Balancing Human Examples with Jesus Christ in Evangelism

The use of human examples can be a powerful tool in teaching and discipleship, but it is crucial to balance this with the ultimate goal of pointing people to Jesus Christ as the ultimate example of God's work. Paul writes in Romans 8:28 that "all things work together for good" for those who love God, and this promise is rooted in the person and work of Christ. Human examples can illustrate biblical principles and provide encouragement, but they must always be subordinate to the example of Christ, who is the perfect embodiment of God's character and work.

This balance is essential because human examples, no matter how inspiring, are inherently flawed and limited, whereas Christ's example is perfect and complete. By pointing people to Christ, we direct them to the source of all wisdom, grace, and redemption, and we avoid creating idols out of human leaders or examples. This approach also guards against the danger of moralism, where people are encouraged to emulate human examples without being rooted in the gospel of Christ.

In Reformed theology, this balance is rooted in the doctrine of sola Christus, which affirms that Christ is the only mediator between God and humanity, and that all of God's work is centered in Him. By keeping Christ at the center of our teaching and discipleship, we ensure that people are pointed to the ultimate example of God's work, and that they are rooted in the gospel of grace and redemption that is found in Him alone. This approach is not only theologically sound, but it is also pastorally wise, as it directs people to the one who is able to transform and redeem them.