Topical Sermons vs. Expository Teaching

MizDoulos · Jul 11, 2002

There are different methods of teaching Scripture. Topical and expository are two very different styles used by many churches. Topical refers to sermons based on subjects (or topics), and expository is a verse by verse method of studying the Bible.

My husband and I have had the privilege of sitting under the teaching of Dr. John MacArthur, Jr., for over 16 years when we lived in the LA area. He is one of the finest expository teachers today. He has the skill of taking a difficult passage and explaining it in simple terms, giving the full understanding and meaning of the verse including Greek and Hebrew.

One year, Pastor John decided to teach the book of Romans. The first word is Paul. He spent the next month just on Paul. It was one of the most informative and interesting sermons that I can recall on any one person in Scripture.

Pastor John's teaching over the years has given me a comprehensive understanding of God's Word, which has been invaluable in my spiritual life. I am ever thankful to God for him!

If you have sat under both styles of teaching, which one has benefited your spiritual life the most? Which one do you prefer and why?

Hebrews 5:13, 14

filosofer · Jul 11, 2002

The first word is Paul. He spent the next month just on Paul.

Except this statement reveals that he was preaching topically, not expositionally.

MizDoulos · Jul 11, 2002

Yes, in this rare instance, Pastor John stopped to do a "Paul" topical study before moving on to his method of expository teaching. What a great teacher he is!

Filosopher, care to answer my questions?

Ioustinos · Jul 11, 2002

For the past five years I have sat under topical preaching, and within the past year I have listened to expository preaching (preferably John MacArthur, David Jeremiah, Allestair Begg). In all honesty I have grown in my faith more through expository preaching than with topical preaching. Yet we should not discredit topical preaching, because when done correctly one can benefit greatly from topical preaching. John and some of the professors at the Master's Seminary do a wonderful job of explaining this in their book "Rediscovering Expository Preaching." (This book changed the way I preach and approach the scriptures) But the majority of preaching is best left to expository preaching with some topical sermons when they are needed. A good example of this is given in MizDuolos' post when Pastor MacArthur performed a topical view of Paul in order to establish a background for his point of view and teachings in the book of Romans.

To sum it up, if I had to choose I would choose expository preaching.

Jesaiah

MizDoulos · Jul 12, 2002

Originally posted by Jesaiah
For the past five years I have sat under topical preaching, and within the past year I have listened to expository preaching (preferably John MacArthur, David Jeremiah, Allestair Begg). In all honesty I have grown in my faith more through expository preaching than with topical preaching. Yet we should not discredit topical preaching, because when done correctly one can benefit greatly from topical preaching. John and some of the professors at the Master's Seminary do a wonderful job of explaining this in their book "Rediscovering Expository Preaching." (This book changed the way I preach and approach the scriptures) But the majority of preaching is best left to expository preaching with some topical sermons when they are needed. A good example of this is given in MizDuolos' post when Pastor MacArthur performed a topical view of Paul in order to establish a background for his point of view and teachings in the book of Romans.

To sum it up, if I had to choose I would choose expository preaching.

Jesaiah

You've explained Pastor John's teaching better than I, and you understand his method very well.

Thank you for your imput, Jesaiah!

chagal was here · Jul 12, 2002

i prefer expository preaching and use that method most of the time

however

i often times will include a small portion of topical preaching within an expository sermon.

seems to me that its too easy to proove your own point of view with topical rather than finding what's already there.

Ioustinos · Jul 12, 2002

Originally posted by MizDoulos

You've explained Pastor John's teaching better than I, and you understand his method very well.

Thank you for your imput, Jesaiah!

 

Thanks MizDuolos!!!  I look up to and respect Pastor MacArthur.  I see him as my pastor over the airwaves

This fall I will be enrolling at Liberty University in order to begin work towards a degree in Biblical Studies with the hopes of then going to The Master's Seminary for further education. 

 

MizDoulos · Jul 13, 2002

[GLOW=teal]CONGRATULATIONS, JESAIAH!!![/GLOW]

I am very happy for you on your acceptance to Liberty University and your plans to attend The Master's College after that. You've chosen one of the finest seminaries in the country, IMO. I am thrilled for you!

