10 Reasons Why You Should be Committed to Expository Preaching - #6

You can read the first Blog HERE.
Points #2 and #3 can be read HERE.
And #4 and #5, HERE.


This 6th point is very important.  I always believe that I am modelling Scriptural study and interpretation when I preach expositorily. How desperately we want our Churches to be made up of "self-feeders".  These are men and women who can "pick up and read" with interpretative confidence.  Expositional preaching is not easy, but its approach is clear to the listener.

When you listen to a preacher jumping all around the Bible, the listener can rightly say, "I can't do that!"   But when the congregant hears the Word expounded, he or she sees the purpose of the book and the basic structure. They see the text within it's context; and more importantly they derive the Holy Spirit's meaning that is found within the context.  Applications become easier, for indeed the Author often places the "so whats" within the boundaries of the context.  All together this trains and teaches our Churches how to read, study and apply the Bible.

Here's what Witmer writes,

6. Expository preaching will encourage both pastor and congregation alike to become students of the Bible. 

As the preacher works through particular books of the Bible, the congregation will learn what to look for in the biblical text and how to apply it to their lives. Dabney writes, “A prime object of pastoral teaching is to teach the people how to read the Bible for themselves . . . he should exhibit before them in actual use, the methods by which the legitimate meaning is to be evolved.” Ferguson adds, “it is chiefly by the exegetical method of preaching that the individual pastor is most likely to grow as a student of Scripture, a man of God, and a preacher.” Those who are committed to the work of the weekly exposition of the Scriptures know the personal blessing gained from meditating on God’s Word in preparation for feeding the flock.

---

[1] Shepherd Leader (pp. 142-146). P&R Publishing. Kindle Edition.

Lord Sabaoth His Name - 1 Samuel, Part 24

1 Samuel 13:15-14:23 (ESV)

After Saul’s fatal error in disobeying God, Israel still had to deal with the Philistine garrison. Raiders came against Israel from the Philistines, and Saul was now down to six hundred men.  But that wasn’t the only disadvantage that Saul faced.  In 1 Samuel 13:19 (ESV) we read:

¹⁹ Now there was no blacksmith to be found throughout all the land of Israel, for the Philistines said, “Lest the Hebrews make themselves swords or spears.”

 This formidable enemy was being faced by Israelite with plowshares, mattocks, axes and sickles.  Nevertheless, both sides prepared for battle.

The Battle of Michmash

The Philistine forces had amassed themselves at Michmash.  Their size is uncertain, but clearly Israel was outnumbered.  It appears the disheveled army of Saul’s is down to 600.  And there seemed somewhat of a stalemate as both Saul’s and Jonathan, with their forces remained at Geba.  In Chapter 14:1-15, Jonathan mounts a daring assault on the Philistines.  We read:

“And that first strike, which Jonathan and his armor-bearer made, killed about twenty men within as it were half a furrow’s length in an acre of land. And there was a panic in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. The garrison and even the raiders trembled, the earth quaked, and it became a very great panic.” (1 Samuel 14:14–15, ESV)

News of Jonathan’s daring escapade came to Saul, which encouraged him to rally the troops.  The Israelites who had been hiding entered the fray and followed the fleeing Philistines.  And then we read, “So the Lord saved Israel that day. And the battle passed beyond Beth-aven.” (1 Samuel 14:23, ESV).  With this final clause we realize there is more yet to learn about the outcome of the battle. 

The actions of Jonathan stand out in this story. “Come, let us go over to the Philistine garrison on the other side . . . “Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the Lord will work for us, for nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few.”^[1] It was thus that the inspired author could record: “So the Lord saved Israel that day.”^[2]

We are reminded of the Song of Moses wherein he proclaimed, “How could one have chased a thousand, and two have put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, and the Lord had given them up” (Deuteronomy 32:30, ESV)?  Or as Joshua would experience later: “For the Lord has driven out before you great and strong nations. And as for you, no man has been able to stand before you to this day. One man of you puts to flight a thousand, since it is the Lord your God who fights for you, just as he promised you” (Joshua 23:9–10, ESV).

