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Biblical Preaching: The Development and Delivery of Expository Messages

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Robinson, Haddon W. Biblical Preaching: The Development and Delivery of Expository Messages. Second Edition. Grand Rapids: Baker Academics, 2001.

Summary of Purpose

Robinson's first edition of Biblical Preaching (Baker, 1980) stands as one of the seminal volumes on the subject. This second edition revised and updated that earlier work. Robinson began by lamenting the paucity of true expository preaching and defined what constitutes authentic expository preaching. "Expository preaching is the communication of a biblical concept, derived from and transmitted through a historical, grammatical and literary study of a passage in its context which the Holy Spirit first applies to the personality and experience of the preacher, then through him to his hearers" (20). Most of the book is devoted to developing Robinson's ten-step approach toward expository sermon development. The final chapters address the mechanics of sermon delivery.

Robinson declared that many so-called expository sermons are neither expository nor sermons. His thesis contends that authentic expository sermons must focus on presenting the "big idea" of a specific biblical passage. True expository sermons must draw their subjects from the main idea of the text itself. The preacher must state the big idea in terms of a subject and a complement. The main points of the sermon serve to develop and support that subject as limited by the complement. He insisted that preachers do not deliver sermons; they deliver messages from God as revealed in the Scriptures. The message must first be true to the text, accurately exegeted, interpreted in light of the modern culture, and delivered with passion and persuasiveness. The book is replete with examples, illustrations, and practical advise from a trusted sage.

Analysis of Strengths

Robinson's writing style reflected his approach to preaching--lucid, vivid, and meaningful. He can express an ocean of thought in a drop of language. Novice readers will not be intimidated. Seasoned professionals will find the book a refreshing reminder of their sacred task.

Robinson's thesis stands as the true strength of the book: the preacher must discover the meaning within a given text and present that message in clear contemporary language. He is right when he opined that many preachers are guilty of preaching three or four ideas in one message rather than one idea shaped and supported by the major points. "A sermon should be a bullet, not buckshot" (35). Robinson does a fine job of helping the reader think through how a subject is determined and framed. The practice exercises are priceless.

Robinson possesses a high view of the task of preaching and of preachers. The preacher stands in the gap between heaven and earth seeking to convey eternal, life-changing truths. Robinson urged readers to be faithful to the text. Preachers deliver God's message, not their own. God is speaking through the Bible. He warned readers that when preachers fail to preach the Scriptures, they abandoned their authority.

Robinson's ten stages in the development of expository messages provide readers with a systematized approach to sermon preparation. As one would expect, Robinson instructed readers to begin with the text. However, step six can prove exceptionally helpful to many: determine the sermon's purpose. Often the purpose of expository messages is ill defined. Preachers assume that the purpose of the sermon is to present and explain the text assuming the Holy Spirit would provide the individual application. Robinson cautioned that the preachers must answer the question, So what? If the preacher does not know what he or she hopes to accomplish with the message, neither will the listeners.

Some readers will appreciate Robinson acknowledging that not every Scripture passage has homiletic value for a particular congregation (54). Those preachers who preach systematically through books of the Bible should not feel they have to preach a particular passage meant for another people or another day.

Analysis of Weaknesses

Three factors could make this good book even better. First, the book could use more explanation on how to do proper exegesis. Robinson urged readers to study commentaries, grammars, lexicons, and other aids. However, this reviewer would have liked a few pages of "show and tell." Perhaps the lack of authentic expository sermons lies in the lack of competent exegetical skills. The text can never mean what it never could have meant. I would have gladly traded a few pages on dress and appearance for a more detailed analysis of quality exegesis. I would have appreciated more information on how to move from an exegetical outline, to a didactic outline, then to a homiletic outline.

Second, Robinson insisted that preachers must artfully choose their words. He gave examples from poets, presidents, and other preachers. He insisted that a well-turned phrase creates vivid imagery the audience would appreciate. I do not doubt an audience would desire picturesque speech, but I would not want a listener to fixate on a skillful turn of a phrase and miss the point. When reading a book, a reader can pause, appreciate the beauty of the language, and then move on. In spoken communication, a distracted mind is a lost mind. Robinson provided several stirring examples of vivid word usage, however many of the examples were meant for printed publication, not just a single Sunday morning delivery. Words should never stand in the way of understanding--even good words.

Third, Robinson updated his earlier work to reflect several cultural and technological changes that were unknown twenty-five years ago, such as women preachers and the widespread use of computers. However, he missed an opportunity to address the effect of postmodernism on how listeners understand truth. While it is inspiring that Robinson embraces a high view of Scripture, many church attendees are skeptical of authoritative truth claims. Robinson urged his readers to ask three developmental questions of the text, one of which is, "Is it true?" (80). The postmodern person cares less about truth and more about relevance. Such pragmatism presents a challenge for preachers who proclaim, "Thus saith the Lord."

