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Expositional preaching entails a thorough and systematic presentation of Scripture. It seeks to uncover and communicate the original meaning of the Biblical text, making its message clear to the listeners. John Calvin described preaching as “the public exposition of Scripture by the man sent from God, in which God Himself is present in judgment and in grace.” This form of preaching emphasizes the accurate expounding of the text, letting the Word of God speak for itself rather than being overshadowed by the preacher’s personal opinions. J.I. Packer stressed that a sermon truly proclaims the Word of God only when the text is accurately expounded and preached.

The Benefits of Expositional Preaching

1. Faithful Representation of Scripture

Expositional preaching ensures that the Word of God is faithfully presented, minimizing the risk of misinterpretation or personal bias. By focusing on the original context and meaning, this method allows God’s message to be conveyed accurately. As 2 Timothy 2:15 urges, “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.” This speaks of the importance of careful and faithful preaching.

2. Holistic Understanding of the Bible

Traditionally, expository preachers follow the lectio continua method, preaching through entire books of the Bible verse-by-verse. This approach provides a comprehensive understanding of Scripture and forces preachers to address all topics as they arise in the text. This method prevents selective preaching and ensures that the full counsel of God is delivered to the congregation.

3. Application to Life

Expositional preaching not only explains the original meaning of the text but also applies it to the lives of listeners. Historically, influential preachers such as John Chrysostom and John Calvin followed this method, walking through Scripture and letting the text speak clearly and boldly. By unfolding the original meaning and applying it to contemporary life, expository preaching bridges the gap between ancient texts and modern audiences.

The Absence of Expositional Preaching in Churches

Despite its benefits, expositional preaching is missing in many churches today. Several reasons contribute to this absence:

1. Preference for Topical Preaching

Many preachers prefer topical preaching over expository preaching. While topical preaching can be beneficial, it lacks the depth and context provided by expository preaching. Topical sermons can easily become vehicles for the preacher’s opinions rather than a faithful exposition of Scripture. This preference for topical preaching results in a shallow understanding of the Bible among congregants.

2. Pressure to Entertain

In a culture that values entertainment and instant gratification, preachers feel pressured to deliver sermons that captivate and entertain rather than educate and convict. In this scenario, expositional preaching, which requires deep study and systematic preaching, is less appealing to modern audiences accustomed to quick and engaging content. This pressure leads preachers to prioritize style over substance, neglecting the rich and transformative power of expositional preaching.

3. Lack of Training and Commitment

Expositional preaching demands rigorous study and a deep commitment to understanding Scripture. Many African preachers lack the training or discipline required to engage in this method. The time and effort needed to prepare an expository sermon can be daunting, leading some to choose easier, less demanding forms of preaching. Without a firm commitment to expositional preaching, the richness of God’s Word is lost in superficial sermons.

Conclusion

Expositional preaching, with its emphasis on faithfully presenting God’s Word and applying it to the lives of listeners, offers significant benefits to the church. Yet, it is largely missing in many congregations today. As John Calvin and J.I. Packer have emphasized, true preaching involves the accurate exposition of Scripture. By following the examples of Jesus, Stephen, Paul, and other historical figures who practiced expository preaching, modern preachers can ensure they are rightly handling the Word of truth and providing their congregations with the deep, transformative power of God’s Word. Through a renewed commitment to expositional preaching, the Church will experience a revival of Biblical literacy and spiritual growth, equipping believers to live faithfully in a complex and challenging world.

The last parable in our series, the Parable of the Leaven, is a brief teaching of Jesus, found in Matthew 13:33. This parable, though short in length, carries significant implications about the nature of the kingdom of heaven and the potential for corruption within the church. In this parable, Jesus reveals that false teachings within the church are a key source of hypocrisy in the Church.

Understanding this parable in its historical and theological context is critical to grasping its full meaning and the warning it conveys.