The story of Caleb has a similar theme.  Many of us know the chorus: “Some saw giants, big and tall!
Some saw grapes in clusters fall, Some saw God was in it all.”[3]  At eighty-five, Caleb still confessed the same belief: “So now give me this hill country of which the Lord spoke on that day, for you heard on that day how the Anakim were there, with great fortified cities. It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall drive them out just as the Lord said.”” (Joshua 14:12, ESV).

The point is that “If God is for us, who can be against us?”^[4] No force can stand; no enemy can defeat; no rival can overthrow.  I am writing this on October 30^th, Reformation Day.  The great hymn of the Reformer, Martin Luther still rings true:

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing; Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing: For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe; His craft and pow’r are great, and, armed with cruel hate, On earth is not his equal.	Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing, Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing: Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He; Lord Sabaoth[5], His Name, from age to age the same, And He must win the battle.
And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us, We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us; The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him; His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure, One little word shall fell him.	That word above all earthly pow’rs, no thanks to them, abideth; The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth; Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also; The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still, His kingdom is forever.

---

^[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (1 Sa 14:1 &1 Sa 14:6). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

^[2] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (1 Sa 14:23). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

[3] https://childrensbiblesongs.us/2011/09/twelve-men-went-to-spy-out-canaan/

^[4] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Ro 8:31). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

[5] Sabaoth is the Greek form of the Hebrew word tsebaoth "armies," and is translated in the Authorized Version of the Old Testament by "Lord of hosts," "Lord God of hosts." In the mouth and the mind of an ancient Hebrew, Jehovah-tsebaoth was the leader and commander of the armies of the nation, who "went forth with them" ( Psalms 44:9 ) and led them to certain victory over the worshippers of Baal Chemosh. Molech, Ashtaroth and other false gods.” -- https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/sabaoth-the-lord-of/

10 Reasons Why You Should be Committed to Expository Preaching - #4 & #5

The introduction and first point can be read HERE.   Points #2 and #3 can be read HERE.

Witmer's next two points are very practical.  As a pastor who has preached expository sermons as my main approach to pulpit ministry, for over 30 years, I can tell you that these next two points are very real.  There are areas that I've preached on that I would never have chosen in a million years!

In the Letter of Paul to the Romans, I would have gladly omitted Romans 9-11 in my exposition.  In my recent series, I would have gladly overlooked John 6 in the series. I've preached on.  For us as pastors, we need to come to grips with the reality that our inhibitions, our intuitions, our likes and dislikes may have no bearing on what the Holy Spirit wishes to feed the sheep with.  Expositional, lectio continua, preaching removes the choice of subject out of human inventiveness and into the work of the Spirit.

Here's what Witmer writes,

4. It keeps the pastor from riding his favourite hobby horses. We are all human and have our own interests and even our affinities when it comes to biblical texts and doctrinal truth. You may have heard of the preacher who, at the end of every sermon, regardless of the text would add, “and now a few words about baptism.” Moving systematically through the Scriptures will help provide a balanced diet for the flock and will also help us to avoid our “pet peeves”!

5. It requires the pastor to preach the “difficult” or obscure texts and “challenging” truths of the Bible. While there are truths that we enjoy preaching, there are also those which are more controversial and we (or our people) might like to avoid. For example, many are eager to preach on the Lord’s order for the family in Ephesians five, but prefer to stay clear of Paul’s direct preaching about predestination and God’s sovereignty in the first chapter. Faithful expository preaching requires that these hard truths be wisely fed to the flock. Your congregation will appreciate the fact that you give them the milk and the meat. 

___________________________________________________

[1] Shepherd Leader (pp. 142-146). P&R Publishing. Kindle Edition.

10 Reasons Why You Should be Committed to Expository Preaching - #2 & #3

The introduction and first point can be read HERE.   Again I quote Witmer:

“The pastor should also be concerned to represent scriptura tota (the whole counsel of God) in his preaching ministry. The best way to provide this balanced diet is through the systematic expository preaching of the Scriptures.

2. It requires that the shepherd concern himself with the intent of the Divine author for every text. 

The Lord gives us the Scriptures with his purpose in mind. The faithful expositor will seek this purpose rather than yield to his own whims and impose his own agenda in the ministry of the Word.

