Precept Focused Study or Sermon

     I have heard from time to time people stating that they prefer an expository style of study or preaching. I have read articles and heard preachers say that is the best way to study or preach. They also say that the topical way is erroneous because it allows the individual to find verses out of context to support their topic or way of thinking.  Well, of course, I am going to disagree with this, but not fully. I also think that we need to change our wording. Of course the word Topical sounds infantile and shallow (like some sort of cream), but I don't believe this truly describes the way that some individuals go about their study or sermons. I think a more accurate terminology would be Precept Focused study or sermon. The importance of the word of God comes from a consistent teaching all through His word. There are principles and precepts that must be understood. Of course, in any style no verse should ever be taken out of context although a verse can have meaning apart from its context. Example -Matthew 25 this is a passage that is dealing with prophecy in its context, but the principle of helping the poor rings true all through scripture.  An expository style although good can leave an individual compartmentalized in their study and be missing out on the bigger picture that God has to show through all of scriptures to bring out the true meaning of that text. So this is not a condemnation on Topical or Expository preaching, but hopefully some insight and clarification how Expository preaching can be good as can a Precept Focused Sermon or study.