There are as many different types of sermons as there are different personalities of preachers. However, sermons tend to fall into several general categories. Any of the methods discussed below can be used for either evangelistic or pastoral preaching.

Topical Sermons

Definition of Topical Sermons

A topical sermon is built around one topic or theme. The goal of the sermon is to make one basic point. The outline of the sermon is developed in a logical way rather than from one particular text. The preacher supports the points of the sermon using texts from several parts of the Bible that relate to the topic.

Advantages of Topical Sermons

In providing biblical support for a topical sermon, one can use the best verses on that particular topic rather than building the point from a single passage of scripture. In a topical sermon one can develop the theme in such a way that when a person leaves the service, he knows very clearly what was talked about. In many ways, a topical sermon is the easiest kind of sermon to understand. Topical sermons are easier and quicker to prepare than most other kinds of sermons.

Two Dangers Related to Topical Sermons

Misusing scripture. It is dangerous to create a sermon and then look for scriptures to support the points. It is wrong to use a verse to support a point, when that verse does not actually relate to the point or does not mean what you claim it does.
Becoming unbalanced in preaching. When preaching topical sermons, preachers are likely to preach what they feel strongly about. This usually means that they are neglecting other important scriptural teachings. On the other hand, when a person does expositional preaching (which is discussed later), the scripture text itself helps to determine the topics and themes.

Example of a Topical Sermon

Title: Many Proofs: A Sermon on the Resurrection

Text: Acts 1:1-3

I. The evidence of the empty tomb (Matthew 28:1-7; John 20:1-9)

II. The evidence of the post-resurrection appearances (Matthew 28:16-20; Luke 24:13-35; John 20:11-29; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8)

III. The evidence of changed lives (Acts 4:1-13)

* This sermon is from How Sweet the Sound, a collection of sermons by Rev. G.R. French. Used by permission of Gospel Publishing Mission.

Textual Sermons

Characteristics of Textual Sermons

A textual sermon is based on a single text or phrase from the Bible. For example, one might preach a sermon on the text, “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). In a textual sermon on this scripture, one might talk about “wages,” “sin,” and “death.” The theme and main points of the sermon usually come from the text. The characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses of a textual sermon are very similar to that of a topical sermon, because the preacher may give many ideas that do not come from the text itself.

Africans and African Americans preach textual sermons more than other forms, and they do so very effectively. One of the traditional forms of learning in Africa has been the proverb, a short memorable statement that teaches some point of wisdom. A biblical text is also a short memorable statement that teaches some point of wisdom. Textual sermons take advantage of that traditional form of teaching; this makes textual sermons attractive.

Example of a Textual Sermon

Title: “To whom much is given, much shall be required.”

Text: Luke 12:48

1. Our Assets (“much is given”)

2. Our Responsibilities (“much shall be required”)

Example of a Textual Sermon

Title: Living as God’s People

Text: Romans 12:1b-2

1. Do not be conformed to the world.

2. Be transformed.

3. The will of God

4. Present yourselves to God.

Biographical Sermons

Characteristics of Biographical Sermons

A biographical sermon is a character study based on someone in the Bible. The sermon explains the person’s good or bad qualities and makes application based upon those qualities.[1]

Because people are more interesting than principles, the biographical sermon often holds attention better than other forms of sermons. There are hundreds of people in the Bible from which one can preach biographical sermons. Nearly all of them reflect either some positive or negative quality.

This is a very effective form of preaching in cultures that are accustomed to stories. It is a very natural form of preaching and teaching the Bible.

Reasons for Biographical Sermons

Most Bible characters are familiar to people who attend church. We identify more easily with the people in the Bible than with general teachings in the Bible. It is easier to see principles in the lives of people than in general teachings. People are interested in people; therefore, biographical sermons may be more interesting than other kinds of sermons.

Method for Preparing Biographical Sermons

Quickly read through the scriptures that cover the person, and make notes about their qualities and deficiencies.
Select three to eight qualities which are easy to explain.
Organize these into an outline that is uniform and consistent.
Continue to take notes on the story’s details as you reread and study the passage.
Once you have selected the main points, find two or three other scriptures that illustrate these same principles.
Make specific applications of the principles illustrated in the character you are studying. Make sure that the application is based upon the text. Explain how your listeners can follow a good biblical example or avoid following a bad example.

Things to Avoid in Biographical Sermons

(1) Do not turn the sermon into an allegory.

An allegory uses the details of the story as symbols of other things. This lesson comes from the speaker’s imagination rather than from the scripture itself. Biographical sermons should draw applications from scripture itself rather than from allegorical interpretations.

In the story of David and Goliath, we should not try to present Goliath as Satan, David as Jesus, and the stone as the Word of God. Instead, we should attempt to find positive character qualities in the story. The story of David and Goliath will teach lessons such as courage, faith in God, commitment to a cause, and the principle that God uses weak things to do mighty works.

(2) Do not make points that are not obvious in the story.

The points drawn out of a story should be natural. When the audience hears them, they should immediately be able to see the point. The more naturally the points arise from the story, the more easily the audience will understand and apply the sermon.

