Expository Preaching (part two)

One of the problems that I have found at Kimberley Fellowship teaching expositionally is that we often look at a book of the bible one chapter at a time. When we do this we can fail to see the broader themes that are going on over multiple chapters or the whole book. For example, last week we looked at 1 Corinthians 8 and Paul’s encouragement to place our love for each other over what we consider to be our ethical freedoms. Next Sunday, in chapter 9 we will look at Paul’s treatment of himself as a minister of the gospel. It would be a mistake for us to separate the chapters since 9 is a personal example of the principle Paul was setting up in 8.

Things like inconsistent attendance, poor memories, weeks where guests preach, etc all make it difficult to fully realize the momentum of book. But as a listener there are are things you can do to more fully participate in preaching the Word. You are encouraged to be reading personally the book that is being taught on Sunday mornings. It is a very helpful practice to read from the beginning of the book being studied all the way till the end of the chapter to be preached on that Sunday. Note taking can also be helpful as it gives us some summaries to look back on and refresh our memories. Consistent attendance is obviously my desire, yet I am also well aware that inconsistency in not always do to apathetic hearts. We we are sick or away for even one week consider discussing the passage with someone who was in attendance. I am considering proving notes in a blog post each week that summarizes what was discussed.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17