3. It respects the integrity of the textual units given through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. 

I point to the fact that no one ever thinks of teaching the textbook of any other science in any other way. What would be thought of the master who professed to teach a system of geometry or mechanics by commenting in a brilliant way on one and another apothegm selected from the author. Every text is within a context designed by the divine author. An effective preacher takes into account the larger textual unit, the context in the book as a whole, and its place in the overall span of biblical revelation. [Emphasis mine]

It's interesting to me that in no other discipline, a manual is read by jumping to and fro throughout the document. It is a very strange thing that we choose to treat the Scriptures with a presumption that we can do a better job at amassing the Lord's message than He did through the Divine Author!

___________________________________________________

[1] Shepherd Leader (pp. 142-146). P&R Publishing. Kindle Edition.

Where Can Women Teach? - Mary Kassian

Eight Principles for Christian Churches

This is a great article by Mary Kassian.  Mary originated in Edmonton, and has been a friend of Elk Point Baptist Church.  She is a profound theologian and gifted communicator.  Mary graduated from the faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine from the University of Alberta, Canada and has studied systematic theology at the doctoral level. She has taught courses at seminaries across North America, including Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.

THIS IS A VERY PRACTICAL, HELPFUL ARTICLE.

The way I determine if teaching in a specific religious venue to a coed audience honors male headship is by trying to determine how closely that particular situation mimics the nature, role, and function of a church father in governing and providing public doctrinal instruction for the local-church family.

In particular, I try to pin down where the venue sits on the following eight continuums. The more a teaching venue leans toward the left (the first part of each pairing), the less likely it is that the venue is an appropriate one for me to provide coed instruction. The more the speaking venue leans toward the right (the second part of each pairing), the more likely it is that I might be a helpful teacher in this context.

1. Context: congregational (church) ⟶ non-congregational. Is this the local church, or is it not exactly church?

To read more of Mary's article, CLICK HERE.

10 Reasons Why You Should be Committed to Expository Preaching #1

My associate pastor and I meet weekly for study, mentoring and prayer.  This year we are reading and discussing Timothy Witmer's book: The Shepherd Leader.   In Chapter 6, entitled Shepherds Feed the Sheep, Witmer provides a compelling argument for expository preaching.  

What is expository preaching?  There are many good definitions available but I prefer Bryan Chappell's:

"The main idea of an expository sermon the topic, the divisions of that idea, main points, and the development of those divisions, all come from truths the text itself contains. No significant portions of the text is ignored. In other words, expositors willingly stay within the boundaries of the text and do not leave until they have surveyed its entirety with its hearers." [1]

Here is Witmer's first point:

“The pastor should also be concerned to represent scriptura tota (the whole counsel of God) in his preaching ministry. The best way to provide this balanced diet is through the systematic expository preaching of the Scriptures. Verse-by-verse preaching from whole books of the Bible serves many purposes, including the following:

1. It identifies exactly what is the heart of the Christian message.

“We are not expounding a passage from either secular literature or a political speech or even a religious book, let alone our own opinions. No, our text is invariably taken from God’s Word.” 

People can hear about politics, the environment, or the economy anywhere, and by people who are likely to be better qualified in these categories. What the sheep need is the food that their Good Shepherd provides in the inspired revelation of his Word." [2]

____________________________________

1. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/erik-raymond/what-is-expository-preaching/

2. Shepherd Leader (pp. 142-146). P&R Publishing. Kindle Edition.

Forcing Yourself To Sin - 1 Samuel, Part 23

1 Samuel 13:1–15a (ESV)

The time has finally arrived to return to the study.  My joy in studying 1 Samuel has been set aside for other joys of study.  In this book, God has “relented” and Saul is king of Israel.  The prophet Samuel has given Israel a serious warning about their obedience to God in 1 Samuel 12. When we read Samuel’s speech one should tremble.  His concluding words are:

“Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you. But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king.”” (1 Samuel 12:24–25, ESV)

With the echoing words of “obedience” ringing in our ears we read a story of a military campaign of Saul. Two thousand men went with Saul and one thousand, his son, to enter into a battle with the Philistines. We read that “Jonathan defeated the garrison of the Philistines that was at Geba . . ..”^[1]  

Immediately Saul proclaimed the victory (as if it was his own) and warned the nation of a possible counter-attack. He was right! “And the Philistines mustered to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots and six thousand horsemen and troops like the sand on the seashore in multitude. They came up and encamped in Michmash, to the east of Beth-aven.” (1 Samuel 13:5, ESV).

