Using Examples and Illustrations in Preaching and Teaching
Using Examples and Illustrations in Preaching and Teaching
The use of examples and illustrations is a vital component of effective preaching and teaching in Christian tradition. Jesus Christ himself set a precedent by teaching in parables, using everyday life to convey spiritual truths [6]. This method allows complex concepts to be communicated in a relatable and memorable way.
The Bible is replete with examples that serve as illustrations for moral and spiritual lessons. The lives of biblical figures, both righteous and unrighteous, provide a rich source of material for teaching. For instance, the diligence of Christ is highlighted in his early rising to pray, demonstrating the importance of devotion and setting an example for believers [2]. Similarly, Christ's meekness is cited as a virtue that his followers should emulate, with scriptures such as Matthew 11:29 and 1 Peter 2:21-23 serving as key references [3].
Torrey's Topical Textbook categorizes various biblical examples under different virtues and practices, such as diligence, meekness, and intercessory prayer. These examples are drawn from both the Old and New Testaments, illustrating the continuity of God's character and expectations across different covenants [1, 2, 4]. For example, the textbook notes that Christ set an example of intercessory prayer, as seen in Luke 22:32 and John 17:9-24, emphasizing the importance of praying for others [4].
The use of parables by Jesus is particularly noteworthy. According to Smith's Bible Dictionary, a parable is a comparison or similitude used to illustrate a subject [5]. Jesus used parables to teach spiritual truths, often because his audience did not understand or heed direct teaching [6]. The dictionary also notes that the term "parable" had a wide application in the New Testament, encompassing proverbs, prophetic utterances, and metaphors.
In interpreting biblical examples and illustrations, various Christian traditions offer insights. For instance, Jamieson, Fausset & Brown's commentary on 1 John 3:8 highlights Augustine's view that one becomes a child of the devil by imitating him, not by being born of him [10]. This interpretation underscores the importance of understanding the spiritual implications of actions and behaviors described in biblical narratives.
The effectiveness of using examples and illustrations in preaching and teaching is rooted in their ability to make abstract concepts concrete and relatable. As seen in the Psalms, understanding and meditating on God's precepts and wondrous works are crucial for spiritual growth [7]. The apostle Paul's exhortation to Timothy to "preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all patience and teaching" emphasizes the importance of clear and persistent teaching, which can be facilitated through the use of examples and illustrations [8].
The biblical emphasis on examples and illustrations is not limited to the teaching of Jesus or the apostles. The Old Testament prophets also used various methods, including parables, to convey God's messages [9]. The use of examples and illustrations thus represents a continuity in the biblical tradition of teaching and preaching.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Diligence — Christ, an example -- Mr 1:35; Lu 2:49. Required by God in Seeking him. -- 1Ch 22:19; Heb 11:6. Obeying him. -- De 6:17; 11:13. Hearkening to him. -- Isa 55:2. Striving after perfection. -- Php 3:13,14. Cultivating Christian graces. -- 2Pe 1:5. Keeping the souls. -- De 4:9. Keeping the heart. -- Pr 4:23. Labours of love. -- Heb 6:10-12. Following every good work. -- 1Ti 5:10. Guarding against defilement. -- Heb 12:15. Seeking to be found spotless. -- 2Pe 3:14. Making our call, &c, sure. -- 2Pe 1:10. Self-examination. -- Ps 77:6. Lawful business. -- Pr 27:”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Early Rising — Christ set an example of -- Mr 1:35; Lu 21:38; Joh 8:2. Requisite for Devotion. -- Ps 5:3; 59:16; 63:1; 88:13; Isa 26:9. Executing God's commands. -- Ge 22:3. Discharge of daily duties. -- Pr 31:15. Neglect of, leads to poverty -- Pr 6:9-11. Practised by the wicked, for Deceit. -- Pr 27:14. Executing plans of evil. -- Mic 2:1. Illustrates spiritual diligence -- Ro 13:11,12. Exemplified Abraham. -- Ge 19:27. Isaac, &c. -- Ge 26:31. Jacob. -- Ge 28:18. Joshua &c. -- Jos 3:1. Gideon. -- Jdj 6:38. Samuel. -- 1Sa 15:12. David. -- 1Sa 17:20. Mary, &c. -- Mr ”
- 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: Prayer, Intercessory — Christ set an example of -- Lu 22:32; 23:34; Joh 17:9-24. Commanded -- 1Ti 2:1; Jas 5:14,16. Should be offered up for Kings. -- 1Ti 2:2. All in authority. -- 1Ti 2:2. Ministers. -- 2Co 1:11; Php 1:19. The Church. -- Ps 122:6; Isa 62:6,7. All saints. -- Eph 6:18. All men. -- 1Ti 2:1. Masters. -- Ge 24:12-14. Servants. -- Lu 7:2,3. Children. -- Ge 17:18; Mt 15:22. Friends. -- Job 42:8. Fellow-countrymen. -- Ro 10:1. The sick. -- Jas 5:14. Persecutors. -- Mt 5:44. Enemies among whom we dwell. -- Jer 29:7. Those who envy us. -- Nu 12:13. Those who ”
- 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”
- Matthew “Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they don’t see, and hearing, they don’t hear, neither do they understand. -- Matthew 13:13”
- Psalms “Let me understand the teaching of your precepts! Then I will meditate on your wondrous works. -- Psalms 119:27”
- 2 Timothy “preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all patience and teaching. -- 2 Timothy 4:2”
- Hosea “I have also spoken to the prophets, and I have multiplied visions; and by the ministry of the prophets I have used parables. -- Hosea 12:10”
- 1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 3:8: He that committeth sin is of the devil--in contrast to "He that doeth righteousness," Jo1 3:7. He is a son of the devil (Jo1 3:10; Joh 8:44). John does not, however, say, "born of the devil." as he does "born of God," for "the devil begets none, nor does he create any; but whoever imitates the devil becomes a child of the devil by imitating him, not by proper birth" [AUGUSTINE, Ten Homilies on the First Epistle of John, Homily 4.10]. From the devil there is not generation, but corruption [BENGEL]. sinneth from the beginning--from the time that any beg”