Using Examples in Teaching: Common Pitfalls and Mitigations

When using examples in teaching, one common pitfall to avoid is allowing the illustration to overshadow the biblical truth it is meant to convey. Paul writes in Romans 8:28 that "all things work together for good," but if an example is not grounded in this truth, it can lead to a misguided understanding of God's sovereignty. This truth addresses the tendency to rely on human wisdom rather than Scripture, highlighting the importance of ensuring that examples are always subordinate to biblical teaching.

A related danger is the potential for examples to be taken as prescriptive rather than descriptive, leading to legalism or a works-based mindset. To mitigate this risk, it is essential to clearly define the doctrine or concept being illustrated and to emphasize the gospel connection, pointing to Christ and the sufficiency of His work. By doing so, the focus remains on the biblical truth rather than the example itself, preventing the illustration from becoming an end in itself.

Ultimately, the goal of using examples in teaching is to help people understand and apply biblical truth, not to create a false sense of security or to promote human effort as the means of achieving spiritual growth. As Reformed theologians, we must be mindful of these potential pitfalls and strive to use examples in a way that is grounded in Scripture, centered on the gospel, and mindful of the dangers of legalism and human wisdom.