Balancing Analogies and Examples with God's Word in Preaching
Balancing Analogies and Examples with God's Word in Preaching
Preaching effectively requires balancing the use of analogies and examples with the clear communication of God's Word. The biblical basis for this balance is evident in the way Jesus taught using parables, which were comparisons of earthly things with heavenly things [3]. The Greek word "parabole" signifies a placing beside or together, a comparison or similitude [1].
The Old Testament prophets used similitudes to convey God's message, as seen in Hosea 12:10, where God says, "I have also spoken unto the prophets, and I have multiplied visions; and by the ministry of the prophets have I used similitudes" [2]. This approach is echoed in the New Testament, where prophets are described as communicating God's message to the community of believers [4].
In preaching, analogies and examples serve to make the message more relatable and understandable. Jesus' use of parables demonstrates this, as he carefully chose comparisons that would convey the truth of the kingdom of God in a way that was accessible to his audience [5]. The kingdom of heaven is likened to leaven, a comparison that might seem unusual given leaven's typical negative connotations, but it illustrates the pervasive and transformative nature of the Gospel [6].
However, the use of analogies and examples must be grounded in and faithful to God's Word. Preachers are exhorted to speak "as the oracles of God," ensuring that their message is rooted in Scripture [7]. This requires a deep understanding of the biblical text and a commitment to communicating its truth in a way that is both faithful and relevant.
The early Christian community recognized the importance of prophecy and preaching in the life of the church. The gift of prophecy was considered essential, with prophets communicating God's message to believers [4]. In Romans 12:6, Paul writes about the importance of using one's gifts, including prophecy, in proportion to the faith given.
In balancing analogies and examples with God's Word, preachers must be mindful of their role as messengers of God's message. They should not seek to impress with eloquence or novelty but rather to convey the truth of Scripture in a clear and intelligible manner [5]. By doing so, they fulfill their duty to communicate God's Word effectively.
The biblical emphasis on speaking "as the oracles of God" underscores the importance of grounding preaching in Scripture. This approach ensures that the message is not only relevant but also faithful to the biblical text [7]. As preachers seek to balance analogies and examples with God's Word, they must remain committed to the authority and truth of Scripture.
Sources
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Parable — (The word parable is in Greek parable (parabole) which signifies placing beside or together, a comparison, a parable is therefore literally a placing beside, a comparison, a similitude, an illustration of one subject by another.--McClintock and Strong. As used in the New Testament it had a very wide application, being applied sometimes to the shortest proverbs, (1 Samuel 10:12; 24:13; 2 Chronicles 7:20) sometimes to dark prophetic utterances, (Numbers 23:7,18; 24:3; Ezekiel 20:49) sometimes to enigmatic maxims, (Psalms 78:2; Proverbs 1:6) or metaphors expand”
- Hosea “Hosea 12:10 (ASV) — I have also spoken unto the prophets, and I have multiplied visions; and by the ministry of the prophets have I used similitudes.”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Parable — (Gr. parabole), a placing beside; a comparison; equivalent to the Heb. mashal, a similitude. In the Old Testament this is used to denote (1) a proverb (1 Sam. 10:12; 24:13; 2 Chr. 7:20), (2) a prophetic utterance (Num. 23:7; Ezek. 20:49), (3) an enigmatic saying (Ps. 78:2; Prov. 1:6). In the New Testament, (1) a proverb (Mark 7:17; Luke 4:23), (2) a typical emblem (Heb. 9:9; 11:19), (3) a similitude or allegory (Matt. 15:15; 24:32; Mark 3:23; Luke 5:36; 14:7); (4) ordinarily, in a more restricted sense, a comparison of earthly with heavenly things, "an eart”
- Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 12:6: 12:6 The ability to prophesy was one of the most important of the New Testament gifts (see also 1 Cor 12:28; Eph 4:11). Although prophets are mentioned in several passages in Acts as predicting the future (see Acts 11:28; 21:10-12), the prophet’s most fundamental responsibility is to communicate God’s message to the community of believers (1 Cor 12:3, 24-25, 29-30; see also 1 Cor 14:1-40). • as much faith as God has given you (literally in proportion to the faith): Proportion (Greek analogia) is a word drawn from mathematics and logic, where it refers to the corre”
- Mark (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Mark 4:30: Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? - How amiable is this carefulness of Jesus! How instructive to the preachers of his word! He is not solicitous to seek fine turns of eloquence to charm the minds of his auditors, nor to draw such descriptions and comparisons as may surprise them: but studies only to make himself understood; to instruct to advantage; to give true ideas of faith and holiness; and to find out such expressions as may render necessary truths easy and intelligible to the meanest capacities. The very wisdom of God seems to be at a loss to find out”
- Matthew (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Matthew 13:31: Another parable spake he unto them,.... To the disciples and the multitude, and which was of the same kind, to the same purpose, and relating to the same subject as the former; the spread of the Gospel, and the increase of it in the world, The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven. The word "leaven" is every where else used in a bad sense; and either designs immorality, as malice and wickedness, or false doctrine, such as that of the Pharisees and Sadducees: but here it seems to be taken in a good sense, and the Gospel to be compared unto it; nor for its disagreea”
- 1 Peter (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Peter 4:11: If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God,.... This is an application of the above general rule to a particular case, the public ministry of the word, for that is here meant: "if any man speak"; not in any manner, or on any subject; not in a private way, or about things natural and civil; but in public, and concerning divine things: "let him speak": this is rightly supplied in our translation; and in which it is supported and confirmed by the Syriac and Arabic versions, who both supply the same way: "as the oracles of God"; by which are meant the writings”