Topical vs. Expository Preaching: What’s the Difference?

The pulpit is the heart of the church, where the Word of God is proclaimed to His people for their edification and growth in grace. Pastors approach the sacred task of preaching with different methods, each having its own structure and purpose. Compare the differences between topical and expository preaching to see how these styles teach, inspire, and challenge believers through the Word.

Defining Expository Preaching

Expository preaching derives its main points and sub-points directly from a specific passage of scripture. The preacher’s goal is to expose, or explain, the original meaning of the text within its historical and grammatical context. Therefore, the structure of the sermon mirrors the structure of the biblical passage itself.

The central aim of an expository sermon is to let the scripture speak for itself, with the preacher acting as a faithful messenger. This approach works through passages verse by verse, allowing the congregation to grasp the full counsel of God over time. Consequently, the themes of the sermons are determined by the text, not by the preacher’s independent selection.

Each passage of scripture contributes to a deeper understanding of God’s truth. For instance, Exodus 20 presents the Ten Commandments, revealing God’s standards for holy living. The Psalms, such as Psalm 46, provide comfort and assurance of God’s presence in times of trouble. The epistles, like Ephesians 2, explain the grace and unity found in Christ.

Defining Topical Preaching

Topical preaching, in contrast, begins with a subject or topic chosen by the pastor. The pastor then gathers various verses from different parts of the Bible that relate to this central theme. In this way, the sermon is structured around the topic, using scripture to support and illustrate the pastor’s main points.

Topical preaching enables a preacher to address specific needs, questions, or current events within the congregation directly. Moreover, this approach can be useful for providing a broad overview of what the entire Bible says about a particular subject.

Here are some examples of how topical preaching can address issues:

• A sermon on prayer might draw from the Lord’s Prayer, Paul’s epistles, and the Psalms.
• A message on finances could incorporate teachings from Proverbs and the Gospels.
• A series on the family might use texts from Genesis, Ephesians, and Colossians.
• A sermon on suffering could reference Job, the Psalms, and Romans.
• A message on evangelism might pull from the Great Commission and the book of Acts.

Exploring the Verses’ Original Intent

In expository preaching, the ultimate authority is the biblical text under consideration. The sermon’s main divisions, supporting ideas, and application flow directly from the selected passage. This framework holds the preacher accountable to the author’s original intent, grounding the message firmly in God’s Word.

With topical preaching, the authority is shared between the chosen topic and the selected Scriptures. While the Bible provides the content, the preacher’s chosen theme provides the sermon’s structure and direction. There is a greater responsibility on the preacher to handle the Word correctly, ensuring that verses are not taken out of context to support a preconceived idea.

The Preacher’s Primary Task

The primary task for the expository preacher is exegesis, which is the critical interpretation of a text. The preacher studies the grammar, syntax, and historical context to uncover the passage’s meaning. The sermon then becomes a proclamation of the discoveries from that diligent study.

Conversely, the topical preacher’s primary task is synthesis, or the combining of different elements to form a coherent whole. The preacher must skillfully weave together disparate verses from across the biblical canon into a unified message. This requires a deep and broad knowledge of Scripture to construct a biblically sound and balanced argument on the chosen topic.

Key Differences in Preparation

The preparation process highlights the core distinctions between topical and expository preaching. An expository sermon begins with a deep dive into a single passage. Conversely, a topical sermon starts with a subject and then moves to a broad search for relevant verses.

Here are some differences in the preparation workflow:

• An expositor studies one passage in its immediate context.
• A topical preacher identifies a theme and then searches for supporting verses.
• The expositor’s outline emerges from the structure of the text.
• The topical preacher’s outline is built around the logical flow of the chosen topic.
• Expository preparation focuses on depth within a single portion of scripture.
• Topical preparation draws from multiple passages to provide a comprehensive view of the chosen theme.

Dangers to Avoid

Both approaches have potential pitfalls that a faithful minister must carefully avoid. The expository preacher might become overly academic, losing the congregation in minute details of grammar and history without providing practical application. Additionally, the delivery can become monotonous if not preached with passion and urgency.

The topical preacher faces the danger of “proof-texting,” which is using isolated verses to support a point without regard for their original context. This can lead to a misrepresentation of what the Bible teaches on a subject. Another risk is allowing personal biases or trends to dictate sermon topics, rather than the comprehensive counsel of God’s Word.

Benefits for the Congregation

Expository preaching provides congregations with a deep and thorough understanding of the Bible over time. It models how to study Scripture personally, equipping believers to read and interpret God’s Word for themselves. Moreover, it exposes them to the full range of biblical doctrines, including those that might be unpopular or challenging.

Topical preaching offers the benefit of addressing immediate and pressing issues in the lives of the congregation. It can provide clear, biblical answers to specific questions about faith and life. This approach also helps believers see how different parts of the Bible connect to form a unified theology on practical subjects.

Engaging With the Word

Ultimately, the debate over topical versus expository preaching should not lead to rigid division. Both methods can be used effectively by a Spirit-led pastor to faithfully proclaim the gospel and build up the church. A pastor might predominantly use one style while occasionally employing the other to meet a specific need.

Whether you’re a pastor or a member of the laity, believers grow a deeper connection with God by spending time in the Word. The KJV Store invites you to browse our leather KJV Bibles for enriching your personal faith journey or shared study sessions. Our product selection includes wide-margin Bibles, reference Bibles, and editions with the words of Christ in red.