Preaching & Teaching the Bible

There is a significant overlap between faithfully preaching the Bible and faithfully teaching the Bible. For those who are learning to preach the Bible (to larger or smaller gatherings) or teach the Bible (in classroom-like settings or within Bible studies), I encourage them to follow this pattern:

  • Read one or more verses from the Bible (out loud, word-for-word).

  • Proclaim or herald truth from the Bible (“God declares that…” or “God commands us to…”).

  • Explain the meaning of the Bible passage (including the meaning of individual words, phrases, and sentences; and the larger structures of thought).

  • Apply the words of the Bible passage (including how the truth works itself out in their own lives and in the lives of others).

  • Repeat multiple times throughout a sermon, teaching lesson, or Bible study.

There are differences between preaching the Bible and teaching the Bible. For example, preaching usually takes the form of a monologue with an emphasis on proclamation and explanation, even if there is some interaction between the preacher and the listeners. On the other end of the continuum, teaching the Bible in a small group setting or one-on-one often gravitates toward more discussion and personal application of truth.

But whatever the differences (whether in target audience, emphasis, or otherwise), it is critically important to proclaim, explain, and apply the Bible according to the biblical authors’ meaning, not to use the Bible as a mere springboard for storytelling or to advance a personal agenda.

The first two categories below are self-explanatory. The third category below, “Theology of Preaching and Teaching,” lists resources that will help clarify your calling and your message as someone who reads, proclaims, explains, and applies God’s Word.

Preaching the Bible

Preaching God’s Word by Terry G. Carter, J. Scott Duvall & J. Daniel Hays (3): This is one of the most accessible books on how to prepare a sermon, with an emphasis on correctly understanding the Bible’s message.

*Preaching the Whole Counsel of God by Julius J. Kim (3 or 4): The author walks readers through each part of the process of preparing a sermon and includes principles for nonverbal and verbal communication. The strength of this work is how it helps readers prepare sermons that point to Jesus Christ as God’s focal point of redemptive history.

*Preaching by Timothy Keller (3 or 4): While this is not a book that describes the process of preparing a sermon, I don’t know any other book that more wisely addresses the challenges and opportunities of preaching in this generation.

Christ-Centered Preaching by Bryan Chapell (4): Perhaps the most comprehensive textbook on the process of preparing a sermon. A gold mine of information, though I wish the font size was bigger and the book was more concise.

Teaching the Bible

Teaching to Change Lives by Dr. Howard Hendricks (2): A classic on the principles of effective teaching.

*Understanding Teaching by Gregory C. Carlson, PhD (3): While the heart of teaching the Bible is the explanation of God’s Word, the author explains how we can holistically engage our learners for life-change.

Creative Bible Teaching by Lawrence O. Richards & Gary J. Bredfeldt (3): I have used this book in my Teaching the Bible course for the last 10+ years. The authors outline a comprehensive process for preparing Bible lessons to different age groups.

Theology of Preaching & Teaching

*50 Core Truths of the Christian Faith by Gregg R. Allison (3): This book is worth reading and rereading if you preach and/or teach the Bible regularly. While faithful Christian preaching and teaching focuses on explaining individual passages of the Bible, inevitably we need to summarize what the Bible teaches on various topics. The author masterfully outlines what the Bible teaches on 50 topics.

The Cross and Christian Ministry by D. A. Carson (3): Bible expositions from 1 Corinthians that align our hearts to the central passion of the apostle Paul—proclaiming Jesus and him crucified.

Prophetic From The Center by D. A. Carson (3): A clear and compelling exposition of 1 Corinthians 15:1–19, which is surely one of the most important passages for establishing our calling as Christian preachers and teachers.

The Supremacy of God in Preaching by John Piper (3): The author explains how Christian preaching is a work of our triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

40 Questions About Salvation by Matthew Barrett (3 or 4): This book explores the many facets of the doctrine of salvation, consistently highlighting our inability to save ourselves and God’s grace in and through Jesus Christ.

Salvation Accomplished by the Son by Robert A. Peterson (3 or 4): A sweeping survey of the work of Jesus Christ. In particular, his death and resurrection is the good news that brings us to God—for all who repent and trust in Jesus.

Preaching by Jason C. Meyer (4): A biblical-theological study of preaching. Throughout redemptive history, preachers are both stewards and proclaimer-explainers of God’s Word.

Expository Exultation by John Piper (4): Written by one of this generation’s most powerful preachers and teachers, the author explains how Christian preaching is both an act of worship and an act of faithful explanation of God’s Word. ‘

Preaching in the New Testament by Jonathan Griffiths (4 or 5): “First, is there such a thing as "preaching" that is mandated in the post-apostolic context―and, if there is, how is it defined and characterized? Second, how does post-apostolic "preaching" relate to the preaching of the Old Testament prophets and of Jesus and his apostles? In this New Studies in Biblical Theology volume Jonathan Griffiths seeks answers to these questions in the New Testament.”