John Piper defines Christian preaching as “expository exaltation”—the faithful explanation of biblical meaning combined with the preacher’s heartfelt joy in the truth he proclaims. He distinguishes exaltation (with a u) from exaltation (with an a): the preacher is not merely praising God, but exulting over the glory he sees in Scripture. Preaching, he argues, must both show the people what the text means and display the value and beauty of that meaning through the preacher’s own sincere delight.

Expository preaching explains what the biblical authors intended—because Scripture, not the preacher, carries divine authority. Preachers must show their listeners the meaning from the text itself, not merely assert it. But explanation alone is not preaching. If the preacher’s heart shows no joy, wonder, or seriousness that matches the worth of the truth, he is “lying” about its value. Conversely, emotional display without biblical truth is mere performance.

Piper roots preaching in God’s overarching purpose: all things exist for God’s glory, and God loves us by giving us Himself for our everlasting joy. Preaching uniquely serves this aim, because through exposition God’s people see His truth, and through exaltation they taste His worth. True preaching helps the church think rightly and feel rightly about God—so that He is honored as supremely valuable.