Topical preaching is a style of preaching that focuses on a particular topic or theme from the Bible rather than exegeting a specific passage of Scripture verse-by-verse. The goal of topical preaching is to preach biblically and faithfully on a subject that is relevant and applicable to the lives of the congregation.
In topical preaching, the preacher will select a topic to preach on, such as love, grace, forgiveness, prayer etc. They will then study various Bible passages that relate to that topic in order to understand what Scripture teaches about it. Unlike expository preaching which works through a book of the Bible sequentially, topical preaching draws from various parts of the Bible to construct a sermon on a specific theme or subject.
There are benefits and challenges to the topical preaching approach. On the positive side, topical preaching allows the preacher to thoroughly cover a subject by bringing together different verses and passages on a topic. This can help the congregation gain deep understanding of biblical themes that relate to their lives. Topical preaching also gives flexibility to focus on topics that meet current needs in the church. The drawback is that topics can sometimes be preached on without adequately considering the context of the various passages referenced. So topical preachers must be careful to properly interpret and apply all the Scriptures they utilize.
The key to faithful topical preaching is preaching texts of Scripture, not just topics. The content and main points of the sermon should come from careful exegesis of the biblical texts used. Topical preaching should not just proof text certain verses or use the Bible superficially. The passages cited should be expounded properly in their context, with good hermeneutical principles. All Scripture used should reinforce the central idea of the sermon.
Here are some examples of key biblical texts on major topics that can be preached topically:
Love
1 John 4:7-12 – God is the source of love. We love because God first loved us. Loving one another shows we know God.
1 Corinthians 13:1-8 – The supreme nature and characteristics of biblical love described. Love is patient, kind, enduring.
John 15:9-13 – Christ’s example of sacrificial love in laying down His life for us.
Romans 5:8 – God demonstrated His love for us in sending Christ to die while we were still sinners.
Ephesians 5:25-30 – Husbands commanded to love wives sacrificially as Christ loved the church.
Matthew 22:37-39 – Loving God and neighbor summarizes the essence of God’s law.
Forgiveness
Matthew 6:14-15 – If we do not forgive others, God will not forgive us.
Matthew 18:21-35 – Parable showing we should forgive others from the heart, as God forgave us.
Colossians 3:13 – We are to forgive one another, as the Lord forgave us.
Ephesians 4:31-32 – Be kind, tenderhearted and forgiving because God forgave us in Christ.
Luke 17:3-4 – We are to forgive those who repent and ask forgiveness from us.
Mark 11:25 – When we stand praying, we must forgive others to be forgiven.
Joy
Psalm 16:11 – In God’s presence is fullness of joy.
John 15:10-11 – Obeying Christ’s Word leads to His joy remaining in us.
Romans 15:13 – The God of hope fills us with joy and peace as we trust in Him.
Galatians 5:22 – Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit at work in the believer.
Philippians 4:4 – We are to rejoice in the Lord always.
1 Peter 1:8-9 – We rejoice with inexpressible joy in our salvation.
These kinds of Bible passages could form the biblical basis for crafting a topical sermon on each concept – love, forgiveness or joy. The preacher elaborates on these texts to provide a rich understanding of what the Bible teaches on the subject.
Some popular biblical topics to preach on topically include:
- Faith
- Hope
- Sin
- Salvation
- Grace
- Worship
- Prayer
- Stewardship
- Heaven
- The Holy Spirit
Besides broad themes, topical preaching can also focus on specific issues relevant to the church such as:
- Marriage relationships
- Raising children
- Equipping youth
- Financial stewardship
- Serving in church
- Sharing the Gospel
- Combating worldliness
There are no definitive rules on how a topical sermon should be structured. But a common outline includes:
- Introduction – Get the congregation’s attention and introduce the theme.
- Body – Explain the key points about the topic from Scripture. Expound the main texts used as supporting passages.
- Application – Apply the biblical principles to the lives of hearers. Call for specific actions of faith.
