In Defense of Topical Preaching
 

by Al Diestelkamp

In touting the superiority of expository preaching, some have been openly critical of topical preaching. Occasionally an “expositor” will even dare to belittle the topical approach by calling it “proof-text preaching.”

There is great value in expository preaching wherein you “expose” the meaning within the immediate context. It appears that Philip used this method when teaching the Ethiopian about Jesus (Acts 8:35). However, the use of this approach must not eliminate preaching which explores a topic within the context of the entire word of God (i.e., gathering all that is revealed about the particular topic).

Both methods of preaching can be used by preachers to promote either truth or error. When preaching topically, care is needed to avoid misusing the text. Similar caution is needed by the expositor to avoid surmising what is meant.

There is danger in the abandonment of topical preaching. For some, the exclusive use of expository preaching has made it convenient to avoid making specific applications. Some even pride themselves in just preaching the principle and expecting their listeners to make their own applications. Quite frankly, that’s not preaching—that’s just reading.

Critics of topical preaching need to show us just how to teach against any number of false doctrines and unscriptural practices without use of such preaching. In fact, I have to wonder if this is the very reason some are turned off by topical preaching. Perhaps what some ignore is that when a book of the Bible is taught in a class setting, there is ample opportunity to employ the expository method of teaching.

Let me be perfectly clear. I am not opposing expository preaching. To borrow a phrase from the Lord, “This you ought to do without leaving the other undone” (Mt 23:23). Lest anyone is critical of my use of Jesus’ words, keep in mind that even He occasionally resorted to what some call “proof-texting” (Mt 9:13; Mk 11:17, etc.).

 

 

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