Using Examples in Teaching and Preaching: Common Pitfalls to Avoid
When teaching or preaching, examples can be powerful tools for illustration and connection, but their misuse can lead to several pitfalls. One significant danger is the potential for causing offense. The Bible warns against creating occasions for offense, noting that such instances are forbidden [1]. This can occur if examples are poorly chosen, insensitive, or lead listeners to stumble in their faith. For instance, the low social standing of Christ, or the concept of Christ crucified, were points of offense for some in the early church [1].
Another pitfall is the use of flattery, either by the speaker or in the examples chosen. Flattery is condemned in scripture, with warnings against its use by saints and ministers alike [2]. False prophets and teachers are noted for using flattery to manipulate others [2]. When examples are used to excessively praise individuals or groups, or to curry favor, they can become a form of flattery, undermining the integrity of the message.
Preachers and teachers must also guard against strife. Christ himself provided an example of avoiding strife, as seen in passages like Isaiah 42:2 and Matthew 12:15-19 [3]. Strife is identified as a "work of the flesh" and an "evidence of a carnal spirit" [3]. Examples that are overly contentious, divisive, or that fuel arguments rather than fostering understanding can lead to strife within the congregation. This includes engaging in "curious questions" that stir up contention [3].
Furthermore, there is a risk of hypocrisy if the teacher's own life does not align with the examples they present. The Apostle Paul, in Romans, challenges the one who teaches others but does not teach himself, asking, "Thou preachest a man shuld not steale: and yet thou stealest" [8]. This highlights the importance of the teacher's personal example. Pastors, for instance, are called to be examples to their flocks [4]. Christ himself set an example of meekness, intercessory prayer, and suffering affliction [4, 5, 6]. If a teacher's life contradicts the virtues or behaviors illustrated by their examples, it can undermine their credibility and the message itself.
Finally, teachers should avoid "unclean and foolish stories" [9]. While examples should be engaging, they must also be edifying and relevant to the spiritual message. The purpose of teaching is to move listeners from "milk" to "strong meat," indicating a progression in spiritual understanding [7]. Examples should contribute to this growth, rather than distracting from it or introducing trivial matters. John Chrysostom emphasizes that while commanding is sometimes necessary, teaching is also required, implying that the method of instruction, including the use of examples, should be appropriate to the subject matter [10].
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: 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: 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”
- 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: 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: 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”
- Hebrews “Hebrews 5:12 (KJV) — For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.”
- Romans “Romans 2:21 (Tyndale) — But thou which teachest another teachest not thy selfe. Thou preachest a man shuld not steale: and yet thou stealest.”
- I Timothy “I Timothy 4:7 (BBE) — But have nothing to do with unclean and foolish stories. Give yourself training in religion:”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Galatians–Colossians–Thessalonians: 449 Homily XIII. 1 Timothy iv. 11–14 “These things command and teach. Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.” In some cases it is necessary to command, in others to teach; if therefore you command in those cases where teaching is required, ”