Some guidelines for preaching topical sermons faithfully:
- Choose topics based on the needs of the congregation and leadership of the Holy Spirit rather than just your own interests or pet topics.
- Do thorough biblical research on the theme examining all relevant texts in context.
- Avoid just proof-texting or cherry-picking certain verses that support your topic. Handle Scripture properly as the whole counsel of God.
- Make the content of the sermon arise from Scripture rather than depend primarily on stories, illustrations or scholastic knowledge.
- Apply the Scriptures used directly to the lives of hearers to call for transformation not just information.
- Aim for God’s glory and life transformation, not a postively uplifting pep talk that tickles ears.
Topical preaching can be a very effective form of preaching when executed well. It allows addressing topics that connect directly with a congregation based on current needs and struggles. The key is handling Scripture faithfully by doing justice to the full context of the various passages cited in the sermon. Used rightly, topical preaching can impact hearts and lives as the eternal truths of Scripture are brought to bear practically on contemporary issues.
The Bible should set the agenda for what topics are preached rather than just the preacher’s own reasoning. 1 Corinthians 1:22-23 says, “For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified.” Topics should exalt the person and work of Christ so the cross remains central. 1 Corinthians 2:2 says, “For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” Every sermon regardless of the topic should point back to the redemptive work of Christ and glory of God. Topical preaching should still be grounded in sound biblical exposition that transforms lives through Spirit-empowered proclamation of the Word.
In summary, topical preaching is:
- Selecting a relevant theme or subject to preach on
- Studying passages throughout Scripture related to that topic
- Faithfully expounding those texts in context to teach the congregation
- Applying the principles gleaned to the lives of hearers
- With the goal of transforming hearts and lives for God’s glory through His Word
When executed well and substantively from Scripture rather than lightly proof-texting, topical preaching can effectively build up a congregation in biblical knowledge, Christlike character, and faithful living.
The key is relying on the Holy Spirit’s wisdom to handle God’s Word properly. As Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:15, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” Then the preaching of Scriptural topics will achieve its God-intended purpose according to Isaiah 55:11 – “So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”
Topical preaching has been used by many respected preachers throughout church history. Here are a few notable examples:
Billy Graham
One of the best known topical preachers of the modern era. Graham conducted evangelistic crusades around the world filled with topical messages calling people to faith in Christ. Some of his most famous topics included “The Cross,” “Heaven,” “Sin,” “Love,” “Death and Dying,” “Angels,” and “The Second Coming of Christ.”
Charles Spurgeon
The famous 19th century Baptist preacher in London. Many of Spurgeon’s recorded sermons were topical yet grounded in thorough biblical exposition. He preached evangelistically with topics like “The Blood of the Lamb,” “The Smoking Furnace,” and “The Sin Bearer.” He also preached pastorally on Christian living with topics like “A Good Start,” “Joy, Joy for Ever,” and “Holy Anxiety.”
Alistair Begg
A contemporary pastor noted for his emphasis on biblical preaching. Begg’s sermon series will often work through a book of the Bible then include topical messages applying the themes. Recent topical examples include “No Other Gospel,” “Route 66,” “Living Supernaturally,” and “It’s All About Jesus.”
Tim Keller
An influential contemporary preacher who utilizes both expository and topical approaches. Keller has done sermon series working through particular books but will also do topical series based on apologetic questions or issues like marriage, work, community, generosity, witnessing, etc. that connect biblically to contemporary life.
While styles and format may vary, these examples show topical preaching centered on practical application of scriptural truth that engages culture, avoids shallow treatment of texts, and aims at life transformation for God’s glory.
By following these positive examples and avoiding dangers like proof-texting or pure spectulation, pastors today can utilize topical preaching effectively as part of a varied biblical diet when led by the Holy Spirit. With substantive study and thorough exposition of texts in their contexts, topical messages can provide focused Biblical nourishment for the flock of God. When grounded in God’s authoritative Word rather than opinions or conjecture, topicial preaching can bear good spiritual fruit for harvest in God’s kingdom.