Allegories and Misused Examples in Ministry: Lessons Learned
Allegories and Misused Examples in Ministry
Ministers are called to be examples to their congregations, embodying the teachings they preach [2]. However, the misuse of allegories and examples can lead to flattery, undermining the sincerity and integrity expected of ministers [1]. The biblical warning against flattery is clear, with the wicked using it to gain advantage (Ps 5:9; 12:2) [1].
In ministry, sincerity is a hallmark of authenticity, reflecting the character of Christ (1Pe 2:22) [3]. Ministers are exhorted to be examples in their teaching, behavior, and faith (Tit 2:7; 2Ti 3:10) [2, 8]. The apostle Paul's example is instructive, as he reminds the Thessalonians that he and his companions were "allowed of God" to be entrusted with the Gospel [7].
The use of allegories and examples must be grounded in scripture and not used to manipulate or flatter. The Bible cautions against the dangers of misusing examples, as seen in the cases of Absalom and the woman of Tekoah, who used flattery to achieve their goals (2Sa 15:2-6; 14:17,20) [1]. In contrast, faithful ministers are characterized by their watchfulness, prayer, and steadfastness in the faith (Eze 3:17; Lu 21:36) [4].
The Reformed tradition emphasizes the importance of ministers being examples to their flock. John Gill notes that ministers should be mindful of their role, as they are entrusted with the Gospel and must discharge their duties with integrity [7]. Similarly, Matthew Henry stresses that ministers must keep close to the word of God in their teaching, avoiding fables and traditions that might undermine the sincerity of their message [8].
The misuse of allegories and examples can lead to division and strife within the church. Paul's warning to the Corinthians against factionalism is relevant here, as he reminds them that ministers are mere instruments used by God [5, 6]. The church's unity is built on the sincere preaching of the Gospel, and ministers must be mindful of their role in maintaining this unity.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Flattery — Saints should not used -- Job 32:21,22. Ministers should not use -- 1Th 2:5. The wicked use, to Others. -- Ps 5:9; 12:2. Themselves. -- Ps 36:2. Hypocrites use, to God. -- Ps 78:36. Those in authority. -- Da 11:34. False prophets and teachers use -- Eze 12:24; Ro 16:18. Wisdom, a preservative against -- Pr 4:5. Worldly advantage obtained by -- Da 11:21,22. Seldom gains respect -- Pr 28:23. Avoid those given to -- Pr 20:19. Danger of -- Pr 7:21-23; 20:5. Punishment of -- Job 17:5; Ps 12:3. Exemplified Woman of Tekoah. -- 2Sa 14:17,20. Absalom. -- 2Sa 15:2-6”
- II Timothy “II Timothy 3:10 (BBE) — But you took as your example my teaching, behaviour, purpose, and faith; my long waiting, my love, my quiet undergoing of trouble;”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Sincerity — Christ was an example of -- 1Pe 2:22. Ministers should be examples of -- Tit 2:7. Opposed to fleshly wisdom -- 2Co 1:12. Should characterise Our love to God. -- 2Co 8:8,24. Our love to Christ. -- Eph 6:24. Our service to God. -- Jos 24:14; Joh 4:23,24. Our faith. -- 1Ti 1:5. Our love to one another. -- Ro 12:9; 1Pe 1:22; 1Jo 3:18. Our whole conduct. -- 2Co 1:12. The preaching of the gospel. -- 2Co 2:17; 1Th 2:3-5. A characteristic of the doctrines of the gospel -- 1Pe 2:2. The gospel sometimes preached without -- Php 1:16. The wicked devoid of -- Ps 5:9; ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Watchfulness — Christ an example of -- Mt 26:38,40; Lu 6:12. Commanded -- Mr 13:37; Re 3:2. Exhortations to -- 1Th 5:6; 1Pe 4:7. God especially requires in ministers -- Eze 3:17; Isa 62:6; Mr 13:34. Ministers exhorted to -- Ac 20:31; 2Ti 4:5. Faithful ministers exercise -- Heb 13:17. Faithful ministers approved by -- Mt 24:45,46; Lu 12:41-44. Should be With prayer. -- Lu 21:36; Eph 6:18. With thanksgiving. -- Col 4:2. With steadfastness in the faith. -- 1Co 16:13. With heedfulness. -- Mr 13:33. With sobriety. -- 1Th 5:6; 1Pe 4:7. At all times. -- Pr 8:34. In all thin”
- 1 Corinthians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Corinthians 3:5: Here the apostle instructs them how to cure this humour, and rectify what was amiss among them upon this head, I. By reminding them that the ministers about whom they contended were but ministers: Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom you believed? Even as the Lord gave to every man, Co1 3:5. They are but ministers, mere instruments used by the God of all grace. Some of the factious people in Corinth seem to have made more of them, as if they were lords of their faith, authors of their religion. Note, We should take care not to deify mi”
- 1 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Corinthians 4:6: And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred,.... Not what he had said concerning the different factions at Corinth, one being for Paul, and another for Apollos, and another for Cephas, as if these several parties did not really go by those names, but by those of others, the false teachers; only the apostle, to decline everything that looked like reflection, put these, as the Syriac version renders it, "upon" his own "person", and Apollos's, the sooner and better to put an end to such divisions; for it is certain, from his way of arguing and reason”
- 1 Thessalonians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Thessalonians 2:4: But as we were allowed of God,.... Or, "approved of God"; not that there were any previous fitness and worthiness in them to be ministers of the word; but such was the good will and pleasure of God, that he from all eternity chose and appointed them to this work; and in his own time by his grace called them to it, and by his gifts qualified them for it, who otherwise were unworthy of it, and insufficient for it: to be put in trust with the Gospel; which is of great worth and value, a rich treasure, and of the last importance; which to be trusted with is a ve”
- Titus (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Titus 2:15: The apostle closes the chapter (as he began it) with a summary direction to Titus upon the whole, in which we have the matter and manner of ministers' teaching, and a special instruction to Titus in reference to himself. I. The matter of ministers' teaching: These thing, namely, those before mentioned: not Jewish fables and traditions, but the truths and duties of the gospel, of avoiding sin, and living soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world. Observe, Ministers in their preaching must keep close to the word of God. If any man speak, let him speak as”