A lecture on the "how" of expository preaching, addressing matters of context, content, and concern

1. Expository Preaching
Lecture 2: The “How” of
Expository Preaching (Part 1)
by Todd A. Linn, PhD

2. ● “Expository preaching is unfolding
the meaning of a passage of
Scripture—studied contextually
and applied responsibly—
depending on the Holy Spirit
throughout.”

3. Exegesis
● Exegesis is lit., “to lead out of.”
The procedure one follows for
discovering the intended meaning
of a Bible passage. The preacher
must avoid “eisegesis;” reading into
a text what the interpreter wants to
see there.

4. The EXEGETICAL Process
● We are after three (3) main things
in our exegetical work…

5. 1. CONTEXT—The accompanying
elements surrounding the
preaching passage.
2. CONTENT—What the passage
actually says.
3. CONCERN—What the passage
means and how it applies today.

6. CONTEXT
● Context deals with the
accompanying elements
surrounding the passage.

7. 3 Kinds of Context
● Textual
● Historical
● Literary

8. Textual Context
● Immediate Context
● Book Context
● Canonical Context

9. Historical Context
● Specific Historical
● Geographic Historical
● Cultural Historical
● Religious Historical

10. Literary Context
● The Bible contains many different
literary forms so we’ll want to
interpret those passages rightly
● For example, poetry is understood
differently than an epistle

11. 1. CONTEXT—The accompanying
elements surrounding the
preaching passage.
2. CONTENT—What the passage
actually says.

12. 2. CONTENT
● Here, we’re dealing with the
structure and analysis of the words
in the text.
● Grammar, paragraphs, divisions,
patterns, word studies, etc.

13. 3. CONCERN
● Concern deals with the author’s
intended meaning (THEN) . . .
● And the contemporary meaning
(NOW).

14. Applying what we’ve
learned…

15. Luke 10:25-37
● Example: What is the meaning of the
parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke
10:25-37)?

16. What is the ONE MAIN POINT of the Good
Samaritan?
● Note the context: read the verses before and
after the parable.
● The parable answers the lawyer’s question:
“Who is my neighbor?”
● The ONE MAIN POINT: We should love
those in need just as the Good Samaritan
loved the man who fell among thieves.

17. It’s wrong to read into the details:
● The “certain man” as Adam.
● The “robbers” are the Devil and his demons.
● The “Priest” is the Law.
● The “Levite” is the Prophets.
● The “Good Samaritan” is Christ.
● The “Inn” is the Church.
● The “Innkeeper” is the Apostle Paul.