-Strength for Today- "The Purpose of Expository Preaching." - 2 Timothy 4:1-5.

     Since childhood I’ve been influenced by the Word of God. I was saved in a little “modest church.” And as a kid I sat in the pews, feet dangling, listening to the God’s Word, and how it applied to the lives of the congregation under the unique circumstances of which we lived during those times.  

    One of the things that stood out to me was the sincerity of pastor Ross’s delivery of the messages he preached every Sunday. He was not only a good student of theology, but also a masterful orator, who used powerful “aphorisms” to drive God’s truth home to the heart. 

     In my years of walking with the Lord, I’ve seen my share of disdain for this type of “Bible based preaching.” I’ve seen the tradition of yesterday denied, whereas some assume that the “tradition” from yesterday knew nothing about expository preaching. 

  I can say, with all humility, that it was in that little “humble church,” and the power of expositional preaching, “in a cradle of faith,” that I was born again! So, theological sophistication” isn't the “measuring rod that leads to salvation,” but can be a “stumbling block” stuck in the way of God’s purpose.  

     Our spiritual growth in knowledge doesn’t come at the expense of “criticizing another’s traditions, but in recognizing that there’re no favorites of heaven who can attain knowledge and spiritual wisdom apart from obedience. And it any “theological institution, discredit and criticize another’s culture by reducing it to “figurative metaphorical emotionalism,” they need to check their heart and ask themselves, “where in the Bible does it say that any one “cultural” should rule over another? 

    I say this because the accurate communicating of the the full counsel of the Word of God, is shaped by “culture and tradition.” I'm not talking about those who’re “hacking,” “hollering” or “whooping.” Because all these attributes, are at best the “presence of weak theology,” and the “absence of expositional preaching.” 

  Expositional preaching, isn't formed by verbal delivery.” But is in any culture, the “art,” and “science” of “heralding” the details, of a particular, in context,” “passage” as it pertains to Scripture. Thus, is explaining what the Bible means by what it says. 

   No “one” culture has a monopoly on “sound expositional preaching.” Just as the Holy Spirit used different “authors,” “personalities,” “traditions” and “writing styles” to communicate God’s Word; God uses His preachers to proclaim His Word, through personalities, and traditions. 

So, instead of focusing on “cultural differences,” let’s instead see God, in His sovereignty, so that from “every culture” the good news of the gospel of His Son, Jesus Christ, is proclaimed! 

 Author: Plez Lovelady, Jr., PhD