Example of a Biographical Sermon

Title: What Is Your Name?

Text: Genesis 32

In many cultures, a person’s name shows their parent’s hopes for their child. But the name Jacob was not a name of hope. It meant “heel-grasper” or “deceiver.” On the night before he would meet his older brother Esau, Jacob wrestled with God and God transformed Jacob, the “deceiver” into Israel, “One who strives with God.” In this story, we see the process God used to transform Jacob’s name, character, and direction in life.

(1) God gave Jacob a revelation of Jacob’s nature (Genesis 32:27).

The question “What is your name?” forced Jacob to confess, “I am a deceiver.”

(2) God gave Jacob a revelation of God himself (Genesis 32:30).

When Jacob confessed who he was, God revealed himself and his grace in a new way.

(3) God gave Jacob a new future (Genesis 32:28).

Jacob the deceiver became Israel, the father of a nation.

*This sermon is from How Sweet the Sound, a collection of sermons by Rev. G.R. French. Used by permission of Gospel Publishing Mission.

Example Series of Biographical Sermons

A series of sermons for spiritual emphasis week:

(1) Isaiah, a Man God Used

(2) Jonah, a Man God Used a Little

(3) Gehazi, a Man God Could Have Used

(4) David, a Man God Used for Many Generations

Expository Sermons

Description of Expository Preaching

Expository preaching is demonstrated in an incident in Nehemiah. Seven months after the walls of the city were built, the people gathered for a special celebration. One of the most important parts of the celebration was the reading of the Law of Moses. Nehemiah describes the incident this way:

…the Levites helped the people to understand the Law, while the people remained in their places. They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading (Nehemiah 8:7-8).

The Levites gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading. The goal of expository preaching is to make the scripture clear, so that people can understand what is being read.

Expository preaching is explaining the meaning of a passage of scripture and making appropriate application. It explains the most important themes in that passage in the order in which they are found. It does not omit anything from the text, and it does not add anything to it. Expository preaching must have been common in the early church. When churches received correspondence from the apostles, they must have read it publicly and then briefly explained what the various parts of the letters meant.

Expository preaching is the most natural and simple form of preaching.

Types of Expository Preaching

There are many different types of expository preaching. We will divide expository preaching into three categories.

(1) Brief Exposition

In brief exposition, the preacher makes a few comments about each verse in an entire chapter or lengthy portion of scripture. It is basically reading a passage and then making comments about it. In this method, the preacher addresses only the key points of the passage.

In previous generations, African Americans used this form of preaching very effectively. In those days, many preachers were illiterate, so they would have someone stand beside them while they were preaching. The preacher would have the reader read a verse or a phrase in a verse. The preacher would then explain and make applications from the verse. He would then say, “Read,” and the reader would continue with another phrase. The preacher and reader would alternate throughout the sermon. This form of preaching became so popular that later preachers who could read continued to use this style of preaching.

You can use this brief exposition style of preaching very effectively at times, particularly with passages like Psalm 73. In this passage, Asaph tells the story of his doubts. He questions the fairness of God who allows the wicked to prosper while the righteous suffer. Asaph starts with doubts, but in the middle of the chapter, he begins to see things from God’s perspective. The chapter ends with a great declaration of faith: “But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all your works” (Psalm 73:28).

One does not need a fancy outline in preaching from this chapter. The “read and comment” technique works very well.

The brief exposition method works well for explaining the responsibilities of the weak and the strong in Romans 14.

(2) Thorough Exposition

In thorough exposition, the preacher explains nearly every word, doctrine, and thought in a text. Because every chapter of the Bible is filled with many truths, this kind of exposition is very detailed. It takes good exegetical skills and tools to preach a passage in such a complete manner.

Think about Paul’s statement in 2 Corinthians 3:18.

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

In this passage, there are many truths we can uncover with careful analysis. Knowing the history and theology of “glory” from the Old Testament, particularly the incident when Moses had to veil his face after being with God on Mount Sinai, helps us understand what Paul is saying. Word studies of the key words such as “glory,” “transformed,” and “image” will yield rich truths. If you do the exegesis properly, there will be more in this one verse than you could preach in a single sermon.

(3) Thematic Exposition

In thematic exposition, the preacher selects a short section of scripture such as a paragraph and explains the key themes in that section. It addresses many more details than the brief exposition but does not explain every word or thought in the passage. In this kind of exposition, the sermon is built around the most important theme of the section. Details that support the theme are used. Details that do not contribute to that theme are omitted or briefly mentioned.

In a sermon on three or four verses, it is difficult to treat every possible thought, but you can explain and apply the main thoughts. Some people believe that thematic exposition is the most natural form of preaching. It enables one to keep a sermon focused, but also to explain the most important truths in the order they come in the passage.

Example of an Expository Sermon

Title: Epaphroditus, an Ordinary Christian

Text: Philippians 2:25-30

Epaphroditus was a layman sent from the Philippian church to assist Paul when he was under house arrest in Rome. Paul eventually sent him back to Philippi with the letter to the Philippians. In that letter he wrote one paragraph describing the work of Epaphroditus.

