JUN 6

Nehemiah 8:1-10
Memorise Nehemiah 8:8
“And caused them to understand the reading”

WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF EXPOSITORY PREACHING?

What is expository preaching? Simply put, it is a form of preaching where the preacher focuses on a certain passage or verse of the Bible and explains it comprehensively. The meaning of the text is brought out with reference to the context in which it is found, and the listeners are able to gain a thorough understanding of the text. Perhaps it can be said that expository preaching is one of the hallmarks of a sound BP church.

After the Israelites completed the rebuilding of the wall of Jesuralem, they gathered for a sort of dedication service, during which Ezra, along with several other leaders brought the law of God before the people. We observe firstly that “they read in the book in the law of God distinctly”. The word “distinctly” here carries the idea of declaring and specifying – they recognized that the Word of God is to be given special significance and declared with authority and reverence. Secondly, they “gave the sense”. This suggests that, besides reading the Bible, they also explained the passages in a way that gave the listeners not just an intellectual knowledge, but also deeper spiritual insight into the Word. The result of this is that they “caused them to understand the reading”. The Word of God did not fall on deaf or ignorant ears, but into receptive hearts that were led through the teachings to embrace the truths of Scripture. How important it is that we have a thorough and faithful explanation of the words of Scripture, for without it we would be left with a very shallow understanding of the Bible. We would never really delve deep into rich truths contained in every line, every word. Non-expository preaching tends to take verses out of context, by focusing on just one or two words or ideas without regard for the context in which they are based. At best, we would remain ignorant of many things taught in the Bible; worse still, a malicious preacher might twist the words of the Bible far away from the context, simply to promote a certain erroneous view or to suit his particular agenda.

Dear teen, are you glad to be able to benefit from week after week of expository preaching? Are you thankful for faithful preachers who explain the Word of God clearly and thoroughly? Or do you find yourself bored by the seemingly “cheem” explanations of Scripture? May you grow to love the deep expositions of the Word.

Thought: Every sermon ought to be expository!
Prayer: Lord, open my eyes that I may see, glimpses of truth thou hast for me.