Using Biblical Examples in Preaching Without Undermining Authority
Using Biblical Examples in Preaching Without Undermining Authority
Preachers often use biblical examples to illustrate moral and theological points, but this practice can raise concerns about undermining the authority of Scripture. The apostle Paul's discussion of his own authority in 2 Corinthians 10:8 provides a starting point for understanding how biblical examples can be used effectively in preaching. Paul writes, "For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for destruction, I should not be ashamed" [3].
The key to using biblical examples without undermining authority lies in understanding the purpose of the examples. Biblical examples can serve as illustrations of theological principles or moral teachings, but they should not be used to supplant the authority of Scripture. Instead, they should be used to edify and build up the congregation, as Paul notes [3]. For instance, the example of Christ's self-denial (Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8) can be used to illustrate the importance of putting others before oneself [4].
The use of biblical examples in preaching is rooted in the biblical text itself. The New Testament writers frequently cite Old Testament examples to make theological points. For example, the writer of Hebrews cites the example of Christ's sympathy with human weaknesses (Heb 4:15) [6]. Similarly, the apostle Paul uses the example of Christ's liberality (2Co 8:9) to encourage generosity among the Corinthian believers [1].
One tradition interprets the use of biblical examples in preaching as a way to demonstrate the relevance of Scripture to everyday life. According to this view, biblical examples provide a way to connect the timeless truths of Scripture to the contemporary context [2]. For example, the example of the woman of Tekoah, who used flattery to influence King David (2Sa 14:17,20), can be used to illustrate the dangers of flattery [5].
However, the use of biblical examples in preaching can also be subject to abuse. Preachers may use examples in a way that undermines the authority of Scripture or promotes a particular agenda. To avoid this, preachers must be mindful of the context and purpose of the examples they use. As Calvin notes, the preaching of doctrine is not just a matter of conveying information, but of conveying the authority of Christ himself [8].
In using biblical examples, preachers should be careful not to imply that the examples are merely historical or cultural artifacts, rather than authoritative illustrations of theological principles. The examples should be used to point to the underlying theological or moral teachings, rather than being presented as ends in themselves. As the Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary notes, the biblical text often uses examples to illustrate the nature of sin and the character of God [7].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Liberality — Pleasing to God -- 2Co 9:7; Heb 13:16. God never forgets -- Heb 6:10. Christ set an example of -- 2Co 8:9. Characteristic of saints -- Ps 112:9; Isa 32:8. Unprofitable, without love -- 1Co 13:3. Should be exercised In the service of God. -- Ex 35:21-29. Toward saints. -- Ro 12:13; Ga 6:10. Toward servants. -- De 15:12-14. Toward the poor. -- De 15:11; Isa 58:7. Toward strangers. -- Le 25:35. Toward enemies. -- Pr 25:21. Toward all men. -- Ga 6:10. In leading to those in want. -- Mt 5:42. In giving alms. -- Lu 12:33. In relieving the destitute. -- Isa 58:”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Missionaries, All Christians Should Be As — After the example of Christ -- Ac 10:38. Women and children as well as men -- Ps 8:2; Pr 31:26; Mt 21:15,16; Php 4:3; 1Ti 5:10; Tit 2:3-5; 1Pe 3:1. The zeal of idolaters should provoke to -- Jer 7:18. The zeal of hypocrites should provoke to -- Mt 23:15. An imperative duty -- Jdj 5:23; Lu 19:40. The principle on which -- 2Co 5:14,15. However weak they may be -- 1Co 1:27. From their calling as saints -- Ex 19:6; 1Pe 2:9. As faithful stewards -- 1Pe 4:10,11. In youth -- Ps 71:17; 148:12,13. In old age -- De 32:7; Ps 71:18. In”
- King James Version “[KJV] 2 Corinthians 10:8 — For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Denial — Christ set an example of -- Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8. A test of devotedness to Christ -- Mt 10:37,38; Lu 9:23,24. Necessary In following Christ. -- Lu 14:27-33. In the warfare of saints. -- 2Ti 2:4. To the triumph of saints. -- 1Co 9:25-27. Ministers especially called to exercise -- 2Co 6:4,5. Should be exercised in Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. -- Ro 6:12; Tit 2:12. Controlling the appetite. -- Pr 23:2. Abstaining from fleshly lusts. -- 1Pe 2:11. No longer living to lusts of men. -- 1Pe 4:2. Mortifying sinful lusts. -- Mr ”
- 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”
- Hebrews “Hebrews 4:15 (NASB) — For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.”
- Genesis (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Genesis 3:13: beguiled--cajoled by flattering lies. This sin of the first pair was heinous and aggravated--it was not simply eating an apple, but a love of self, dishonor to God, ingratitude to a benefactor, disobedience to the best of Masters--a preference of the creature to the Creator.”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Isaiah, Vol. 1, section 17.13: no other method. When the Prophet says, by the breath of his lips , this must not be limited to the person of Christ; for it refers to the word which is preached by his ministers. Christ acts by them in such a manner that he wishes their mouth to be reckoned as his mouth , and their lips as his lips ; that is, when they speak from his mouth, and faithfully declare his word. ( Luke 10:16 .) The Prophet does not now send us to secret revelations, that Christ may reign in us, but openly recommends the outward preaching of doctrine, and shows th”