Preaching: A Biblical Theology

by Jason C. Meyer

Publisher:

Crossway

, 2013

Overview

Do you know what makes for good preaching?

The pastor opens with a funny joke, strings together a series of disconnected Bible verses and clever anecdotes, and then closes with an inspirational quote. But is this the kind of preaching that most glorifies God, honors his Word, and edifies his people?

In Preaching: A Biblical Theology, pastor Jason Meyer examines the biblical precedent for preaching in both the Old and New Testaments and offers practical guidance related to the what, how, and why of expository preaching for today.

The most comprehensive biblical theology on the topic, this resource will help you identify good preaching and embrace it as a means to encounter—and be transformed by—the living God.

Key Features

• Explores the biblical foundation for preaching
• Provides a compelling biblical case for preaching as exposition of Scripture
• Focuses on preaching as ministry of the word

Contents

Part 1: The Big Picture: Biblical Theology of the Ministry of the Word

• The What of Preaching
• The How of Preaching
• The Link between Structure and Story
• The Role of the Word in the Drama of Scripture
• Paradigm Shifts of Stewardship

Part 2: A Survey of Paradigm Shifts in the Ministry of the Word

• The Stewardship of the Covenant of Creation (Paradigm 1)
• The Stewardship of the Covenant of Promise (Paradigm 2)
• The Stewardship of the Covenant of Law (Paradigm 3)
• The Stewardship of Joshua, the Judges, and Samuel (Paradigm 4)
• The Stewardship of the Covenant of Kingship (Paradigm 5)
• The Stewardship of the Prophets (Paradigm 6)
• The Stewardship of Psalmists and Scribes (Paradigm 7)
• The Stewardship of the Son, Part 1 (Paradigm 8)
• The Stewardship of the Son, Part 2 (Paradigm 8, continued)
• The Stewardship of the Apostles (Paradigm 9)
• The Stewardship of the Pastor (Paradigm 10)

Part 3: Expository Preaching Today

• The What of Expository Preaching Today
• The How of Expository Preaching Today
• The Whyof Expository Preaching Today

Part 4: Soundings from Systematic Theology

• Preaching and Scripture
• Preaching and Sin
• Topical Preaching: Friend or Foe?

Part 5: Conclusions and Applications

• Stewardship of the Word Today
• Appendix 1: The Heart behind the Book
• Appendix 2: How This Book Is Different
• Appendix 3: A Crash Course on Preaching Books Available Today

Top Highlights

“This book is unique in that I think the whole Bible alone can give a holistic answer to what preaching is” (Page 14)

“I believe preaching refers to how something is stated (a heraldic way), while teaching focuses on the content of what is said (unpacking something).” (Page 24)

“Second, though the Scripture is inspired and inerrant, our interpretations of Scripture are not. Scripture cannot err” (Page 238)

“the main aim of preaching is not the transfer of information, but an encounter with the living God” (Page 11)

“Preaching in Scripture will shift somewhat according to the specific stage of redemptive history” (Page 277)

Praise for the Print Edition

Jason Meyer offers a sterling contribution to the practice of expository preaching—not only affirming its historic benefits, but also helping us see how to interpret each aspect of Scripture in light of the development of the Bible’s whole message. Expository preaching can get lost in microscopic examination of a particular passage. Meyer keeps the redemptive context in view, not only providing many ‘aha’ moments for experienced expositors, but also giving a new generation of preachers even more incentive to expound the Word in a manner true to the text.

—Bryan Chapell, Pastor, Grace Presbyterian Church, Peoria, Illinois

Jason Meyer’s work cuts a new swath in the plethora of books on preaching. Meyer grounds his view of preaching in biblical theology, showing that the proclamation of God’s Word fits within the story line of Scripture. The reader will find wisdom on a multitude of other topics, such as the nature of expository preaching and the role topical preaching should play in the pulpit. The book breathes out a passion for God and a joy in Jesus Christ, so that the weight and gladness of preaching pulsate throughout the work.

—Thomas R. Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Here Jason Meyer takes us on a sure-footed journey through the whole of Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, unfolding for us what the entire Bible reveals about preaching. The result is a luminous, deeply grounded biblical theology for the ministry of the Word, and a winsome, compelling apologetic for expository preaching! Preaching: A Biblical Theology is a very important book that will be read and discussed by serious-minded Christians far and wide.

—R. Kent Hughes, John Boyer Chair of Evangelism and Culture and Professor of Pastoral Theology, Westminster Theological Seminary

Product Details

• Title: Preaching: A Biblical Theology
• Author: Jason C. Meyer
• Publisher: Crossway
• Publication Date: 2013
• Pages: 368
• Resource Type: Biblical Theology
• Topic: Preaching

About Jason C. Meyer

Jason C. Meyer (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is pastor for preaching and vision at Bethlehem Baptist Church and associate professor of New Testament at Bethlehem College and Seminary. Prior to coming to Bethlehem, he served as dean of chapel and assistant professor of Christian Studies at Louisiana College. He is the author of Preaching: A Biblical Theology and a commentary on Philippians in the ESV Expository Commentary.