Using Engaging Examples in Teaching and Preaching: Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Effective Teaching and Preaching: Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Using engaging examples is crucial in teaching and preaching, but it requires careful consideration to avoid common pitfalls. The Bible warns against using examples that might lead to offense or stumbling [1]. In 1 Corinthians 1:23, Paul notes that the message of Christ crucified is a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles. This highlights the need for sensitivity when selecting examples.
One common pitfall is using examples that may be perceived as flattery or manipulative. The Bible warns against flattery, stating that it is used by the wicked to gain advantage over others [4]. In 2 Samuel 14:17-20 and 15:2-6, the examples of the woman of Tekoah and Absalom illustrate the dangers of flattery. Teachers and preachers should avoid using examples that may be seen as insincere or manipulative.
Another pitfall is using examples that may lead to strife or contention. The Bible warns against strife, stating that it is a work of the flesh and an evidence of a carnal spirit [2]. In Galatians 5:20, strife is listed among the works of the flesh, and in 1 Corinthians 3:3, Paul notes that strife indicates a carnal spirit. Teachers and preachers should strive to use examples that promote unity and meekness.
Meekness is a key virtue in teaching and preaching. The Bible encourages teachers to exhibit meekness when instructing others [3]. In 2 Timothy 2:24-25, Paul advises ministers to instruct opposers with meekness. Meekness involves being humble and gentle, rather than confrontational or aggressive.
The Bible also warns against forming alliances with the enemies of God. In 2 Corinthians 6:14-17, Paul cautions against being unequally yoked with unbelievers [5]. Teachers and preachers should be mindful of the company they keep and the examples they use, lest they lead others astray.
In 1 Timothy 4:7, Paul advises Timothy to "have nothing to do with unclean and foolish stories" and to "give himself training in religion" [6]. This highlights the importance of being discerning when selecting examples for teaching and preaching.
The Psalms also provide insight into the nature of sin and its effects on human behavior. In Psalm 58:3, it is noted that all human beings are born sinners, and that the wicked indulge their sinful nature [7]. This understanding can inform the way teachers and preachers approach their task, recognizing that their audience is comprised of individuals with a propensity for sin.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Offence — Occasions of, must arrive -- Mt 18:7. Occasions of, forbidden -- 1Co 10:32; 2Co 6:3. Persecution, a cause of, to mere professors -- Mt 13:21; 24:10; 26:31. The wicked take, at The low station of Christ. -- Isa 53:1-3; Mt 13:54-57. Christ, as the corner-stone. -- Isa 8:14; Ro 9:33; 1Pe 2:8. Christ, as the bread of life. -- Joh 6:58-61. Christ crucified. -- 1Co 1:23; Ga 5:11. The righteousness of faith. -- Ro 9:32. The necessity of inward purity. -- Mt 15:11,12. Blessedness of not taking, at Christ -- Mt 11:6. Saints warned against taking -- Joh 16:1. Saints ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Strife — Christ, an example of avoiding -- Isa 42:2; Mt 12:15-19; Lu 9:52-56; 1Pe 2:23. Forbidden -- Pr 3:30; 25:8. A work of the flesh -- Ga 5:20. An evidence of a carnal spirit -- 1Co 3:3. Existed in the church -- 1Co 1:11. Excited by Hatred. -- Pr 10:12. Pride. -- Pr 13:10; 28:25. Wrath. -- Pr 15:18; 30:33. Frowardness. -- Pr 16:28. A contentious disposition. -- Pr 26:21. Tale-bearing. -- Pr 26:20. Drunkenness. -- Pr 23:29,30. Lusts. -- Jas 4:1. Curious questions. -- 1Ti 6:4; 2Ti 2:23. Scorning. -- Pr 22:10. Difficulty of stopping, a reason for avoiding it -- Pr 1”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Meekness — Christ set an example of -- Ps 45:4; Isa 53:7; Mt 11:29; 21:5; 2Co 10:1; 1Pe 2:21-23. His teaching -- Mt 5:38-45. A fruit of the Spirit -- Ga 5:22,23. Saints should Seek. -- Zep 2:3. Put on. -- Col 3:12-13. Receive the word of God with. -- Jas 1:21. Exhibit, in conduct, &c. -- Jas 3:13. Answer for their hope with. -- 1Pe 3:15. Show to all men. -- Tit 3:2. Restore the erring with. -- Ga 6:1. Precious in the sight of God -- 1Pe 3:4. Ministers should Follow after. -- 1Ti 6:11. Instruct opposers with. -- 2Ti 2:24,25. Urge, on their people. -- Tit 3:1,2. A char”
- 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”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Alliance and Society With the Enemies of God — Forbidden -- Ex 23:32; 34:12; De 7:2,3; 13:6,8; Jos 23:6,7; Jdj 2:2; Ezr 9:12; Pr 1:10,15; 2Co 6:14-17; Eph 5:11. Lead to idolatry -- Ex 34:15,16; Nu 25:1-8; De 7:4; Jdj 3:5-7; Re 2:20. Have led to murder and human sacrifice -- Ps 106:37,38. Provoke the anger of God -- De 7:4; 31:16,17; 2Ch 19:2; Ezr 9:13,14; Ps 106:29,40; Isa 2:6. Provoke God to leave mean to reap the fruits of them -- Jos 23:12,13; Jdj 2:1-3. Are ensnaring -- Ex 23:33; Nu 25:18; De 12:30; 13:6; Ps 106:36. Are enslaved -- 2Pe 2:18,19. Are defiling -- Ez”
- I Timothy “I Timothy 4:7 (BBE) — But have nothing to do with unclean and foolish stories. Give yourself training in religion:”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 58:3: 58:3 All human beings are born sinners (see 51:5); however, whereas the wicked indulge their sinful nature, the godly fight against it (Rom 7:19-23; Jas 4:1-10).”