Application and Implications

Biblical Preaching is an outstanding primer on the preaching task. It stands along side of Brown, Clinard, and Northcutt's classic Steps to the Sermon. There is little unusable material in Robinson's book. Biblical Preaching is a wonderful tool for the novice and seasoned preacher. Robinson's thesis continues to remain valid into the twenty-first century. The Bible is same book and contains the same message preached two thousand years. As such, it can turn this modern world upside down as well. It can also serve as a corrective to poor theology.

For example, some leaders of the emerging church movement have devalued the role of preaching in worship. These Generation X preachers have forsaken sermons for narrative "talks." The pulpit is replace by a stool. These preachers sheepishly proclaim that they struggle along the same path of understanding as do the listeners. These preachers do not want to appear superior. Propositional truth claims are eschewed. There is no clear word from the Lord.

Reformation Christianity stands upon the declaration, sola scriptura. Spiritual transformation occurs when a person encounters God. People encounter God in and through the Scriptures. Expository preaching unwraps God's message preserved in the Bible, clears away the cultural clutter, introduces listeners to life-transforming truths, and provides a medium through which people can encounter the Divine.

Robinson affirms the centrality of the spoken word to reveal the living Word. God has spoken and he continues to speak through the Scriptures. The Christian church has no other source for moral, ethical, or theological authority. Expository preaching, properly done, functions to bridge the gap between the temporal and the eternal. Robinson's book helps that purpose. Robinson's insistence on relevant application will help ensure that an expository message does not devolve into an academic lecture. The revised edition will ensure its continued use in seminaries and Bible colleges for years to come.

I was required to read this book for a seminary class and thoroughly enjoyed the title! While geared towards preachers, Sunday School teachers can also benefit.

Robinson covers information such as:

1. Selecting and studying the Bible passage.
2. Determining the sermon's/lesson's purpose.
3. Outlining the sermon or lesson.
4. Making the sermon and lesson come alive for your listeners.
5. How to preach and teach so people will listen.
6. Preparing the introduction and conclusion.
7. Making powerful points or asking good questions to provoke thought.

Read the book and be encouraged to be better prepared for that next sermon or lesson!

Highly recommended!

If you're a novice pastor or preacher and you're lost on how to formulate and deliver a sermon this book is the best place to start. Robinson's book is not only organized, practical, scholarly, and easy to understand it is also passionate about the subject matter at hand. Robinson gives good and effective pointers on how to formulate sermons, do exegesis, and to speak behind the pulpit (or capturing the congregation's attention). Another good aspect about the book is that it is written from an explicitly evangelical perspective. In a time when evangelical preaching is going down the tubes this book is a great guide on how to biblically preach to a congregation and remain faithful to God's word. This book must be in every pastor's library.

In "Biblical Preaching," master preacher, Haddon Robinson, takes his readers through ten stages in the development of expository messages. These stages include: selecting and studying the passage, discovering and analyzing the exegetical idea, formulating the homiletical idea, determining the sermon's purpose, deciding how to accomplish this purpose, outlining the message, filling in the sermon outline, and preparing the introduction and conclusion. Robinson's ten-stage process is filled with valuable information and pithy insights. "Biblical Preaching" is a concise but fairly comprehensive guide to preparing an effective message from start to finish. The book provides an opportunity to learn from one of the great expositors of our time. For a more thorough study of the art and science of expository preaching I recommend "Power in the Pulpit" by Jerry Vines. In my mind, these are the two best expository preaching books I've had the pleasure of reading.

No ministry text in seminary made a more profound impact on my pastoral ministry than Haddon Robinson's "Biblical Preaching." When I heard it had been revised, I couldn't imagine that it could have been improved. I was wrong. It is even better.

It retains all the features which made it so valuable--a passion for God's Word, a love for the person in the pulpit and the people in the pew, a systematic approach to biblical preaching, an emphasis on relating truth to life, and a compelling writing style. It adds features which make it even more valuable--updated illustrations, expanded sections (especially helpful is the expanded chapter on narrative preaching), and suggested reading.

Not only is the book better, the times are worse. Biblical preaching that relates truth to life is more needful now than ever. Far too many pulpits are overreacting or "mis-reacting" to post-modernism and Generation X. Preachers mistakenly assume that the spirit of the age requires questioning, not answering. In truth, post-modern Gen Xers want answers--real answers for real people with real questions. "Biblical Preaching" shows us how to get the job done.