The Symbolism of Leaven

1. Leaven in Biblical Times

In the time of Jesus, leaven was understood to be a small portion of fermented dough that was mixed into a larger batch of dough to make it rise. This process of fermentation was a natural process of decomposition and decay, which is why leaven often symbolized corruption and impurity.

2. Leaven as a Symbol of Corruption

As Martin G. Collins noted in his sermon on March 10^th, 2006, “Physically, leaven is a lump of old dough in a high state of fermentation, or a substance that causes dough to rise (yeast). A natural reason for leaven’s negative symbolism is the idea that fermentation implies a process of corruption.”

Throughout the Bible, leaven consistently represents evil and corruption. For example, during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Israelites were commanded to remove all leaven from their homes, symbolizing the purging of sin and impurity from their lives (Exodus 12:15). In the New Testament, Jesus warned His disciples about the “leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees,” referring to their hypocritical and false teachings (Matthew 16:6–12; Mark 8:15). Similarly, the Apostle Paul uses leaven as a metaphor for sin and false doctrine, warning that “a little leaven leavens the whole lump” (1 Corinthians 5:6–8; Galatians 5:7-9).

The Misunderstanding of the Parable

1. False Assumptions about Growth

Some interpretations of the Parable of the Leaven suggest that it depicts the Church’s growth and its influence spreading throughout the world, much like yeast permeates dough. However, given the consistent negative connotation of leaven in Scripture, such an interpretation seems unlikely. Jesus’ use of leaven in this parable aligns with its Old Testament significance of corruption. As Collins observed, “In every instance that leaven appears in the Bible, it represents evil; the only exception, some say, is Jesus’ use of leaven in this parable. Knowing its Old Testament significance, however, He would have used the symbol in the same way.”

2. The Leavening Influence in the Church

Instead of symbolizing positive growth, the leaven in this parable represents the insidious spread of false teachings within the church. This interpretation is consistent with other warnings in the New Testament about the dangers of false doctrine. For example, the Apostle Paul admonishes the Galatians about the harmful effects of false teachings, comparing them to leaven that hinders people from obeying the truth (Galatians 5:7-9).

Two examples of such false teachings include:

1. The Prosperity Gospel: This teaching suggests that faithfulness to God will inevitably result in material wealth and physical well-being. While it might attract many followers, it distorts the true message of the gospel, which emphasizes spiritual growth and eternal rewards rather than temporal prosperity.
2. Legalism: This doctrine emphasizes strict adherence to religious rules and rituals as the means to salvation. This teaching undermines the grace of God and leads to a superficial form of religion that lacks true spiritual transformation.

The Intentions Behind False Teachings

1. The Woman’s Good Intentions

In the parable, the woman introduces leaven into the dough with the intention of making it rise, symbolizing growth and transformation. Similarly, church leaders introduce false teachings with seemingly good intentions, such as growing their ministries or attracting more followers. For instance, the prosperity gospel is often preached with the aim of encouraging faith and financial generosity, but it ultimately distorts the true message of the gospel.

The Spread of False Teachings

The parable also illustrates how leaven works its way through the entire dough, symbolizing how false teachings permeate and corrupt an entire congregation. True doctrines, however, are often slow to be embraced by individuals. As Scripture indicates, “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear” (2 Timothy 4:3, NIV). Consider the difficulties encountered by New Testament preachers in their efforts to convey the true gospel.

1. The Apostle Paul in Athens: When Paul preached about Jesus and the resurrection in Athens, he was met with skepticism and ridicule by some of the philosophers (Acts 17:32).
2. Jesus in Nazareth: When Jesus taught in His hometown of Nazareth, He was rejected by the people who knew Him, and they even attempted to throw Him off a cliff (Luke 4:28–30).

In both cases, true teachings faced significant opposition, revealing the ease with which false doctrines can be accepted and spread.

Conclusion

The Parable of the Leaven is a reminder of the dangers of false teachings within the church. It warns us that just as a small amount of leaven can corrupt an entire batch of dough, so too can false doctrines corrupt a congregation. This parable calls us to be vigilant against the spread of false teachings and to hold fast to the true gospel of Jesus Christ. As we reflect on this parable, let us be mindful of the importance of doctrinal purity and the need to guard against the subtle influences of corruption within the church.

