Avoiding Self-Glorification in Sermon Illustrations from History

When using historical examples in sermons, preachers must be mindful of the tendency to glorify themselves or their own creativity, as this can detract from the true purpose of preaching: to proclaim the glory of God. Paul writes in Romans 8:28 that "all things work together for good" for those who love God, highlighting the sovereignty of God in all of history. This truth should guide the preacher's use of historical examples, ensuring that they are used to illustrate God's work and glory, rather than the preacher's own cleverness.

By keeping the focus on God's sovereign work in history, preachers can avoid the pitfall of self-glorification and instead point their congregations to the majesty and power of God. This requires a humble approach to preaching, recognizing that the true power of the sermon lies not in the preacher's creativity, but in the Spirit's work through the Word of God.

A common misconception is that using historical examples is merely a matter of style or personal preference, but in reality, it is a matter of faithfully proclaiming the whole counsel of God. Preachers must be mindful of their own hearts and motivations, seeking to glorify God alone, and not themselves. By doing so, they can use historical examples in a way that truly serves the congregation, pointing them to the beauty and wonder of God's work in history, and ultimately, to the gospel of Jesus Christ.