Biblical Preaching: The Development and Delivery of Expository Messages

by Haddon W. Robinson

Book Overview

This bestselling textbook on biblical preaching is a contemporary classic in the field. It offers students, pastors, and Bible teachers expert guidance in the development and delivery of expository sermons.

This new edition provides resources, methods, and advice for new generations of students and pastors. It has been revised and updated throughout by Scott Wenig, professor emeritus of applied theology and Haddon W. Robinson Chair of...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1540967913
• ISBN13: 9781540967916
• Release Date: February 2025
• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Length: 256 Pages

Customer Reviews

Seminal Volume on Expository Preaching

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 th

Every preacher must own this

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.

Preaching for Our Times and for All Times

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."

Excellent Title for the Preacher and Teacher!

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!

A real eye-opener

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.