During the Cold War, the world witnessed an intense rivalry between superpowers, marked not only by an arms race but also by covert operations. One of the most intriguing aspects of this era was the practice of planting secret agents—spies—within enemy countries. These spies were trained to blend in with the local populace, adopt their customs, and even work in their institutions. Their mission was to gather intelligence, disrupt operations, and sow confusion. These clandestine agents, who appeared as ordinary citizens, were in fact subversive forces working to undermine the very fabric of their host nations.

This covert insertion of spies mirrors a spiritual reality discussed in the Parable of the Weeds found in Matthew 13:24–30. Just as these spies infiltrated enemy territories to subvert them from within, the Enemy of our souls plants false believers within the Church to undermine its mission and purity.

The Parable of the Weeds: The Enemy’s Subterfuge

In the preceding Parable of the Sower, Jesus addressed the varied responses to the Gospel, revealing the origins of hypocrisy within the Church. The parable highlighted that the seed, representing the Word of God, falls on different types of soil—symbolic of the human heart. The diversity in responses exposes how the heart’s condition determines the authenticity of one’s faith. Hypocrisy, therefore, is born within the heart when the seed of the Gospel does not take root deeply enough to produce genuine spiritual fruit.

In the Parable of the Weeds, Jesus shifts the focus to the role of an external adversary in corrupting the Church. Unlike the Parable of the sower, where the seed symbolizes the Gospel, here the good seed represents God’s people. The field is the world, from which Jesus is calling out His Church. Matthew 13:36–43 records Jesus’ explanation, where He identifies two items: the good seed, representing the “sons of the Kingdom,” and the weeds, representing the “sons of the evil one.”

The good seed embodies those who are truly part of God’s Kingdom, while the weeds signify those planted by the Enemy to disrupt and defile the Church. The field, representing the world, is where both the good seeds and the weeds grow together until the time of harvest, signifying the end of the age. Relevant scriptures such as Joh 15:19 and John 17:15–18 support this notion of the world as the arena from which Jesus calls His Church to be distinct and holy.

David Guzik, a respected Bible commentator, emphasizes the subversive intent of the Enemy in this parable. He notes, “This parable describes the work of an enemy who tried to destroy the work of the man who sowed good seed in his field. The enemy’s purpose in sowing tares among the wheat was to destroy the wheat. But the wise farmer would not allow the enemy to succeed. Instead, the farmer decided to sort it out at harvest time.”

The Deceptive Weed: Darnel

The weed mentioned in the parable is likely darnel, a wheat-like plant that closely resembles true wheat until it matures and reveals its black grains. This deceptive similarity makes it difficult to distinguish between the genuine and the counterfeit until both are fully grown. Similarly, false believers can blend seamlessly into the Church community, appearing as devout as true believers, but their true nature becomes evident only over time.

The Enemy’s Strategy: Sowing and Leaving

Verse 25 of the parable states, “But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away” (Matthew 13:25, NIV). This verse highlights the Enemy’s strategy of stealth and retreat. By planting false believers wherever true believers are found, the Enemy infiltrates the Church and sows discord and deception. The fact that he “goes away” suggests a deliberate tactic to avoid detection, allowing the false believers to carry out their subversive work unnoticed.

The Enemy’s method is not to engage in overt confrontation but to subtly introduce elements that blend in yet work against the Church’s mission from within. This strategy reflects the principle that significant damage often occurs not through open attack but through covert infiltration and subversion. Consider the following verses:

“I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them” – Acts 20:29-30 (ESV).

“Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery” — Galatians 2:4 (ESV).

“But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction” – 2 Peter 2:1 (ESV).

“For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ” – Jude 1:4 (ESV).

