Preaching the Psalms: Unlocking the Unsearchable Riches of David's Treasury

by Steven J. Lawson

How many preachers know how to preach the Psalms? It must be admitted that noticeable differences exist between the Psalms and the narrative sections of the Scripture. Further, obvious distinctives exist between the Psalms and the four Gospel accounts, as well as between the New Testament epistles. These literary variations pose real challenges to every expositor. As a result, the Psalms, tragically, remain a neglected book in many pulpits. That is to say, the book of Psalms is often read, but rarely exposited. Therefore, this book is an attempt to help provide a helpful key to unlock the inexhaustible riches of this vast storehouse of truths that Spurgeon once called "the treasury of David." Steven Lawson's ministry is widely appreciated and his preaching and books are a blessing to the church in a time of great need. The focus of Dr Lawson's ministry is the verse-by-verse exposition of God's Word. His writing includes passionate pleas for more expository preaching and he has shown how John Calvin stands as a great example of such a preacher. Dr Lawson has also written a two-volume commentary on the Psalms and in this latest book he shows preachers how to develop Christ-centered expository messages from the great hymn book of the people of God. Pastors, elders, lay preachers -- all who love preaching and love the Psalms will find this book invaluable.

Genres: Theology

371 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Dr. Steven J. Lawson is the Senior Pastor of Christ Fellowship Baptist Church in Mobile, Alabama, having served as a pastor in Arkansas and Alabama for the past twenty-nine years. He is a graduate of Texas Tech University (B.B.A.), Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M.), and Reformed Theological Seminary (D. Min.)

Reviews

[Michael Schmid · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is first and foremost a great book on expository preaching. Lawson takes the reader from the personal preparation phase through all the stages of sermon preparation including the actual delivery. Secondly, this book also includes a great overview and explanation of all the particularities which need to be considered when preaching the very unique and wonderful book of Psalms. I can't imagine a preacher reading this book without receiving a greater desire to preach the Psalms!

[Ian Hammond · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my opinion, Dr. Lawson is the best. The last two sections of the book were phenomenal and sitting under his preaching really brought this book to life. He does what he teaches-- to the tee.

[Austin Fry · Rating 3 out of 5]

It could have been 2-3 separate and helpful books. A lot of good material. Will be good for reference most of all.

[Jonathan Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book! I only wish I had found it a year ago! I am preaching through the Psalms again this summer and this book along with Lawson’s commentary on the Psalms has been amazing! So useful!

[Peter Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good and challenging read.

It is a very helpful step by step approach to expository preaching in general but specifically for the psalms. It is very challenging because it is a reminder that preaching is not a casual thing, but demands prayer, diligent study of scripture and the careful crafting of a message.

There is some repetition of statements and illustrations but this is presumably because they are lecture notes made into a book and does not take away from the strengths of the book.

[Jonathan Klimek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great introductory resource for those seeking to learn how to teach and preach God's Word. Dr. Lawson takes the reader step by step through the exegetical process all the way through to exposition. He raised many observatory questions (which he didn't answer) that one ought to ask and further research when studying the psalms.

[Daniel Mann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a little redundant in some places and not well nuanced in others but it is very helpful in thinking through how to teach or preach through the Psalms.

This is one that you will want for your library if you plan to preach the Psalms.

[Jonathan Mcleod · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s more about preaching than it is about the Psalms.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book that focuses on preaching the Psalms. The material in the book can help a young or veteran preacher with preaching any book of the Bible.

[Micah Lugg · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, Lawson weaves together two endeavors: one of laying out entire method of expositional preaching, and one of giving specific instructions to preaching the psalms. Therefore, the outline of the book follows the stages of exposition from the examining of one's own heart, to the basics of Bible study, to the formulation of sermonic structure, and finally a sermon manuscript and its delivery.

With this approach, 18 of the 25 chapters dealt more with the exegetical methodology than with preaching. Even those these tasks are by necessity connected and cannot be divorced, the book could almost be titled, Studying and Preaching the Psalms.

The book is thorough, orthodox, and infused with Lawson's own passion for preaching. Because he himself preached all 150 Psalms, the book has the sense of authenticity of one who's battled through work of sermon prep of all those Psalms.

[Philip Harrelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, along with Dr Lawson's online lectures called Expository Preaching through the Psalms, encouraged me to begin a lengthy series of preaching the Psalms. This book has excellent points on the Psalms and ways to group them in preaching. He also goes into much detail about technical aspects of the language which is helpful for a preacher.

[Eric Durso · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good resource. The intro and first chapter are the best part. Could have used a more zealous editor- would have been improved if it were about a hundred pages shorter. Pages 331 and 339 have two paragraphs that are identical. Still good if you're looking at preaching the Psalms.