Saw this conversation on The Gospel Coalition between DA “Don” Carson and Ligon Duncan about the difference between Exegesis and Exposition while communicating the scriptures to a congregation.
It’s a nearly one hour conversation and know many of you don’t have time to listen to the full conversation, but I still think the discussion is worthwhile. Admittedly I don’t preach regularly anymore (although I still do occasionally, including this week for Adam) but it is still of interest to me and this discussion I think is important for anyone who preaches.
Partly from this discussion and also from my own experience it seems to me that a sermon has 4 parts, and perhaps 5, depending on your point of view.
Exegesis- The determination of what the text says and means in the context of Grammar, History, Culture, Genre, and Author (Human and Divine).
Exposition- The explanation of the text to the audience, taking in consideration the context here as well.
Production- The production, or crafting of a talk, sermon, teaching, whatever you prefer to name it, in a way that prepares, communicates, and solidifies the exposition for the audience, congregation, class…et al.
Delivery- The proper emotional, technical and intellectual communication of the exposition to the appropriate audience. For clarification, different groups are likely to receive the exposition as intended if it is delivered appropriately….you would deliver a teaching differently to a class of 6 year olds than 40 year olds usually (although there might be exceptions).
I’m curious if you would add, change, clarify, or even affirm this form of preparation and delivery for preaching….
The Eclectic Christian 