Using Examples and Illustrations in Preaching for Everyday Application
Using Examples and Illustrations in Preaching for Everyday Application
Preachers have long used examples and illustrations to convey biblical teachings and make them relevant to everyday life. The Bible itself provides numerous examples of this practice. Christ is presented as the ultimate example for Christians, demonstrating humility, compassion, and diligence [1, 4].
The Gospels record Jesus' early rising to pray, illustrating the importance of devotion and communion with God (Mark 1:35; Luke 21:38; John 8:2) [2]. His intercessory prayer for others (Luke 22:32; 23:34; John 17:9-24) serves as a model for Christian prayer [3]. Jesus' teachings often employed illustrations from everyday life, such as the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37), to convey spiritual truths.
The apostles followed Jesus' example, using illustrations to teach and exhort their readers. The writer of Hebrews encourages believers to "consider Jesus" and endure hardship, just as He did (Hebrews 12:2-3) [6]. The apostle Paul exhorts the Corinthians to imitate him, just as he imitates Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1).
In preaching, examples and illustrations can be drawn from various sources, including biblical narratives, historical events, and contemporary experiences. The use of examples helps to make abstract concepts more concrete and relatable. For instance, the Psalmist's reflection on the brevity of life (Psalm 90:12) can be illustrated by the fleeting nature of human achievements [5].
Effective preaching involves not only conveying biblical teachings but also applying them to everyday life. Preachers can use examples and illustrations to demonstrate how biblical principles can be lived out in practical ways. For example, the biblical emphasis on diligence (Proverbs 31:15; 2 Peter 1:5) can be illustrated by the examples of biblical characters like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who demonstrated diligence in their daily lives [4].
The use of examples and illustrations in preaching also helps to engage the audience and make the message more memorable. By drawing on a range of sources, including biblical narratives, historical events, and contemporary experiences, preachers can create a rich and nuanced understanding of biblical teachings.
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Example — Of Christ (1 Pet. 2:21; John 13:15); of pastors to their flocks (Phil. 3:17; 2 Thess. 3:9; 1 Tim. 4:12; 1 Pet. 5:3); of the Jews as a warning (Heb. 4:11); of the prophets as suffering affliction (James 5:10).”
- 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: 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 ”
- 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:”
- Psalms “Psalms 90:12 (Geneva1599) — Teach vs so to nomber our dayes, that we may apply our heartes vnto wisdome.”
- Hebrews (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Hebrews 12 (introduction): The apostle, in this chapter, applies what he has collected in the chapter foregoing, and makes use of it as a great motive to patience and perseverance in the Christian faith and state, pressing home the argument, I. From a greater example than he had yet mentioned, and that is Christ himself (Heb 12:1-3). II. From the gentle and gracious nature of the afflictions they endured in their Christian course (Heb 12:4-17). III. From the communion and conformity between the state of the gospel-church on earth and the triumphant church in heaven (Heb 12:18 ”