The Watchmen’s Failure

The parable also underscores a critical failure: the men who were supposed to guard the field slept on the job, permitting the Enemy to sow tares among the wheat. This negligence represents a lapse in spiritual vigilance. It is the responsibility of church leaders to be vigilant and steadfast in keeping the enemy at bay by adhering to sound doctrine. Regrettably, many pastors have neglected this duty, having been ensnared by the false promises of the Prosperity Gospel. This has led to an alarming proliferation of false believers within the Church. Ephesians 6:18 instructs believers to “be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people” (NIV), underscoring the need for constant spiritual vigilance.

The Coexistence of Wheat and Weeds

Verse 29 reveals that false believers will continue to infest the Church until the harvest, that is, the final judgment. Jesus instructs that the weeds should not be uprooted prematurely, as this could harm the wheat. This divine patience reflects God’s desire for repentance and transformation, even for those who initially seem insincere or hypocritical.

The coexistence of true and false believers is actually a test of the Church’s resilience and commitment to the truth revealed in Scripture. This dynamic challenges the Church to discern, uphold, and faithfully proclaim Biblical doctrine amidst varying beliefs and influences. It also calls for the Body of Christ to exercise patience and love while nurturing spiritual maturity and safeguarding the purity of its witness to the world.

Conclusion

The Parable of the Weeds offers profound insights into the spiritual dynamics within the Church. It reveals the Enemy’s strategy of infiltration and the challenge of discerning genuine faith amid deceptive appearances. As believers, we are called to remain vigilant, cultivate authentic faith, and trust in God’s sovereign plan to ultimately distinguish and purify His Church. Just as spies during the Cold War sought to undermine nations from within, the Enemy seeks to sow discord within the Church, but God’s wisdom and timing ensure that the true and faithful will prevail in the end.

By exploring these themes, we gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual warfare that surrounds the Church and the importance of maintaining a heart aligned with God’s truth. The parable challenges us to be watchful and discerning, recognizing that our ultimate hope lies in God’s perfect justice and redemption.

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References:

1. Guzik, D. (n.d.). Study Guide for Matthew 13 by David Guzik. Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/guzik_david/StudyGuide_Mat/Mat_13.cfm

We begin our series, “Hypocrites in Church? Jesus Explains” with the Parable of the Sower, as narrated by Jesus in Matthew 13:1–9 and explained to His disciples in verses 18–23. In the agricultural context of Jesus’ time, seeds were initially dispersed before being ploughed into the ground. Jesus’ Parable of the Sower illustrates the various responses to the Gospel.

The Parable of the Sower

Jesus tells the story of a sower who scatters seeds on different types of soil, representing the varied receptions of the Gospel, that is, the “Word of the Kingdom.” The condition of the heart determines whether the seed—the Gospel—takes root and grows. These four heart conditions seen in this parable are actually present in our church congregations across the globe.

We understand that the Parable of the Sower, as recounted in Matthew 13, specifically refers to individuals within the Church rather than those outside it. This is evident from Jesus’ statement that all the individuals in the parable are those who “hear the word of the kingdom” (v. 18). By emphasizing that these persons have received the message of the Kingdom, Jesus highlights that the parable addresses the varied responses of church congregants and those who have encountered the Gospel, thereby stressing the different ways in which the Word is received and acted upon within by professing Christians.

The Seeds on the Path

The first group of churchgoers are those who do not understand the “Word of the Kingdom.” Sadly, many in churches today, as a result of the Prosperity Gospel, have failed to understand the Gospel’s true message. They see it as a means to earthly wealth, social status, and personal gain rather than the divine gift of forgiveness, righteous living through the Holy Spirit, and the hope of eternal life (John 3:16, Ephesians 1:7).

Famous televangelists like Joel Osteen and Kenneth Copeland preach this distorted message, leading many astray. These individuals are represented by seeds sown on the path, which the evil one snatches away. The path is hard and trampled, making it unfit for agricultural activity. Many in our congregations are there for material gain and social prestige and miss the true essence of the Gospel.