The Israelites were trapped and terrified. Saul was waiting for Samuel to come and offer sacrifices to the Lord. The people were losing confidence in Saul. They observed their king’s apprehension and fear, and they fled.  Saul “took the bull by the horns” and offered burnt offerings.  “In addition to disobeying Samuel’s instructions, Saul is not qualified to make this offering. He ignores the law and places himself above God’s priest, showing that he is unfit to lead God’s people.”^[2]

Saul’s confession is poignant: “So I forced myself, and offered the burnt offering.”^[3]

Samuel rebukes Saul: “Now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.”^[4]  This affords us an insight into the future.  It also sets the interpretative key to what it means to be “a man after his [God’s] own heart.”  This is a man who has a heart to obey God.  Saul then proceeded to confront the Philistines.

Obedience is a key theme in this story so far.  Blessing and cursing rested upon Saul and Israel’s obedience. Because of disobedience Saul would forfeit to reign.  Saul knew better.  His heart knew the terms and conditions.  But we read these terrifying words: “So I forced myself [to sin].” 

Is it not the ultimate self-condemnation to proceed against your own scruples – your own sense of right and wrong?  As Matthew Henry comments: He went against his own conscience “perhaps boasting that he had broken through his convictions and got the better of them, or at least thinking this extenuated his fault, that he knew he should not have done as he did, but did it with reluctancy. Foolish man! To think that God would be well pleased with sacrifices offered in direct opposition both to his general and particular command.”^[5]

How did Saul force himself to move against his own sense of right and wrong? The answer is rationalization!  And Saul said, “When I saw that the people were scattering from me, and that you did not come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines had mustered at Michmash,” (1 Samuel 13:11b, ESV).  Sounds reasonable, doesn’t it?  The army is defecting and tardy Samuel was late. To save the day he had to do something; perhaps even be rewarded for his insightful initiative. Within his reasoning there’s a hint of blame.

When God has spoken, human logic, public opinion, or even social pressure fails to absolve the sinner.  I have witnessed the spiritual wreck of students who rationalized that it was an economy of effort to co-habit with the opposite gender.  I have painfully observed the marriage of a Christian to a non-Christian because he or she was lonely. I have heard of the rationalization to steal from one’s boss because he or she owes it to them.  I have experienced the pull to disregard one’s convictions because I don’t want to offend. I have seen the compromise of spiritual priorities in the home because children want to participate in such good activities as sport and recreation.

For God’s people, He was looking for that obedient king – that one who would take on the headship of His people with righteousness and perfection.  A king who would prove to be better than Saul and even better than David.  This king truly represent God and would  “establish your offspring forever, and build your throne for all generations.’ ” Selah” (Psalm 89:4, ESV).

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” (Isaiah 9:6–7, ESV)

We are to bow before God’s king – King Jesus.  No more rationalization.  No more interference by human logic. Bow in humble submission.  It is there we find justice and grace, righteousness and mercy, holiness and forgiveness.

---

^[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (1 Sa 13:3). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

^[2] Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (1 Sa 13:9). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

^[3] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (1 Sa 13:12). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

^[4] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (1 Sa 13:14). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

^[5] Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: complete and unabridged in one volume (p. 405). Peabody: Hendrickson.

Your Party Lost, Now What?

How should a Christian respond when your party of choice fails to achieve the electoral vote?  As a Christian you probably voted for the party that best represented your values.  You probably sought to see leaders of integrity and great character form the government.  You probably were deeply concerned about issues that intersect very closely with your Christian values.  But your party of choice failed to achieve the results you desperately hoped for.

