Using Human Examples in Preaching Without Distracting from Scripture

The use of human examples can be a valuable tool in illustrating biblical truths, but it is crucial to ensure that these examples do not overshadow the authority and centrality of the biblical narrative. This truth addresses the heart of the believer, reminding them that all wisdom and knowledge come from God's Word. Paul writes in Romans 8:28 that "all things work together for good to them that love God," which underscores the sovereignty of God in all aspects of life, including the use of human examples in teaching and discipleship.

The doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture reminds us that God's Word is the ultimate authority in all matters of faith and practice, and human examples must be subordinate to this authority. When using human examples, it is essential to clearly distinguish between the biblical narrative and the example being used, ensuring that the example does not become the primary focus. A common misconception is that human examples can replace or supplant the biblical narrative, but this is a dangerous error that can lead to a man-centered rather than a God-centered approach to theology.

The gospel connection to this truth is that it reminds us that our ultimate authority and comfort come from God's Word, not from human experiences or examples. As believers, we must be careful to keep the biblical narrative at the center of our teaching and discipleship, using human examples only to illustrate and support the truths of Scripture. By doing so, we can ensure that our use of human examples is a helpful tool in communicating biblical truths, rather than a distraction from the authority and centrality of the biblical narrative.