CTS Evangelistic Preaching · Unit 7

Learning Goal

After studying this unit you will be able to use the Textual and Expository Approaches taught in WiseSpeak to plan a complete evangelistic sermon.

The Textual and Expository Approaches in WiseSpeak

WiseSpeak teaches two closely related planning methods that keep the sermon anchored in a single passage of Scripture. The Textual Approach takes one clear verse or short paragraph and lets its specific facts shape the entire sermon. The Expository Approach moves verse by verse through a longer passage, drawing out the main truths as it goes. These approaches are powerful for evangelistic preaching because they let the Bible speak for itself. The listener sees that the message comes directly from God's Word.

The Inductive Approach

Both methods follow the inductive approach from the first seven units of WiseSpeak. We begin with the specific facts in the text and work backward to discover the keyword and subject.

How the Textual Approach Works

1. Choose one clear verse or short paragraph.
2. Read it carefully and ask the probing question the text answers.
3. Identify the key idea and turn it into a plural noun keyword.
4. Form the subject around the keyword.
5. List the specific facts or truths in the text. Turn each truth into a short point (five words or less) that is a singular of the keyword.
6. Write a one-sentence evangelistic objective.
7. Add a clear invitation at the end.

Textual Example — John 3:16

The text answers the question, "Why did God send His Son?" The keyword is "reasons" (a plural noun). The subject is "Three Reasons God Sent His Son."

Textual Example — Romans 10:9

The text answers the question, "How can I be saved?" The keyword is "conditions" (a plural noun). The subject is "God's Conditions for Salvation."

How the Expository Approach Works

The Expository Approach moves through a longer passage verse by verse. We still use the same keyword rules. We read the entire passage, discover the central idea, select the plural noun keyword, form the subject, and then draw three short parallel points from the key truths in the passage.

Expository Example — Luke 15:11–32

The passage answers the question, "Can God still accept me after what I have done?" The keyword is "reasons" (a plural noun). The subject is "Three Reasons God Welcomes You Home."

The sermon moves through the story of the prodigal son but stays unified under one clear keyword.

Why These Approaches Are Powerful for Evangelistic Preaching

The Textual and Expository Approaches keep every sermon biblical. The listener knows the points come straight from Scripture. The plural noun keyword gives the whole sermon unity. These methods work especially well when the text itself raises a question people today are still asking. When a single verse does not contain every point needed, we add supporting texts from other passages while the keyword still controls the outline.

Practical Steps to Use the Textual and Expository Approaches in Your Preaching

Choose a clear text or short passage, read it carefully, and write the probing question it answers; then follow the steps above. These approaches, taught in WiseSpeak, turn any biblical text into a powerful evangelistic sermon that is clear, memorable, and aimed at the heart.