Reviewer: Dr. Bob Kellemen, author of "Soul Physicians: A Theology of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction" and "Spiritual Friends: A Methodology of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction."

This is an excellent book on expository preaching. Robinson declares that in the act of preaching God himself is speaking through the pastor. Thus, as preachers of the Word, we have a tremendous responsibility to be faithful to it. Robinson's thesis is that this faithfulness is best found in expository preaching. He states that expository preaching is more than a philosophy than a method. Does the preacher bend his or her own thought to the Word, or does the Word bend to the preacher's thought? Although Robinson believes that preaching is an art, he rightly states that there is a methodology behind the art that almost anyone can master. So, step-by-step, he leads us through the process of putting together the sermon.

Robinson finds the strength of an expository sermon is that it proclaims the Word. If we do not preach the Word, we abandon authority. The Bible is great literature that demands a response; thus, we are to preach ideas, not word definitions. Robinson lifts us up above the Bible lecture sermon to preaching to demand a response to the living God. The final chapters on delivery, dress and appearance were great. Too many books on preaching ignore these important considerations.

The book was such and eye-opener, I found it very difficult to find fault with it. I will take issue with his criticism of the use of a manuscript. It did not take into account that such great speakers as Bill Hybels uses a manuscript in the pulpit.

Every preacher should own and read this book.

I've written a dozen books and thousands of sermons. Each was based on the method I learned from Haddon Robinson that's taught in this book. If you want to learn a method of thinking, pulling together a biblical passage, and organizing it into a powerful message this book is a must read. It is, in my opinion, the best book on preaching ever written.
Bill Perkins

Introduction

"In this book, I pass on a method to those learning to preach or to experienced people who want to brush up on the basics" (14). So says Dr. Haddon Robinson as he offers this second edition of this classic volume known as Biblical Preaching: The Development and Delivery of Expository Messages. Though first published in 1980, this work is still a staple in homiletics departments and pastors' studies across the world.

Robinson received his Ph.D. at the University of Illinois and serves as the Harold John Ockenga Distinguished Professor of Preaching at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Prior to this position, he served as president and professor of homiletics at Denver Seminary after teaching homiletics at Dallas Theological Seminary for nineteen years.

Summary

Chapter One, entitled "The Case for Expository Preaching," Robinson begins by saying, "This is a book about expository preaching, but it may have been written for a depressed market." In this chapter, Robinson shows the lack of regard for expository preaching in evangelical circles, then outlines the church's need for this manner of preaching and exactly what expository preaching is. Chapter Two, entitled "What's the Big Idea?" displays the importance of an expositor to mine out one main concept or idea. He defines an idea as something which "enables us to see what was previously unclear" (39). He also notes that "an idea begins in the mind when things ordinarily separated come together to form unity that either did not exist before or was not recognized previously" (39).

In Chapter Three, entitled "Tools of the Trade," Robinson introduces three stages in preparing expository sermons: "choosing the passage to be preached" (53), studying the passage and gathering the notes (58), then proceeding to "relate the parts to each other to determine the exegetical idea and its development" (66). Chapter Four, entitled "The Road from Text to Sermon," includes stage four which is "analyzing the exegetical idea" (75).

In Chapter Five, entitled "The Arrow and the Target," Robinson covers stages five and six in the development of expository preaching: "Formulating the Homiletical Idea" in which he encourages preachers to state their exegetical idea in "the most exact, memorable sentence possible" (103); and determining the purpose for the sermon. "A purpose differs from a sermon idea, therefore, in the same way that a target differs from the arrow; as taking a trip differs from studying a map; as baking a pie differs from reading a recipe" (107).

In Chapter Six, entitled, "The Shapes Sermons Take," Robinson helps the preacher decide how to accomplish the purpose of the sermon as well as outlining the sermon (stages seven and eight, respectively). Chapter Seven addresses filling in the sermon outline and, as Robinson states in his title, "making dry bones live" (139). Chapter Eight has the provocative title, "Start with a Band and Quit All Over," which deals with the preparation of introductions and conclusions.

Chapter Nine, entitled, "The Dress of Thought," Robinson notes, "Gift or not, we must use words, and the only question is whether we will use them poorly or well" (184). He helps the preacher in areas such as transitions, clarity of thought, developing a personal style, and the use of metaphors. The last chapter, "How to Preach So People Will Listen," deals with the delivery of the sermon itself. Robinson says that sermons "live only when they are preached. A sermon ineptly delivered arrives stillborn" (201).

Critical Analysis

With engaging writing and timely humor, Robinson seeks to communicate one prominent theme: "expository preaching is the communication of a biblical concept" (35). Even though one would be more persuaded by his thoughts had he served more in the preaching ministry of a local church (he served at Dallas Youth for Christ from 1952-55, then as Associate Pastor at the First Baptist Church of Medford, Oregon from 1956-19581), his principles of preparing and preaching expository sermons are tremendous and will serve the Church of Jesus Christ and his ministers very well indeed.

