EFFECTIVE EXPOSITION

Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians should be the prayer of every expositor: “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,” (‭‭Eph. ‭1‬:‭17‬).  When there is the application of truth from the Holy Spirit—“the spirit of wisdom”—and the apprehension of truth from the Holy Scriptures—“the spirit of…revelation”—then expository preaching will be effectively powerful.

We should seek to be DISCERNING OF THE WISDOM OF GOD, “the spirit of wisdom.”  Wisdom commences with the understanding of the meaning of the text—proper interpretation.  But, it does not stop there.  We continue with the message of the text—practical application.  We then conclude with the mandate from the text—persuasive exhortation.  Simply put, we pray for the Holy Spirit to open our eyes to the truth, that we may open our mouths to speak it, and then open the hearts of the people to receive it.  Wisdom goes beyond the facts in the heads of the listeners, to seeing those facts become a force in the hearts of the people.  We help them see that the Holy Spirit will guide them in day to day decisions that impact them and influence others.  We must help the congregation to know, “Here is what God says,” and then declare, “Here is what we need to do about it!”

We should seek to be DIRECTED BY THE WORD OF GOD, “the spirit of…revelation.”  While the Holy Spirit brings us into application of the truth, the Holy Scriptures lead us into the apprehension of the truth.  To apprehend means to grasp something—in this case we get a grip on God’s Word. In so doing, the Word will also grab hold of us!  The will of God is disclosed in the Word of God.  We are not getting direct revelation—new truth—as those in the first century before the New Testament was completed.  Paul prayed for them to have a direct pipeline to God’s revealed will from heaven.  With the completion of the New Testament and the deaths of the Apostles and prophets, we are not receiving new revelation, but fresh illumination from the Word of God.  Then we will not only be guided by God’s wisdom, but governed by God’s Word.

If we pray for this and preach like this, then our exposition will be effective. Biblical information, practical application, passionate exhortation, and compelling illustration will produce powerful transformation.

If we do not want this, then why do we stand in the pulpit and speak to the people?  

THE ESSENTIALITY OF EXHORTATION

The writer of Hebrews had diagnosed a serious virus in the church—falling away. Under pressure of persecution, some Jews who had professed faith in Christ, were returning to Judaism. The disease demanded a prescription—exhortation. Nothing else works like this—to employ the Word of God to shore up a sagging faith. This is the essentiality of exhortation. 

There is both a positive and negative dimension to exhortation.    I heard John Maxwell say that “exhortation is a pat on the back or a kick in the seat,” as applicable.  All believers are to engage in this ministry, but teachers and preachers of the Word have a particular focus to this end.  If the preacher in the pulpit does not consistently offer exhortation then it is unlikely the people in the pew will!

In preparing a sermon, the man of God must ask, “How can I cheer the people on?”  Disheartened people will enter the church building.  They have been beaten down all week by a brutal world that despises God.  Little by little their resolve is drained. It is the pastor’s duty to encourage them—to put courage in them, as the term signifies. We are as a coach urging them on toward victory, even as the “Amens,” come from the stands, with other saints cheering them on.  

Yet, the pastor must also ask, “What should I confront the people about?”  Divisive people will enter the church building. These must be confronted, lest their departure from the faith spread like a plague in the congregation. These are not content only to depart the fellowship, but are intent to divide the fellowship. Paul put it to a preacher named Titus, “As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.” (Titus‬ ‭3:10-11‬‬).  The coach will at times confront a player whose performance is hurting the team. If he does not soon respond, then he must remove him from the playing field.

This is the essentiality of exhortation. Pastor, who needs a word of cheer—a pat on the back?  Does someone need a word of confrontation—a kick in the seat?  Do not get out of balance. If you only cheer them, then you may encourage the saints, but also you will encourage the sinners in their ungodliness.  You do not want to give people a pat on the back on their way to hell—to have their “best life now,” with damnation for eternity!  If you only correct them, then you may drive out the wicked, but you will also discourage the weak. In our haste to pull weeds, we may yank up wheat. 

FOR THE YOUNG MAN IN MINISTRY (OLD-TIMERS MIGHT PROFIT TOO)

 

Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus.  (Acts 18:24)

If an arrow is aimed in the right direction, it is more likely to hit its target.  A good beginning as a young man in ministry does not insure a great ending, but it surely helps.  Apollos was one who was aimed the right way, and what a difference it made in him and those he served.  There are a few brief helps drawn from his story in Acts 18 which can guide the young preacher.

Develop your communication skills.  Apollos was “an eloquent man.”  While it might be a few exceptional preachers that are worthy of the description, “eloquent,” we must aim at least at being effective!  Pronouncing words clearly, the cadence of the voice, eye contact, and such may not come naturally to us, but we can work at it and improve.  The best sermon poorly delivered will be a waste of your time in preparation and the congregation’s in attendance.

Immerse yourself in Scripture and expound it.  Apollos was “mighty in the Scripture…instructed in the way of the Lord… he spoke and taught accurately….”  Believe it and apply it every day.  Feed your soul or you will not be able to feed your sheep.  This is more than preparing a sermon; it is preparing the servant—being strong in Scripture in our own personal life, so we can speak with authority in the pulpit.  The mandate is to, “Preach the Word!”  (2 Tim.4:2)   We are not to impose our opinions on the text.  That is pastoral malpractice!  Impressive communication can never substitute for inspired content.

Preach passionately.  Apollos was, “fervent in spirit.”  Why should our audience be excited about the sermon if we are not?  This isn’t just about volume, but we are not giving a classroom lecture on Bible history or theology.  We are enthusiastically proclaiming the truth that will transport one from darkness into light, and transform sinners into saints!  That is something to get stirred up about!

Preach courageously.  Apollos spoke, “boldly,” because he spoke Biblically. The temptation these days is to skirt the tough issues and make the message palatable to the culture.  Open the Book and open your mouth, speaking with clarity and conviction.

Listen and learn all your life.  A godly old couple, Aquila and Priscilla “took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.”  Apollos knew a lot, but he did not know it all.  He was not an arrogant man, but a teachable preacher.  He knew how to talk, but he also knew how to listen.  You cannot teach someone who knows it all!  One thing a young preacher assuredly does not have is experience.  There are lessons learned in the laboratory of life that older, wiser lay people and elderly pastors can teach us.  Our peers are important, but our elders are indispensable.  The white-headed men in suits need to help the spikey-haired men in jeans!  The church needs both.

Exhort the saints and exalt the Savior.  Apollos “greatly helped those who had believed.”  Exhortation is giving people a pat on the back or a kick in the rear, depending on which is needed to move them along, with the discernment to know which is applicable.  Above all keep the focus on Jesus, “showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.”  Apollos set that standard for us to emulate.  The ministry is about Jesus and not about us!