Common Pitfalls of Using Human Examples in Teaching

When using human examples in teaching and preaching, it is essential to avoid common pitfalls that can detract from the authority of Scripture and the centrality of the gospel. One such pitfall is elevating human experience above biblical truth, which can lead to a form of moralism or pragmatism that undermines the sufficiency of Scripture. Paul writes in Romans 8:28 that "all things work together for good" for those who love God, but this promise is often misapplied to justify a focus on human success stories rather than the sovereign wisdom of God.

This approach can also lead to a form of hero worship, where the preacher or teacher becomes the central figure rather than Christ, and the emphasis is on human achievement rather than the gospel of grace. Furthermore, an overemphasis on human examples can create unrealistic expectations and promote a form of legalism, where listeners are encouraged to emulate the example rather than trusting in the finished work of Christ.

A more biblical approach would be to use human examples in a way that illustrates the truth of Scripture and points to the glory of God, rather than elevating human experience above biblical truth. By doing so, preachers and teachers can avoid common pitfalls and ensure that their teaching is grounded in the authority of Scripture and centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ.