As you know, on the right hand menu of this site I have seven stages of preparation for a sermon.  The order is somewhat significant.  There is a general order there, although aspects of stage 7 – sermon details, could be written at various points in the process.  The number is not significant, I could easily adjust it to nine or more.  However, the number is significant.  Let me explain.

It would be possible to go through the first three stages and then present a message of biblical truth.  Some who espouse “expository preaching” do just this.  By adding in stage 4, purpose, it would be possible to also present biblical demands on peoples’ lives.  Again, some do this and only this.  The final three stages allow you to present biblical truth and biblical demands in a way that is relevant, persuasive and effectively communicated.

Expository preaching, by definition, includes not only accurate interpretation and proclamation of the text, but also effective communication with the listeners present.  To achieve both sides of the equation, all seven stages are necessary in the preparation process.