The Christian life includes brotherhood: “my brother.”
The Christian life includes work: “fellow worker.”
The Christian life includes fighting: “fellow soldier.”
The Christian life includes serving others: “your messenger.”
The Christian life includes unfortunate circumstances: “he was ill.”
The Christian life includes honor and respect: “honor such men.”
The Christian life includes sacrifice: “he nearly died… risking his life”

Example of an Expository Sermon

Title: When God Does Not Answer Prayer

Text: 2 Corinthians 1:3-10

This is an issue with which people struggle. They want to know why God does not always answer their prayers. According to this passage, God does not answer our prayers for at least three different reasons:

1. To Prepare Us for Service

2 Corinthians 1:4, “Who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction.”

2. To Illustrate His Grace

2 Corinthians 1:5-6, note the phrase “your comfort.”

3. To Demonstrate God’s Power

2 Corinthians 1:9, “But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.”

Serial Expository Preaching

A preacher may give a series of sermons from a book or section of scripture, one verse or paragraph at a time. For example, the first sermon of a series on the Gospel of Mark would start with chapter 1:1 and perhaps deal with the introduction to the book. The next sermon might come from 1:2-5 and the next one would come from 1:6-11. The preacher would then develop sermons from the book one paragraph at a time.

This is the kind of pastoral preaching that the author of this course has done throughout most of his pastoral ministry. For example, when he served as a senior pastor of a church, he preached through the following books:

James in 15 sermons
1 and 2 Thessalonians in 25 sermons
Galatians in 62 sermons
Philippians in 32 sermons
Gospel of Mark in 102 sermons

Reasons for Doing Exposition

(1) Expository preaching helps you teach the truth of the Bible.

Expository preaching takes its main points from the text itself in the most natural way. This enables the passage to communicate simply and plainly. Jesus said, “You will know the truth and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). One of the best ways to present the truth of the Bible is to go through it one verse at a time and explain what it means.

(2) Expository preaching helps you emphasize what the scripture emphasizes.

If while preaching through Romans, Paul mentions a certain doctrine only once, then you will only preach on it one time. However, if he mentions a doctrine 10 times, then you have the opportunity to mention it 10 times. When you preach through the Gospel of Mark, every time Jesus mentioned prayer, you are able to preach about prayer. Every time Jesus encouraged people to repent, you can encourage people to repent.

(3) Expository preaching helps you to be fresher and more creative.

It is easy for a preacher to get into a habit of preaching the same themes all the time. However, when one preaches through sections of the Bible, he is forced to develop new material. The process of developing new material will keep one learning and growing. It will enable him to go to the pulpit with freshness and enthusiasm.

(4) Expository preaching helps you give your people a varied spiritual diet.

If preachers allow their own personal interests to determine what they will preach, they are likely to preach repeatedly on the same themes. However, if they preach through sections of the Bible, they will be teaching many different topics, and that will give their people a more balanced spiritual diet. This forces preachers to preach about themes that they would not ordinarily feel comfortable speaking about. This will keep them learning and will aid them in their own spiritual growth.

(5) Expository preaching helps eliminate the problem of knowing what to preach.

Practically every pastor has come to Saturday night and wondered what he or she was going to preach about the following day. When pastors preach through a section of the Bible, they not only know what they are going to preach about the next Sunday but for many Sundays in the future. This is an advantage to the musicians and others who participate in the church service, because they can coordinate their parts of the service around what the pastor is going to preach.

(6) Expository preaching helps you deal with difficult subjects in a natural way.

If pastors know that there is a certain problem in their church, they are tempted to aim their preaching at certain individuals in the congregation. This will cause the minister to lose the respect of the congregation. Many people have left churches because they felt that the minister had singled them out to preach against something they were doing. However, when the minister preaches about the subject that is next in order in the scripture, people should not accuse him of preaching at a certain person. Expository preaching helps you deal with difficult or sensitive subjects in a natural and inoffensive way.

A pastor was amazed to see how God sovereignly worked it out for him to preach on certain subjects at the right time, even though the theme was simply next in order as he was going through a particular book. God knows who will be in our services, and he knows when we are going to preach a certain sermon. He often brings these things together in a way that can only be understood as the work of God.

(7) Expository preaching enables you to preach with greater authority.

When we preach regularly through the Bible, it gives us a level of authority that we do not have when we preach topical sermons. When all the points of a sermon come out of the text in such a way that the listener can easily see them, it helps to convince the hearer that this sermon is from God and not from man. It is easy to say, “Thus saith the Lord” when you are doing expository preaching.

(8) Expository preaching takes maximum advantage of your time and resources.

When you are preaching through one book, all the background information applies to all of that book. You can use commentaries to their maximum advantage. If you preach through a large book like one of the gospels, being able to use the same resources week after week will save time and resources.

[1]Alfred P. Gibbs, The Preacher and His Preaching, (6th Edition). (Kansas City: Walterick Publishers, n.d.), 283