For the weeks up to the election day you prayed and held out with great faith that “all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?”” (Daniel 4:35, ESV).  You are convinced that “… the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will and sets over it the lowliest of men.’” (Daniel 4:17b, ESV).  It is your respected opinion that the wrong party has been given power and you know that this power ultimately came from the hand of your sovereign God. You say with Habakkuk, “You who are of purer eyes than to see evil and cannot look at wrong . . . ” (Habakkuk 1:13a, ESV).  Habakkuk’s concern is yours: how can a holy righteous God ordain evil in the accomplishment of His will?

A careful survey of the Bible is replete with examples of God using wicked agents to accomplish His will. And in all that, He does not sin, nor is He guilty of evil.  Not only will God use unrighteous people to accomplish His ends and His goals, He will judge them in righteousness for their wickedness.  God used the wicked nation of Assyria to bring judgment on Israel. “Woe to Assyria, the rod of my anger; the staff in their hands is my fury!” (Isaiah 10:5, ESV).  And He would judge Assyria after they had done what He intended. “When the Lord has finished all his work on Mount Zion and on Jerusalem, he will punish the speech of the arrogant heart of the king of Assyria and the boastful look in his eyes.” (Isaiah 10:12, ESV)

God has a purpose and a goal that is bigger than us when He permits a government to lead a nation that is inherently unrighteousness.  God says to the voters in any election, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8–9, ESV)

So the first response of the Christian voter who is disappointed in an election is to worship. That’s what Habakkuk did, recorded in Chapter 3.  More specifically he fell to his knees and proclaimed:

“Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.” (Habakkuk 3:17–18, ESV)

The second response of the Christian voter is to “Fear God. Honor the emperor.”^[1]  One should tremble in fear that they not malign the Sovereign of the Universe who has displayed His will in the nation. And we should honor the new leader.  As the Apostle Paul would entreat us, “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”^[2]  Did you see that: Prayers, intercessions AND THANKSGIVINGS!  Honor and respect for the new Prime Minister of Canada would lead us not to passivity, but to respectful conversation.  Honor to our authority leads us to speak candidly on issues and speak politely.  Never is there an example in the Bible, from Daniel, to Jesus, to Paul who spoke to kings and rulers with dishonor and disrespect.  “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (Ephesians 4:29, ESV)

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” (Romans 13:1, ESV)

Let us rejoice and be thankful that the will of our good and sovereign God has been evidenced in this Canadian electoral process. And if the result is mystifying and disappointing to the Christian voter, they can take hope that “no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.”^[3]

---

^[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (1 Pe 2:17). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

^[2] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (1 Ti 2:1–2). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

^[3] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Job 42:2). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

I Would Like To Tell You What I Think of Jesus

Whenever Jesus acted it was entirely unique.

• When he taught at the Sermon on the Mount we read, “And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.” (Matthew 7:28–29, ESV)
• When Jesus taught in his home town of Nazareth, the people remarked in astonishment, “…“Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works?” (Matthew 13:53–54, ESV)
• Even when the people saw him confront the demonic world we read, “And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!”” (Luke 4:36, ESV)
• When his enemies tried to trick him in religious debates like paying taxes, we read: “Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they marveled at him.” (Mark 12:17, ESV)
• When answering an inquiring rich ruler, Mark comments: “. . .  And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions.” (Mark 12:34, ESV)
• When the Levitical priestly guards heard His Gospel invitation, they said, “No one ever spoke like this man!”” (John 7:46, ESV)  
• When in judgement by Pilate, we read: “But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed.” (Mark 15:5, ESV)
• Even at his death, a centurion remarked: “When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”” (Matthew 27:54, ESV)

Verse 1[A[

I would love to tell you

What I think of Jesus

Since I found in Him

A friend so strong and true

I would tell you how

He changed my life completely

He did something

That no other friend could do

Chorus

No one ever cared for me like Jesus

There's no other friend so kind as He

No one else could take the sin

And darkness from me

O how much He cared for me

Verse 2

All my life was full of sin

When Jesus found me

All my heart was full

Of misery and woe

Jesus placed His strong

And loving arms around me

And He led me in the way

I ought to go

Verse 3

Ev'ry day He comes to me

With new assurance

More and more I understand

His words of love

But I'll never know

Just why He came to save me

Till someday I see

His blessed face above

________________________________________________

A. Charles Frederick Weigle, No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus, Public Domain