The Seeds on Rocky Ground

The second group initially embraces the Gospel with enthusiasm but falls away when faced with tribulation and persecution (Matthew 13:20–21). These are the people who make a profession of faith under external pressure such as false promises of an easy life in Christ, the fear of hell, the desire for social acceptance, family expectations, and various forms of emotional manipulation. Their faith is shallow, like seeds on rocky ground where the soil is thin and unable to sustain roots. When trials come, their faith withers away, but they remain in church.

Unfortunately, many churches, in a desire to swell their numbers, sugarcoat the Gospel to entice conversions. They build huge edifices and make them comfortable with air conditioning, state-of-the-art sound systems, and luxurious seating so as to attract and keep membership. This approach results in superficial commitments that crumble under pressure, as the true cost of discipleship is not fully communicated. The Gospel should be presented honestly, highlighting both the blessings and the challenges of following Christ (Luke 14:27–28).

The Seeds Among Thorns

The third group consists of those with thorny hearts. The “thorns”—worries of life, deceitfulness of wealth, and desires for other things—choke the Gospel (Matthew 13:22). These individuals allow other concerns to overshadow their spiritual growth. The seed of the Gospel is crowded out by competing interests, preventing it from flourishing.

Unfortunately, many messages preached in pulpits today are thorny in that they teach that if one is struggling financially, healthwise, or in relationships, then it means they do not have enough faith. Churches often look favourably at rich congregants and look down on the poor, despite the clear teachings of Scripture (James 2:1–7). The result of such preaching is that people’s attention is drawn away from the riches Christ availed them of through the cross to the earthly riches that they crave. This shift in focus prevents the Gospel from taking root and flourishing in their lives, as they become entangled in the pursuit of worldly success rather than spiritual growth.

The Seeds on Good Soil

The fourth group represents those with hearts like good soil. These individuals hear the Word, understand it, and bear fruit, showing spiritual growth characterized by the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23).

Unlike the material fruit promised by the Prosperity Gospel, this spiritual fruit signifies true transformation and alignment with God’s will. One can identify congregants who fall into this category through the following characteristics:

1. They bear spiritual fruit. They are continually growing in the fruit of the Spirit: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23, NIV).
2. They are unmoved from their faith by trials and tribulations.
3. They are more entranced by spiritual growth and maturity than acquiring material wealth. These individuals prioritize their relationship with God and seek to grow in Christlikeness, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to biblical integrity regardless of external circumstances.

Insights from this Parable

According to this parable, the majority of congregants are individuals who have never truly understood the Gospel and possess stony, thorny hearts. These individuals, in reality, are unbelievers with an outward Christian appearance. They are the ones Apostle Paul described as “false believers” whom he was in danger from (2 Corinthians 11:26, NIV). Their lives are frequently characterized by blatant sin for which they exhibit no remorse or conviction. Some of these individuals have even attended Bible School, graduated, and now hold leadership positions within Christian congregations.

It is impossible to be a member of a Christian congregation for any length of time without encountering such false believers. They are seated beside you in church, preaching to you from the pulpit, leading worship from the stage, teaching Sunday school classes, and serving in various ministries. Their presence within the church shows the critical importance of discerning genuine spiritual fruit and authentic faith among believers.

Equally vital is the need for you to be well-grounded in proper doctrine. Understanding sound theology is essential to equipping you to recognize and counter the deception that inevitably arises from these false believers. Without a firm grasp of biblical truths, you become vulnerable to misleading teachings and practices that can lead you astray. By immersing yourself in Scripture and adhering to orthodox doctrines, you can discern truth from falsehood, ensuring that your faith remains anchored in the authentic teachings of Christ. This vigilance in doctrine safeguards you, fostering spiritual growth grounded in truth.

Here are more insights from this parable:

1. A Fraction of True Believers

Jesus’ parable suggests that only those who are like good soil—receiving and acting on the Gospel—are genuinely transformed (Matthew 7:21–23). The sad truth is that a small portion of professing Christians globally are truly born again. This calls us to self-examination and a deeper commitment to authentic faith.

