Historically, a tenuous relationship has existed between Bible exposition and systematic theology. Pastors committed to expository preaching often fail to grasp in theory and execute in practice the legitimate use of systematic theology in exegesis and exposition. Some tend to downplay its importance in the interest of being "biblical rather than confessional," while others elevate systematic theologies, creeds, or confessions to an unbiblical position—superseding the Scripture.

In The Pastor and Systematic Theology, Tom Pennington presents a path forward in understanding the biblical role of systematic theology and applying the biblical guidelines for its use in expository preaching.