This is the heart of sermon development, where the central proposition of the sermon is developed through the unfolding of the biblical text. The natural divisions of the text (in our Ephesians text above, we are following time divisions) become the sermon’s division statements, with each division supporting the central proposition of the sermon.

The supporting material for the sermon consists primarily of explanation of the biblical text as well as illustrations of the truth or principle being taught. Explanation involves the fruit of our word studies, the significance of a particular verb tense or mood, on perhaps word usage in other parts of the book or Bible. Cross references help clarify the meaning as well as keep us in the overall context of biblical theology. Illustrations must fit the text and context, and should never override the significance of the text! The illustration must shed light on the truth being preached and anchor the truth in the mind through the image or picture presented. Illustrations should be concrete, emotive and fit the text you are preaching.

Secure Your Sermon to the Heart through Penetrating Application

Expository preaching often gets a bad reputation because it stays in the biblical world and never enters into the contemporary culture. Yet the most engaging expository preaching will always move the listener into the world of application. The word of God is relevant — we do not have to “make it relevant” as some would say today!

In this phase, we are seeking to pin biblical truth to the heart of our listeners in conjunction with the Holy Spirit’s conviction. Whether you hold your application to the end of your sermon or apply the sermon after each division statement, the point is that you specifically show what kind of a difference this sermon’s truth will make in the lives of listeners if they obey it and live it out in their marriages, families, churches, workplaces, cities, and world.

Show the Savior Throughout Your Sermon

Jesus Christ is the grand theme of the Bible. Jesus says to the Pharisees in John 5:39, “These are the Scriptures that testify about me.” On the road to Emmaus, Jesus explained to the disciples his death and resurrection: “And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself ” (Luke 24:27).

Expositional preaching is Christological preaching because the Spirit of God testifies to the Son of God through the Word of God. At some point in the sermon, the expositor of Scripture must ask, “How does this text testify to the person and work of Jesus Christ?” Then, by bringing a healthy biblical theology to bear upon his text, the expositor can show the beauty of God’s redemptive plan unfolding throughout the Word of God and culminating in Jesus Christ.

Spark Interest with an Intriguing Introduction to Your Sermon