The Hidden Gems of Scripture: Why Preaching Overlooked Texts Matters

 “Good morning, friends. Please turn in your Bibles to Habakkuk 2:4.”

For most congregations, these words are rarely heard from the pulpit. A quick glance through sermon archives or church websites reveals a predictable pattern: sermons often gravitate toward familiar passages like Romans 8, Psalm 23, or the Sermon on the Mount. Meanwhile, books like Habakkuk, Obadiah, or Philemon remain largely untouched, their pages metaphorically gathering dust in the preaching calendar. When pastors plan their sermon series, they’re far more likely to choose a journey through Philippians than to venture into the minor prophets. Similarly, guest preachers or associate pastors often opt for the safety of John 3:16 over the less-traveled terrain of 2 John or the genealogies of 1 Chronicles.

For those who hold to the inerrancy, sufficiency, and authority of Scripture, we affirm the truth of 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” Every verse, every chapter, every book—from the sweeping narratives of Genesis to the brief, fiery letter of Jude—is God’s Word, given to reveal His character, guide His people, and equip us for faithful living. Yet, why do we so often favor the well-worn paths of Matthew or Ephesians over the rugged trails of Haggai or 3 John?

This blog post is not an attempt to critique the motives of faithful preachers who gravitate toward familiar texts, nor is it a call to abandon preaching from beloved passages. Instead, it’s an invitation to pastors and teachers to embrace the overlooked corners of Scripture and preach from them with boldness. Here are five reasons why preaching these less-familiar texts is vital for the church today.

1. Preaching Overlooked Texts Affirms the Divine Authority of All Scripture

When a preacher chooses to unpack a lesser-known passage, they tangibly demonstrate their belief in the inspiration and profitability of all Scripture. As 2 Timothy 3:16 declares, every word in the Bible is God-breathed, from the poetic heights of Isaiah to the stark warnings of Zephaniah. God didn’t hesitate when inspiring the detailed laws of Leviticus or the cryptic visions of Zechariah—each word carries His authority and purpose.

By preaching from books like Nahum or the closing chapters of Job, pastors show their congregations that they trust the entirety of God’s Word to be relevant and powerful. This choice reinforces the truth of 2 Peter 1:20-21, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from human impulse, but from the Spirit of God. It’s a bold declaration that the preacher’s confidence lies not in their own eloquence or the popularity of a passage, but in the divine origin of every verse they proclaim.

2. A Varied Scriptural Diet Nourishes the Flock

Pastors today wear many hats—counselor, administrator, community leader—but their primary calling remains to “shepherd the flock of God” (1 Peter 5:2) through the faithful preaching of His Word. Just as a balanced diet is essential for physical health, a diverse preaching diet is critical for spiritual vitality. Congregations need to hear from both the Old and New Testaments, from narrative and prophecy, from epistles and wisdom literature.

Preaching from overlooked texts ensures that believers aren’t fed a steady diet of the same spiritual “comfort food.” A series through Obadiah’s warnings or Ezra’s restoration narrative equips the church with a broader understanding of God’s character and redemptive plan. It challenges listeners to wrestle with unfamiliar truths and apply them to their lives. As Ephesians 4:12 reminds us, the pastor’s role is to equip the saints for ministry, and preaching from diverse texts provides the varied tools believers need to grow, serve, and love one another well.

3. Unfamiliar Texts Deepen the Preacher’s Awe of God’s Wisdom

Venturing into the less-trodden paths of Scripture humbles the preacher and magnifies the wisdom of God. As 1 Corinthians 1:27 notes, God often uses what seems foolish to the world to display His glory. Preaching from a passage like the genealogies of 1 Chronicles or the oracles of Malachi forces the preacher to marvel at how God communicates His truth through unexpected means—whether through a donkey’s mouth (Numbers 22) or a minor prophet’s pen.

This process strips away any temptation to rely on personal charisma or familiar sermon outlines. Instead, it drives the preacher to depend on the Spirit’s illumination, fostering a deeper love for the Word. As Charles Spurgeon once urged, preachers should “eat into” Scripture like silkworms, consuming its truth until it becomes part of their very being. Preaching overlooked texts cultivates this kind of devotion, not only enriching the preacher’s soul but also inspiring their congregation to treasure the Word more deeply.

4. Wrestling with Obscure Texts Sharpens Exegetical Skill

Preaching from less-familiar passages demands rigorous study and disciplined exegesis. Unlike well-known texts that may come with pre-packaged insights from years of preaching, books like Habakkuk or Philemon require the preacher to dig deep. They must wrestle with the text’s historical context, literary structure, and theological significance. They may need to brush up on Hebrew verb forms or Greek syntax to uncover the author’s intent. They must trace the passage’s place in the broader biblical storyline and craft a sermon that bridges ancient truth to modern life.

This labor mirrors the wisdom of John Henry Jowett, who insisted that no sermon is ready until its central idea can be expressed in a clear, concise sentence. Preaching overlooked texts forces the preacher to articulate the main point of a passage with precision, ensuring that even the most obscure verse is presented with clarity and relevance. This process not only strengthens the preacher’s skills but also models faithful Bible study for the congregation.

5. Preaching Unfamiliar Texts Drives the Preacher to Prayer

All ministry must be rooted in prayer, but preaching from unfamiliar texts heightens a pastor’s dependence on God. As 1 Thessalonians 5:17 calls us to “pray without ceasing,” preachers tackling obscure passages will find themselves on their knees, seeking wisdom to understand and proclaim God’s Word faithfully.

As John Smith poignantly stated, prayer is the lifeblood of ministry; without it, even the most gifted preacher’s efforts are barren. When handling texts like the visions of Zechariah or the brief letter to Philemon, the preacher’s reliance on God’s guidance becomes even more acute. This dependence is a gift—it humbles the preacher, aligns their heart with God’s, and invites the Spirit to work powerfully through the sermon. A preacher who prays fervently over an overlooked text will not only grow in faith but also lead their congregation to do the same.

Conclusion

A few years ago, I heard a pastor explain why he chose to preach through the book of Haggai, a text rarely touched in modern pulpits. When asked if he was simply trying to be contrarian, he smiled and said, “No, I just believe God has something to say through every page of His Word.” His response captured the heart of why preaching overlooked texts matters. It’s not about novelty or proving a point—it’s about trusting that every corner of Scripture is a treasure trove of God’s truth, waiting to be unearthed for His glory and the edification of His people.

As preachers and teachers, let’s commit to exploring the hidden gems of Scripture. Let’s preach from the minor prophets, the genealogies, and the short epistles with the same passion we bring to Romans or the Psalms. In doing so, we’ll affirm the power of all Scripture, nourish our flocks, deepen our awe, sharpen our skills, and grow in prayerful dependence—all to the glory of the God who gave us His Word.

DMMC 7-3-25