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.
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.
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