Distinct Characteristics of Hope Bible Church (Pt. 4)

As we continue in our series of some of the distinctive elements of Hope Bible Church (HBC) that accentuate this word-driven dynamic body model, we will start with Expository Preaching; what it is and why it is so important.

Expository preaching is biblical preaching. Since most preachers assume they are being biblical, but for the most part are not, I need to explain what is meant by biblical preaching. Biblical preaching starts and ends with the text of Scripture. It takes one portion of God’s written word, then explains its meaning in context. Once that explanation is given, then the preacher exhorts the congregation to believe and keep it. The original writer of Scripture embedded each paragraph with meaning. It is the job of the expository preacher to draw out that meaning.

An exposition of Scripture is the product. The expositor produces an exposition of a portion of Scripture. That portion of Scripture can be long, medium, or short. If it is short, the preacher will delve into greater detail about the meaning of each phrase and word. If it is very long, the preacher will give a summary of the contents. But in each case, it will be an accurate summary and explanation of the text. It will not speak only about a portion of the text, skipping the rest, but will give the meaning and purpose of the entire text.

Practicing expository preaching is logical because every word of the Bible is inspired by God. Dr. John MacArthur, our world’s preeminent Bible expositor, and a man I was privileged to learn under at The Master’s Seminary, came to our pulpit at HBC during a preacher’s conference in 2015. He said, “Every word inspired; every word preached.” He also said in that conference, “The meaning of Scripture is the Scripture.” He was right! Therefore, my job is to bring out that meaning.

Preaching is what the main teaching pastor of a church is required to do. It is his calling. It is the fulfillment of 2 Timothy 4:2 “preach the word.” That is the preacher’s duty before God and his congregation, to explain the revelation embedded in each portion of Scripture. Unfortunately, preachers get sidetracked and speak on just about any subject except explaining the word. This is a grave mistake and has resulted in weak and ineffective churches. The wholesale departure from expository preaching is probably the number one reason that churches in America are as weak as they are today. HBC is committed not only to the distinctive of expository preaching, but to help the broader church return to this distinctive practice.

Our loving Heavenly Father knew that if preachers in each local church preached the word and nothing but the word, then there would be incredible blessings for that congregation. Here are some of the benefits that accompany expository preaching that do not accompany any other kind of preaching.

1. Expository preaching is the way Jesus, the head of the church, speaks to His congregation. Remember the context of Ephesians 4:11. Christ first ascended into heaven, then he gave speaking, leadership gifts to the church. Jesus wants those men to speak His truth and word. The only way that can happen is if the preacher quits preaching his own ideas, philosophies, psychologies, self-help programs, practicalities, and stories, and commences speaking the word of Jesus, the head of the church. Again quoting Dr. MacArthur “Expository preaching affirms the lordship of Christ over his church.”
   
   
2. “Expository preaching manifests submission to Scripture,” is another quote from Dr. MacArthur. Christians are supposed to be obedient and submissive to the authority of Jesus Christ, but how can they do that if they are not hearing God’s word clearly? They can’t! However, with a weekly exposure to God’s true word, their consciences and minds can be molded by Scripture. “Expository preaching permits the preacher to fully speak for Christ.” In fact, there is no other purpose for the preacher. He should arrive to speak for Christ, not himself.
   
   
3. This submission to Scripture includes the preacher. Expository preaching forces the preacher during his long and life-molding experience of study, to be confronted with all the truths of Scripture, not just his favorite ones. In his study, he has to explain the whole text, so he can’t skip around it. He has to try to understand all of it and make the whole come together in an understandable bundle of clear theology. Preachers who do not preach expositional sermons do not model submission to Scripture. Dr. MacArthur points out, “It would be very hard for you to convince your congregation to submit to Scripture if you don't demonstrate that in the pulpit.” On the other hand, if the preacher preaches expositional sermons, then, “Expository preaching connects the preacher regularly with the sanctifying grace of Scripture.” MacArthur also insightfully pointed out, “I am not surprised when I hear preachers going off the rail if they are not faithful to the word of God, to the discipline of studying the word.”
   
   
4. Expository preaching develops deeper worshippers. Since the effect of long exposure to the word of God is more mature Christians who love God and love His doctrines, the corporate worship of that church rises to another level. People in that congregation love Scriptural truths. They affirm the holiness and sovereignty of God. They are in awe of the love of God and the beauty of Jesus Christ. They are yielded to the Spirit of God and loathe their sinfulness. Worship soars when the people of God have a high and holy theology. Congregations like that are different than others. That difference can be discerned in the seriousness of their worship. They are not just enthusiastic, they know God as He is and love Him deeply.
   
   
5. Expository preaching produces a congregation where people learn to use the Bible to help themselves. They develop a confidence that they truly can understand Scripture and apply it to their life’s situation. Every week they have modeled for them how to unpack the Bible and have confidence that their interpretation is correct. The Bible is not hard to understand, they learn, but blazingly clear. People who are newer to expository preaching churches usually go through a phase where they realize just how much is wrong with their character and their family. They often go to counseling after they arrive at our church. However, as they learn the powerful life-transforming nature of Scripture, they apply it to their own lives and become more active in service. This is exactly what Ephesians 4:12f affirms. They are now better equipped saints who are doing the work of the ministry to the building up of the body of Christ.

We will cover more benefits of expository preaching next time.