7 Best Books on Expository Preaching

I believe these 7 Best Books on Expository Preaching will sharpen your ability to faithfully explain Scripture and connect powerfully with your congregation.

If you want to faithfully proclaim God’s Word, you need the right tools. Over the years, I’ve learned that great preaching isn’t about clever words or flashy presentations—it’s about faithfully teaching Scriptural truth. The best preachers are lifelong learners, always sharpening their skills. In other words, we are students of God’s word.

That’s why I’ve put together this list of must-read books on expository preaching. These 7 best books on expository preaching will help you craft clear, compelling, and Christ-centered sermons that nourish your congregation and honor God’s Word.

1. Christ-Centered Preaching

Let me say, this is one of the best books out there on expository preaching. I like it because it’s laid out in a way that makes it easy to find exactly what you need. I don’t have time to dig through a book trying to locate one specific thing—I want to get right to it. If I need help with sermon structure, I can flip to the table of contents and go straight there. Each chapter even has its own breakdown, so you can drill down even further.

Now, I always tell my students—they know how to find biblical truth, but the real challenge is learning how to shape that truth into a sermon that connects with people. Bryan Chapell does a fantastic job explaining that process in Christ-Centered Preaching. If you’re serious about preaching, this book is a must-read!

Christ-Centered Preaching by Bryan Chapell (Check Out At Amazon Books)

2. How To Preach Without Notes

This is another one of my favorite textbooks on expository preaching, and one thing I really appreciate about it is how easy it is to navigate straight from the table of contents. No digging around—you can find exactly what you need. Plus, it’s a solid, well-rounded resource that will help you develop a strong, deductive approach to delivering God’s Word to His people.

Now, let me say—chapter twelve alone is worth the price of the book! It breaks down the six key structural components of an expository sermon: the title, the introduction, the main points, the sub-points, the illustrations, and the conclusion. But if you ask me, my personal favorite is chapter seven—the homiletical devices. It unpacks the different tools we use (sometimes without even realizing it) to communicate effectively from the pulpit.

This book is a classic, and if you’re serious about preaching expository sermons, it needs to be on your shelf!

How To Preach Without Notes by Charles Koller (Check Out At Amazon Books)

3. How To Prepare Bible Messages

This is another one of my favorite books on expository preaching. It’s laid out in two main sections—the different types of biblical sermons and the mechanics of putting them together.

In the first section, Braga breaks down the differences between topical, textual, and expository sermons in a way that’s clear and easy to follow. Then, in the second section, he gets into the nuts and bolts of homiletical structure, explaining why it matters and how to build a solid, deductive biblical message.

What I appreciate about this book is that it’s both theoretical and practical. Braga doesn’t just tell you what to do—he explains why it works and how to do it effectively. If you want to sharpen your preaching, this one’s definitely worth reading!

How To Prepare Bible Messages by James Braga (Check Out At Amazon Books)

4. Biblical Preaching

This was one of my preaching textbooks, and I have to say—Haddon Robinson was a phenomenal teacher. I had the privilege of sitting in his classes, and I enjoyed every minute of them. He had a way of making the preaching process clear and practical, and I learned so much from both his teaching and his book.

One of the biggest takeaways for me was understanding the difference between deductive and inductive preaching. That insight played a huge role in shaping how I outline my sermons to this day. This book is a hands-on, practical guide to expository sermon preparation, covering both deductive and inductive approaches. If you’re serious about honing your craft, this one’s a must-read!

Biblical Preaching by Haddon Robinson (Check Out At Amazon Books)

5. Preaching: How To Preach Biblically

This book is a solid resource put together by John MacArthur and the faculty at Master’s Seminary. It’s structured in five key parts: establishing the priority of expository preaching, preparing the preacher, working through the biblical text, bringing the sermon together, and actually delivering the message.

Each chapter walks you through the many steps of preparing an expository sermon, making it a great tool for both new and seasoned preachers. This is actually the updated version of Rediscovering Expository Preaching, and if you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to preaching with clarity and biblical faithfulness, this book is definitely worth your time!

Preaching: How To Preach Biblically by John MacArthur (Check Out At Amazon Books)

6. Preparing Expository Sermons

This is a fantastic textbook on expository preaching that approaches the process from both a deductive and inductive perspective. Ramesh Richard lays out a seven-step method for biblical preaching, walking you through everything from gathering information from a passage of Scripture to developing a solid sermon outline that effectively delivers God’s Word to an audience.

What I really appreciate about this book is how clearly Ramesh explains each step. He doesn’t just give you a framework—he expands on it in depth so you can really understand and apply his approach. It’s laid out in a way that’s easy for budding preachers to follow, making it both practical and accessible. If you’re looking for a step-by-step guide to sharpening your preaching, this one’s a great resource!

Preparing Expository Sermons by Ramesh Richard (Check Out At Amazon Books)

7. Invitation to Biblical Preaching

This is a solid book on expository preaching that takes you from studying the Scriptures to effectively presenting biblical truth. Donald Sunukjian structures it into two main sections: What God is Saying (which focuses on studying Scripture in preparation for preaching) and What is God Saying to Us (which walks through the process of shaping that study into a sermon outline).

Sunukjian does a great job explaining both sermon preparation and delivery, making his approach clear and easy to follow. The book is laid out in a way that guides you step by step through the process, whether you’re working from a deductive or inductive approach. If you want a practical, well-structured resource on expository preaching, this one is definitely worth your time!

Invitation To Biblical Preaching by Donal Sunukjian (Check Out At Amazon Books)

Conclusion

Preaching God’s Word is a high calling, and these books will help you sharpen your skills and grow as an expository preacher. Each one offers something valuable, whether it’s structure, clarity, or practical methods for sermon preparation and delivery.

You don’t need them all at once, but I encourage you to start with one that fits where you are in your preaching journey. The investment is worth it—your preaching will improve, and more importantly, your listeners will benefit as you faithfully proclaim God’s truth.

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