The Word with a Topic? Really? Is there a good time and place for topical preaching and teaching in the proclamation of God’s Word? Why not? Sure there is.

Topical preaching, what do you think of it? What does God think of it?

Topical teaching of God's Word.. which centers of course on a specific subject, is often set apart from expository preaching.

While topical preaching seeks to unveil what the Bible gives.. the teaching on a given topic, expository preaching simply delves into a particular passage, illuminating its meaning.. as we pray.. and how it speaks into our lives today.

Most pastors weave in a mixture of both types into their ministry, though some may lean more heavily on topical approaches. But whether this approach flourishes or falters depends on its application. Foolish application or wise application. Go with the latter.

Sermon messages (today to sound less churchy are called "talk(s)," at their core, can generally be categorized into four types:

1) textual,

2) topical,

3) textual-topical, and

4) expository.

Some people would quarl with or just argue that these labels don’t always fit neatly, as the lines often get blur between the types of ministry.

A textual sermon draws its structure from the Scriptures themselves, allowing the sacred text to unfold its message.

In contrast, a topical sermon organizes itself around an idea or theme, with the preacher drawing from various Bible verses as supporting evidence.

The hybrid, topical-textual sermon, seeks and marries these two approaches together, allowing both the speaker’s thoughts and the biblical text to shape the message.

Finally then, there's expository preaching (and teaching) which rests firmly in the Scriptures, seeking to excavate the deep deep depth of meaning within a passage.

Hey, in all these forms, the ultimate goal remains the same: Let's simply obey the leading of the Lord and wisely applying the eternal truth of God’s Word to the hearts and lives of the listeners. We want them blessed and we want those in our world around us.. impacted and saved.

Topical preaching, when done well, serves as a powerful tool in addressing the specific needs of a local church congregation.

For example, if a deeper understanding of sin is required, the preacher, minister, teacher.. can devote a series to unpacking its many facets and consequences.. and there are serious consequences when choosing to sin.

In this way, topical preaching can provide a sweeping view of what the Bible clearly says on a particular matter, helping listeners develop a comprehensive, biblical perspective and worldview.

Additionally, by organizing sermons around a single theme, a teacher or preacher can create a unity of thought, which aids at the hearer's retention level. And since this method draws from the preacher’s own reflections and insights, it often feels personal and heartfelt as it should really be personal and heartfelt.

Yet, as with all methods, there are some dangers to be aware of and avoid. Sole reliance on topical preaching may lead a preacher to choose subjects based on personal interests (ever had a pastor always riding his favorite hobby horse?) or ease of development, and the congregation may become sort of conditioned to expect only messages from him that entertain or comfort.

Over time, this narrow focus can result in a very shallow understanding of the full counsel of God, even if particular topics are thoroughly explored. There is also the risk that a teacher or preacher might elevate his own thoughts above the necessity of "rightly dividing the word of truth" (see 2 Timothy 2:15), forsaking the richness of the Scriptures for the trendy allure of his own creativity.

The Bible says, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth." esv

I have to ask myself: Is the lawn (so to speak) greening evenly, or are there stripe patters, and burned spots in the lawn. I must teach through all the counsels of God to see the law greening healthy and evenly. You know what I mean.

For this reason, many pastors wisely alternate between topical and expository messages. My own pastor Jack Graham in Plano Texas does this -- we love to hear his messages.

Topical preaching gives the hearers the flexibility to address pressing issues in this modern culture or within a congregation, while expository preaching ensures a thorough and systematic exposition of entire books of the entire Bible. Both approaches are crucial to fostering a well-balanced spiritual growth.

Ultimately, the prep-work and organization of a sermon message, whether topical or expository, is a bit less important than ensuring that it is what God wants ministered.. what is deeply rooted in Scripture and practically applied. Ask, inquire of the Lord and wait on Him.. with Him. Pray earnestly about it.. over the whole message.

A topical sermon from the Word can be as biblical as an expository one, and an expository sermon message can be just as engaging and relatable as a topical message.

I loved hearing Warren Wiersbe. I love reading his material, like in Preaching and Teaching with Imagination. Warren shared the frustration of a pastor who lamented, “My preaching sounds like a commentary! I’m dull! I have all the biblical facts, but there’s no life! What should I do?”

That pastor, though very diligent in his study of Scripture I'm sure, struggled with bringing its truths to life for his audience. As then Pastor Wiersbe rightly points out, “People think in pictures and respond with their hearts as well as their heads.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by KurtwVs (@kurtwvs)

No matter the style or structure, paint a picture with your words.. let them smell the flowers and mountain breeze. Sure, if a sermon is grounded in God’s Word, and vividly brought to life with powerful imagery, great vocabulary and it's faithfully applied to everyday living, it will achieve its purpose. God will use you and it to help people in the ways most needed. It will not merely inform minds but inspire their hearts, drawing listeners ever closer to the Savior, the Lord of all lords. And that, after all, is the true aim of preaching: that men and women might be drawn to follow Christ closer and with deeper love and greater devotion. We want people drawn closer in fellowship with Him.. and closer.. involved with a sound Bible teaching Local church. Do you have a healthy church? Do you know the Jesus Christ of the Bible in a personal way.. not merely about him?