How Do We Exposit Scripture with Clarity and Faithfulness

One of the greatest responsibilities we have as followers of Jesus is to handle the Word of God accurately. As a pastor and teacher, I have learned that exposition is not about our ideas or opinions. It is about drawing out what the Holy Spirit inspired in the text. Paul told Timothy, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth” 2 Timothy 2:15.

That phrase is serious. We do not get to twist Scripture. We do not get to guess or ignore context. God has spoken, and our job is to listen, learn, and communicate truth with clarity and faithfulness. Here are the steps that have guided me.

Start with Prayer

Every time I open my Bible to prepare a sermon, a teaching, or a personal study, I start with prayer. Psalm 119:18 says, “Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from Your law.” We need the Holy Spirit to illuminate the Word. Without His help, we may read but never understand. Prayer reminds us that this is spiritual work.

Study the Context

Context matters. Every verse is part of a passage. Every passage is part of a chapter. Every chapter fits into the book. Every book fits into the grand story God is telling. Ask the right questions. Who wrote this? Who were they writing to? Why did they write? What problems were they addressing? When we know the context, the meaning unfolds with clarity.

We must never pull a verse out of context to make a point. We need to follow the inspired train of thought.

Observe What the Text Says

This is where most of our work takes place. Slow down. Read carefully. Look for repeated words, contrasts, commands, promises, and transitions. Good exposition begins with good observation. Write down what you see. Often, deep insight comes from simply paying attention to the words God chose to use.

Study Words and Grammar

Every word matters. God inspired each one. That means the original languages matter. Tools like lexicons, dictionaries, and interlinear Bibles help us see shades of meaning that may not be obvious in English. Grammar matters too. The way words are connected brings clarity.

For example, in Ephesians 2, the little phrase “But God” changes everything. We were dead, but God made us alive. Small details carry a large truth.

Interpret Correctly

Interpretation answers the question, “What did the author mean when he wrote this?” We do not get to decide the meaning. Our job is to discover it.

Ask:

• What did this mean to the original audience?
• How does it fit the flow of the book?
• What does the rest of Scripture say on this subject?

Scripture never contradicts itself. The sum of His Word is truth.

Keep the Big Story in View

All Scripture points to Jesus. On the road to Emmaus, Jesus showed two disciples how the Scriptures spoke of Him. “Beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He interpreted to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures” Luke 24:27. When we exposit, we look for how the passage fits into the larger story of redemption. We do not force Jesus into every verse, but we show how every passage finds fulfillment in Him.

Apply the Truth

Exposition is not only about information. It is about transformation. The Word of God changes people. Application answers the question, “How should we obey this today?” Application should be clear, specific, and honest. People need hope. People need direction. People need grace. Do not leave them with rules. Lift their eyes to Christ who saves, strengthens, and empowers.

Depend on the Holy Spirit

We begin in prayer, and we end in prayer. We can study hard, use the best tools, and preach our hearts out. Yet unless the Spirit works, nothing changes. He brings conviction. He brings comfort. He brings life. Our part is to be faithful to the text. His part is to transform hearts.

When the Spirit applies the Word, marriages are healed, forgiveness is given, faith is strengthened, sin is confessed, and Christ is glorified.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Jody