2. The False Security of the Prosperity Gospel

The Prosperity Gospel offers a false sense of security, encouraging individuals to engage in church activities while being disconnected from the true message of Christ (1 Timothy 6:9–10). This misrepresentation leads many to focus on earthly rewards rather than eternal truths.

3. The Humble Farmer’s Kingdom

The image of the Kingdom that Jesus presents is not of a king establishing a kingdom but rather of a humble farmer planting seeds. This metaphor emphasizes the slow, organic growth of God’s Kingdom, dependent on the receptivity of human hearts (Matthew 13:31–32). It reminds us of the patient, transformative work of the Gospel.

Conclusion

The Parable of the Sower teaches us about the varied responses to the Gospel and the importance of the heart’s condition. As we reflect on these insights, let us strive to be like the good soil, nurturing the seed of the Gospel to bear spiritual fruit and live lives that truly honour God.

Aspiring to pastoral ministry is a noble and profound calling, one that requires dedication, integrity, and a heart aligned with the teachings of Scripture. The Apostle Paul, in his first letter to the Thessalonians, provides a clear and insightful blueprint for what constitutes a church leader. In 1 Thessalonians 2:3–8, Paul delineates the qualities that should characterize those who shepherd God’s flock. As we explore these qualities, we will also highlight common deviations seen in contemporary pastoral practice and how they contrast with biblical expectations.

Sincerity and Truthfulness

Paul begins by emphasizing the importance of sincerity and truthfulness in ministry. “For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive” (1 Thessalonians 2:3). A pastor must be committed to the truth of the Gospel, free from deceit or manipulation. The message preached should be unadulterated and pure, reflecting a genuine commitment to God’s Word.

Unfortunately, many pastors today fall into the trap of sensationalism, presenting a watered-down version of the Gospel to attract larger crowds or avoid controversy. This leads to the dissemination of incomplete and erroneous theology, ultimately deceiving the congregation.

Purity of Motive

Paul continues by highlighting the purity of motive: “but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts” (1 Thessalonians 2:4). The primary goal of a pastor should be to please God rather than seek the approval of others. This requires a deep-seated conviction and a focus on God’s approval over human accolades.

In contrast, many pastors prioritize personal gain, popularity, or financial success over faithful ministry. Molding messages to cater to the preferences of the congregation or to engage in practices that elevate personal status undermines the integrity of the pastoral calling.

Gentleness and Care

In verses 7-8, Paul provides a beautiful image of pastoral care: “But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.” A biblical pastor exhibits gentleness and a genuine affection for the congregation, akin to the tender care a mother provides her child.

Many pastors, in their quest for efficiency or growth, adopt a more authoritarian or detached approach, neglecting the personal and emotional needs of their congregants. This creates a disconnect and a lack of genuine pastoral care, leaving the congregation feeling unsupported and unloved.

Integrity and Selflessness

“… we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us” – 1 Thessalonians 2:8. Paul’s ministry was marked by integrity and selflessness. He did not exploit his position for personal gain or manipulate his audience for selfish ends. His approach was one of self-giving love and transparent honesty.

The lure of prosperity leads pastors to misuse their influence for financial gain, engaging in exploitative practices such as soliciting excessive donations or living lavishly at the expense of their congregation. This behaviour not only discredits the individual pastor but also tarnishes the reputation of the Church at large.

Conclusion

The qualities outlined by Paul in 1 Thessalonians 2:3-8 serve as a timeless guide for aspiring pastors. Sincerity, purity of motive, gentleness, and selflessness are foundational to a ministry that honours God and faithfully serves His people. In a world where the temptations to compromise these qualities are numerous, it is imperative for those called to pastoral ministry to remain steadfast, continually seeking to align their lives and ministries with the biblical model. By so doing, they not only fulfill their divine calling but also provide a powerful and authentic witness to the transformative power of the Gospel.