Ioustinos · Jul 13, 2002

[SHADOW=skyblue][GLOW=darkblue]Thank You MizDoulos![/GLOW] [/SHADOW] :wave:

MizDoulos · Jul 14, 2002

You're welcome, Jesaiah.

filosofer · Jul 14, 2002

I think there is a need for both types of sermons. That's what I have done over the past 20+ years.

As for listening to preachers, I don't get to do that much, except during the week on radio, and that only sporadically. Perhaps one of the best I have heard live is Oswald Hoffmann, Lutheran Hour speaker from 1953-1989.

Although I disagree doctrinally with McArthur in many areas, I have also benefitted from listening to some of his taped sermons. So also, Chuck Swindoll, Charles Stanley, and a few others.

MizDoulos · Jul 14, 2002

Originally posted by chagal was here
i prefer expository preaching and use that method most of the time

however

i often times will include a small portion of topical preaching within an expository sermon.

seems to me that its too easy to proove your own point of view with topical rather than finding what's already there.

You make a good point, Chagal.

It seems that topical preaching can lead to more of a subjective nature as the topic is the center of focus, not Scripture. However, with wisdom from God and diligent preparation, much can be learned from topical preaching, too.

Gerry · Jul 28, 2002

Regretably topical preaching is a requirement in the world we live in, perhaps more than at anytime in history. We live in difficult and trying times and we have so many weak and needy baby Christians. Although I have heard some powerful topical preaching, to me, it is, for the most part, the milk as opposed to the meat of expository teaching.

As those who have been mentioned there are some great expositors out there, and though some have gone home now, at least we have lived in their generation. Did you know W.A.Criswell has written expository sermons on every verse in the Bible? Amazing! And J. Vernon MeGee, with earned Doctorates in multiple fields has opened the Scriptures with such simplicity it boggles my mind!

All Praise and Glory to God for sending us these giants of the faith in our life time!

MizDoulos · Jul 28, 2002

Gerry, you're so right about J. Vernon McGee. I don't know anyone who hasn't spoken highly of his teaching. What a great man of God he was!

Gerry · Jul 28, 2002

A story about this great Hero of the faith. For those who do not know he had a cancer of the throat in 65 or 66. Don't remember the exact year. Anyway he was given a very short time to live and would no doubt have his voice "quietened" Nevertheless for many more years he coducted his daily radio broadcast of Thru the Bible in 5 years. This is where he did the verse by verse exposition. He wrote many books and made many recordings.

Interesting how he dies an old man full of years and wisdom. He called together his staff who had drawn up plans on how to carry on his programs AFTER his death. He had this meeting around the conference table, signed the papers, and sat back in his chair, closed his eyes and was immediately, and peacefully with Jesus.

Today his program is on more stations, in more countries in the world and in more languages than ever before. Is our God AWESOME or what!!!

MizDoulos · Jul 29, 2002

And his programs still continue to touch many lives today. God ceratinly is good!

Thanks for sharing the story of J. Vernon McGee.

Caleb · Aug 20, 2002

I prefer expository teaching as it gives the meat of the word verse by verse. When the teaching is good, it yields a more thorough understanding of Scripture. However, God teaches through both topical and expository. The important point is that one grows in grace and in the knowledge of Christ.

Pastor Bob Oliver · Oct 7, 2002

Expository Preaching "all the way!" Topical preaching & teaching is much more suited for Sunday School classes; This is because GOD has Divinely Designed HIS WORD to basically "preach" itself; that's because the POWER is IN the WORD!!! I've been preaching "Expositionally" for 16 years now and would never switch to Topical; Paul told Timothy "Preach the WORD!!!"
PBO John 3:17

MizDoulos · Oct 7, 2002

Originally posted by Pastor Bob Oliver
Expository Preaching "all the way!" Topical preaching & teaching is much more suited for Sunday School classes; This is because GOD has Divinely Designed HIS WORD to basically "preach" itself; that's because the POWER is IN the WORD!!! I've been preaching "Expositionally" for 16 years now and would never switch to Topical; Paul told Timothy "Preach the WORD!!!"
PBO John 3:17

You go, Pastor Bob!!! :clap:

Glad to hear of your expository teaching!

Athlon4all · Oct 7, 2002

I definately favor expositionary preaching or line-by-line, what I like has been reffered to as these 2 terms.

Topical Sermons vs. Expository Teaching

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