One of the strengths of this work is its pastoral nature. Preachers are not called to be lecturers and are not simply called to preach the Word of God. Preachers are called to preach the Word of God to God's people. Robinson rightly observes that "we must preach to a world addressed by the TV commentator, the newspaper columnist, and the playwright" (29). In the Preface to the Second Edition, Robinson notes how the culture has changed since 1980 when this work was first published. "Television and the computer have influenced the ways we learn and think. Narrative preaching has come into vogue and reflects the reality that listeners in a television culture think with pictures in their heads" (10). While he may go too far in giving room for narrative preaching, he rightly assesses 21st century culture. This culture is the world in which the expositor preaches. So not only does Robinson note that "as shepherds, we relate to the hurts, cries, and fears of our flocks," we must also understand the external issues to which our people are exposed every hour of every day.

Along with this area of pastoral ministry in connection with preaching, Robinson also gives more room to the role and responsibility of the listener. He notes:

Expositors may be respected for their exegetical abilities and their diligent preparation, but these qualities do not transform any of them into a Protestant pope who speaks ex cathedra. Listeners also have a responsibility to match the sermon to the biblical text. As Henry David Thoreau wrote, "It takes two to speak the truth -- one to speak, and another to hear." ... If a congregation is to grow, it must share the struggle (24).

Robinson notes that the average listener in the pew hopes you will answer this one question: "So what? What difference does it make" (86)? Before this question is in the congregants' hearts, this question must be answered in the study as he asks, "Exactly what is the biblical writer talking about (66)?" The shared struggle starts with the preacher in the study as he wrestles with God to find out his intended meaning.

Another strength in this work is the engaging humor Robinson employs in this volume. While many would consider reading a book on expositional preaching boring (even some preachers may feel this way!), Robinson's use of humor helps hook the reader in order that the reader may approach this material with ease. This example, though mentioned earlier, stands as a great example of opening up the very first chapter with humor: "This is a book about preaching, but it may have been written for a depressed market" (17). In the preface to the first edition, he makes this observation:

If I can claim any qualification, it is this: I am a good listener. During two decades in the classroom I have evaluated nearly six thousand student sermons. My friends marvel that after listening to hundreds of fledgling preachers stumble through their first sermons, I am not an atheist (14).

In another example after he acknowledges his debt to all who have influenced his thinking on expositional preaching, he closes the paragraph by noting, "Since all of these and others influenced me deeply, it is only fair that for weaknesses in this volume they should shoulder a large share of the blame" (15)! This brand of humor disarms the critic and relaxes those who initially approach the topic of expository preaching with any misgivings or fears.

One weakness is a quote located in the Preface to the Second Edition about his view of women ministers, a view which has changed since his first edition in 1980. He notes:

I've also changed my language to reflect my theology. God doesn't distribute gifts by gender. Both women and men have the ability and the responsibility to communicate God's Word. I have always believed that, but the language in my first book reflected a distinct male bias. . . . In this revision I hope I have demonstrated the fruits of my repentance (10).

Robinson's theology is on display when, in an explanation of how our outlines should have development, he plays the part of a listener who asks of the preacher, "What evidence does she have for that statement" (140)? Here again he opens the door for us to peer into his theological framework which allows for women ministers. If Robinson had titled this book, "Biblical Teaching," then the reader would understand the necessity for this revision. Many men and women in our churches teach, but the New Testament sets parameters on who teaches whom and where (1 Corinthians 14:33-35, 1 Timothy 2:11-13). For twenty-seven years however, this book has borne the title, "Biblical Preaching." When Robinson notes that the theology he has is "my theology," this reviewer is troubled by the use of the `my.' For someone who claims to look to authorial intent, the description of his views seems too self-centered. This reviewer believes that his theology has strayed in this area from Scripture.

Conclusion

Robinson excels in bringing a topic which many would deem dry and gives it life by coupling his extensive homiletical and hermeneutical knowledge with picturesque wit. Aside from the one weakness mentioned above, this book is a must-read for every pastor and aspiring preacher of the Gospel.

This is an excellent resource and reference for any woman or man who is being prepared for the pulpit ministry. I have read this book over and over and still have it on hand to use as a reference as I prepare my sermons. I highly recommend this book for any man or woman who desires sincerely to learn more about preparing sermons.

This is an excellent book for any man who is interested in preaching the word of God accurately to the church. The simple structure that Robinson brings to the reader is easy to understand and a wonderful method of sermon preparation and communication.