural outline.

The sermon structure need not copy the grammar mechanically, but it should arise from the text’s logic.

Research Carefully

Use:

• original-language tools appropriately
• dictionaries
• commentaries
• historical resources
• theological works
• cross-references

Do not display every discovery in the sermon.

Research serves clarity.

Cite sources when words or distinctive ideas are used.

State the Text Idea

The text idea summarizes the author’s message to the original audience.

A useful text idea includes:

• subject: what the author is discussing
• complement: what the author says about it

Write one clear sentence.

If the preacher cannot state the text’s central idea, the sermon will likely wander.

State the Sermon Idea

The sermon idea communicates the enduring truth to the contemporary audience.

It should remain faithful to the text while being clear and memorable.

The sermon idea answers:

What one truth should the hearer understand and embrace?

Avoid clever wording that obscures meaning.

Identify the Fallen Condition or Human Need

Ask what human problem the text addresses.

This may include:

• unbelief
• fear
• pride
• suffering
• confusion
• conflict
• temptation
• injustice
• forgetfulness

Application becomes specific when the preacher understands the shared human condition.

Connect the Text to Christ

Christ-centered preaching does not force Jesus into every detail.

It locates the passage within the Bible’s redemptive story.

Ask:

• Does the text promise Christ?
• reveal a pattern He fulfills?
• expose a need He answers?
• display a kingdom theme?
• teach truth He embodies?
• connect to the Gospel?

Preach the text as Christian Scripture.

Build the Sermon Structure

Main points should:

• arise from the text
• advance the central idea
• be distinct
• be understandable
• support application

Use as few points as the text requires.

A sermon is not improved automatically by alliteration.

Explain

Clarify what the text says.

Define terms, describe context, and show the argument.

Do not assume hearers understand theological vocabulary.

Explanation should be accurate and proportionate.

Illustrate

Illustrations help people see and feel truth.

Use:

• biblical stories
• history
• ordinary life
• analogy
• testimony
• literature

Protect privacy.

Do not exaggerate.

An illustration should serve the text rather than become the sermon’s emotional center.

Apply

Application answers:

• What should we believe?
• What should we desire?
• What should we do?
• What should we stop?
• What comfort should we receive?
• What hope should we embrace?

Apply to different hearers:

• unbeliever
• new believer
• mature Christian
• sufferer
• leader
• family
• church

Avoid vague endings such as “try harder.”

Ground obedience in grace.

Persuade

Preaching seeks a response.

Persuasion includes:

• clear reasoning
• emotional honesty
• credibility
• urgency
• invitation
• Gospel motivation

Manipulation uses pressure detached from truth.

Faithful persuasion displays why the text matters and calls hearers to respond to God.

Write and Edit

Whether using a manuscript or outline:

• remove repetition
• simplify sentences
• define transitions
• verify facts
• check quotations
• estimate time
• strengthen the introduction and conclusion

Read the sermon aloud.

Written language often sounds unnatural when spoken.

Prepare Delivery

Consider:

• pace
• volume
• pauses
• eye contact
• posture
• emphasis
• technology
• timing

Delivery should serve meaning.

Authenticity is not the absence of preparation.

Evaluate Afterwards

Ask:

• Was the text handled faithfully?
• Was the main idea clear?
• Did application arise from the text?
• Was Christ proclaimed?
• Was the sermon understandable?
• Did illustrations serve?
• Did delivery distract?
• What feedback is needed?

Avoid evaluating only by compliments or visible response.

A Preparation Workflow

1. select the unit
2. pray and read
3. establish context
4. analyze structure
5. research
6. write the text idea
7. identify human need
8. connect to Christ
9. write the sermon idea
10. build points
11. explain, illustrate, apply
12. edit
13. rehearse
14. preach
15. evaluate

Expository preaching is disciplined service.

The preacher labors so that people may hear the Word of God clearly, encounter Christ faithfully, and respond with faith and obedience.