What Is Biblical Preaching?
The debate between topical and expositional preaching gets hot, but the question that matters is simple: does the message faithfully declare Scripture and the gospel? Too often people pick a lane and act like the other lane is unspiritual, and that pride betrays a lack of biblical humility. From a biblical viewpoint, the goal is clear — proclaim God’s truth with clarity and courage.
“Topical messages deal with… well, topics.” Good topical preaching gathers everything Scripture says about a need and brings it to bear, not just a string of pithy thoughts. When done biblically, topical sermons form a theological whole and help people apply the Bible to concrete life issues.
Expositional preaching, by contrast, takes a passage and unwraps it on the page, and in that sense it “exposit”s the text. The word itself means to set forward the facts, the ideas, of a text, and expositional sermons demand careful attention to context, grammar, and the intent of the author. Both methods, when rooted in Scripture, aim to let the Bible speak on its own terms.
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A Clear Theology Of Preaching
There are those who say, “Specifically, expositional preaching is the only “true” preaching, or “best” preaching, or truly “biblical” preaching.” That claim confuses a tool with a gospel guarantee; style does not ensure faithfulness. The true test is whether a message is biblically based, biblically informed, and biblically applied.
History and the Gospels themselves show variety: some of the most effective proclaimers did not preach verse-by-verse every time. C.S. Lewis, Billy Graham, and yes, Jesus often used topical, narrative, or thematic forms to cut straight to the heart. The New Testament displays the same freedom — Paul preached doctrine and application, Peter preached proclamation and call, Stephen preached witness and courage.
Practical Guidance For Pastors
When planning preaching, think first of the people and the gospel. Consider the life of the church, the questions the unchurched are asking, leadership needs, cultural confusions, and discipleship gaps, and then choose the best shape of Scripture to meet that moment. Sometimes a book-series is the clearest route; other times a topical sweep that weaves Scripture together will serve people better.
Styles matter as servants, not masters: some topics call for narrative warmth, others for precise teaching, and some needs are best met with story and illustration. Variety keeps ears open and hearts responsive, but variety without biblical grounding is worthless. Every sermon should point listeners back to Christ, Scripture, and a faithful, accountable application.
In short, true biblical preaching refuses the idols of method and embraces the authority of Scripture. Keep the Bible central, let Scripture interpret Scripture, declare the gospel plainly, and shepherd people toward obedience. … it’s a good, solid message.