Understanding Systematic Exposition in Preaching

Oct 9, 2024

Lecture Notes: Systematic Exposition and The Sermon on the Mount

Introduction

  • Bittersweet Day: Concludes the series on Abraham, begins new series on The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7).
  • Purpose: To set the tone for the upcoming series and provide a theological foundation.

Preaching Style

  • Systematic Exposition:
    • Expository preaching involves taking a passage of scripture and explaining it within its context.
    • Systematic exposition differs by systematically preaching through portions of scripture, ensuring a balanced diet of both Old and New Testament teachings.
  • Pattern: Alternating between epistles, gospels, and Old Testament books to cover the whole counsel of God.

Importance of Systematic Exposition

  • Ensures a balanced diet of Biblical teachings.
  • Preaches the whole counsel of God, Old and New Testament.
  • Avoids cherry-picking easy topics or passages.

Transition to The Sermon on the Mount

  • Context: Sermon on the Mount begins in Matthew 5; understanding the preceding chapters (Mathew 1-4) is crucial.
  • Four Gospels: Each written for different audiences and purposes.
  • Matthew's Gospel: Written for a Jewish audience, emphasizing Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.

Overview of Matthew Chapters 1-4

  • Genealogy of Jesus: Connects Jesus to Abraham and David.
  • Birth and Early Life of Jesus: Highlights Jesus as the promised seed.
  • John the Baptist: Forerunner who announces the coming of the Messiah.
  • Temptation of Jesus: Jesus, the promised seed, is tempted in the wilderness.
  • Beginning of Jesus’ Ministry: Fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy through Jesus' actions and teachings.

Theological Foundation for The Sermon on the Mount

  • Understanding Christian Ethics: Based on the Gospel, not merely a list of rules.
  • Justification and Sanctification:
    • Justification is a declaration by God of righteousness, not achieved by works.
    • Sanctification is the evidence of justification, not a means of it.

Indicatives and Imperatives

  • Indicatives: Statements of fact (e.g., "You are the salt of the earth").
  • Imperatives: Commands (e.g., "Be holy").
  • Balance: The Sermon on the Mount begins with indicatives (Beatitudes) leading to imperatives.

The Sermon on the Mount Structure

  • Beatitudes (Indicatives): Describing who believers are.
  • Jesus’ Fulfillment of the Law: Raises the standard beyond mere actions to heart motives.
  • Ethical Living: Right actions, motives, and goals are necessary for ethical living.

Implications for Believers

  • Balanced Teaching: Old and New Testament teachings each have relevance.
  • Role of Justification and Sanctification: Understanding their roles is crucial for Christian ethics.
  • Avoiding Works Righteousness: The focus should be on Christ's work, not self-righteous efforts.

Conclusion

  • Christian Life: Emphasizes living by grace through faith, both in justification and sanctification.
  • Approach to The Sermon on the Mount: Expect to see reflections on the need for Christ and the reality of life in Him.