Expository Exaltation: The Heart of Preaching

In this sermon, I delve into the profound nature of preaching, which I define as "expository exaltation." This concept is not merely about delivering a message but involves a deep, heartfelt exultation over the truths found in Scripture. Preaching, in this sense, is a dual act of explaining the biblical text (exposition) and expressing the joy and beauty of the truths within it (exultation). The distinction between "exaltation" and "exultation" is crucial; while the former involves praising someone, the latter is about rejoicing over something, which in this context is the Word of God.

The essence of expository preaching is to make the meaning of Scripture clear, allowing the congregation to see the truth directly from the text. This approach ensures that the authority remains with the Bible, not the preacher. The preacher's role is to guide the congregation in understanding the text and to demonstrate the beauty and worth of the truths it contains. This is not just an intellectual exercise but a deeply emotional one, where the preacher's joy and satisfaction in God's Word are evident.

Preaching must also address the less beautiful aspects of biblical truth, such as sin and death, in a way that ultimately highlights the glory and beauty of the gospel. The ultimate purpose of all creation, including preaching, is to glorify God. This is achieved by communicating His greatness, beauty, and worth to the world. Preaching, therefore, is an act of worship that helps others to worship by making God's truth known and felt.

The sermon also touches on the importance of understanding the purpose of all things, which is to glorify God. This understanding shapes how we live and preach, ensuring that every aspect of our lives and ministry points to God's supreme value. Preaching is unique in its ability to glorify God by combining the explanation of His Word with the heartfelt expression of its beauty and worth.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Expository Exaltation Defined: Preaching is not just about explaining Scripture but also about exulting in its truths. This dual focus ensures that the authority of the message remains with the Bible, and the preacher's joy in God's Word is evident. This approach helps the congregation see the beauty and worth of the truths being preached. [02:41]
• 2. The Role of the Preacher: A preacher must not only convey the meaning of the text but also demonstrate its value and beauty. This involves a heartfelt response to the truths of Scripture, which in turn helps the congregation to see and feel the worth of God's Word. [06:39]
• 3. Preaching and the Glory of God: The ultimate purpose of preaching, like all creation, is to glorify God. This is achieved by communicating His greatness, beauty, and worth to the world. Preaching is an act of worship that helps others to worship by making God's truth known and felt. [17:59]
• 4. The Importance of Biblical Authority: Good preaching shows the congregation how the meaning is derived from the text, ensuring that the authority remains with the Bible, not the preacher. This approach helps the congregation to see the truth directly from the text. [05:29]
• 5. Preaching as Worship: Preaching is a unique form of worship that combines the explanation of God's Word with the heartfelt expression of its beauty and worth. This dual focus helps the congregation to glorify God by understanding and cherishing His truth. [52:12]
  ** [52:12]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:20] - Opening Prayer
• [00:46] - Introduction to Expository Exaltation
• [01:26] - Exaltation vs. Exultation
• [02:41] - The Preacher's Role in Exultation
• [03:51] - Defining Expository Preaching
• [05:29] - Authority of Scripture in Preaching
• [06:39] - Exultation in Preaching
• [08:28] - Preaching Difficult Truths
• [10:07] - The Essence of Preaching
• [13:36] - The Purpose of Creation and Preaching
• [17:59] - Glorifying God Through Preaching
• [22:27] - Christian Living and Preaching
• [26:01] - The Uniqueness of Preaching
• [32:55] - Preaching the Word
• [40:14] - The Role of Teaching in Preaching
• [52:12] - Preaching as Worship
• [54:16] - Closing Prayer

1. 2 Timothy 3:16 - 4:4
2. Isaiah 48:9-11
3. Colossians 1:16

1. What does the term "expository exaltation" mean according to the sermon, and how does it relate to the role of a preacher? [02:41]
2. How does the sermon describe the difference between "exaltation" and "exultation," and why is this distinction important for preaching? [01:26]
3. According to 2 Timothy 3:16-4:4, what is the purpose of Scripture, and how does it equip the preacher for their task?
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between preaching and the authority of Scripture? [05:29]

1. How does the sermon suggest that preaching should address difficult biblical truths like sin and death, and what is the ultimate goal of doing so? [07:35]
2. In what ways does the sermon propose that preaching is an act of worship, and how does this understanding affect the preacher's approach to their message? [52:12]
3. How does the sermon explain the connection between the purpose of all creation and the act of preaching? [17:59]
4. What does the sermon imply about the importance of the preacher's emotional response to the truths of Scripture, and how does this impact the congregation? [10:58]

1. Reflect on a recent sermon you heard. Did the preacher demonstrate both an understanding and an emotional response to the Scripture? How did this affect your engagement with the message? [10:58]
2. Consider the concept of "expository exaltation." How can you apply this approach to your personal Bible study to deepen both your understanding and appreciation of Scripture? [02:41]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of addressing difficult truths in preaching. How can you prepare yourself to receive and reflect on challenging biblical messages in a way that highlights the beauty of the gospel? [07:35]
4. How can you support your church's preaching ministry to ensure it remains focused on glorifying God and upholding the authority of Scripture? [05:29]
5. Think about a time when you felt the preacher's joy and satisfaction in God's Word during a sermon. How did this impact your own worship experience, and how can you seek to cultivate a similar joy in your personal faith journey? [06:39]
6. In what ways can you contribute to creating a church environment that values both the intellectual and emotional aspects of worship through preaching? [52:12]
7. How can you apply the principle of doing everything for the glory of God, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 10:31, in your daily life, particularly in areas like work, relationships, and personal growth? [23:03]