Using Human Examples in Teaching and Preaching Biblically
Using Human Examples in Teaching and Preaching Biblically
The use of human examples in teaching and preaching is a biblical practice rooted in the scriptures. Jesus Christ himself employed this method, as seen in his parables and teachings [1]. The biblical writers also used human examples to illustrate moral and spiritual lessons, drawing from everyday life, historical events, and the experiences of individuals.
The New Testament provides several instances where human examples are used to convey spiritual truths. For example, in 1 Corinthians, Paul uses himself as an example, stating "I give you an example, that so laboring you ought to help the weak" [3]. Similarly, Jesus taught his disciples to follow his example, saying "For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you" [9]. The apostles also used human examples in their preaching, as seen in Acts 4:2, where they preached "in Jesus' name the resurrection from the dead" [4].
The biblical writers drew on a range of human experiences to illustrate their points. For instance, the Psalms use the imagery of human life to convey spiritual truths, comparing the wicked to "those who are estranged from their mother’s womb" [5]. The book of Proverbs also employs human examples, using the figure of the "stranger woman" to warn against folly [6].
In Christian tradition, the use of human examples in teaching and preaching has continued. The early church fathers, such as Augustine, used human examples to illustrate theological concepts. For example, Augustine used the example of the devil's influence on humanity to explain the nature of sin [7]. Later Christian writers, such as John Calvin and Matthew Henry, also employed human examples in their commentaries and sermons [10].
The use of human examples in teaching and preaching serves several purposes. Firstly, it makes spiritual truths more relatable and accessible to the audience. By using everyday human experiences, preachers can convey complex theological concepts in a more engaging and understandable way. Secondly, human examples can provide a powerful motivation for moral and spiritual growth. By seeing how others have lived out their faith, believers can be inspired to follow their example [2].
However, the use of human examples in teaching and preaching also requires care and nuance. The biblical writers were mindful of the limitations and complexities of human experience, and avoided simplistic or moralistic uses of human examples. Instead, they presented human examples in a way that acknowledged the complexity and messiness of human life [8].
Sources
- 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”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Missionaries, All Christians Should Be As — After the example of Christ -- Ac 10:38. Women and children as well as men -- Ps 8:2; Pr 31:26; Mt 21:15,16; Php 4:3; 1Ti 5:10; Tit 2:3-5; 1Pe 3:1. The zeal of idolaters should provoke to -- Jer 7:18. The zeal of hypocrites should provoke to -- Mt 23:15. An imperative duty -- Jdj 5:23; Lu 19:40. The principle on which -- 2Co 5:14,15. However weak they may be -- 1Co 1:27. From their calling as saints -- Ex 19:6; 1Pe 2:9. As faithful stewards -- 1Pe 4:10,11. In youth -- Ps 71:17; 148:12,13. In old age -- De 32:7; Ps 71:18. In”
- Acts “In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring you ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” -- Acts 20:35”
- Acts “Acts 4:2 (Geneva1599) — Taking it grieuously that they taught the people, and preached in Iesus Name the resurrection from the dead.”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 58:3: 58:3 All human beings are born sinners (see 51:5); however, whereas the wicked indulge their sinful nature, the godly fight against it (Rom 7:19-23; Jas 4:1-10).”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 30:8: vanity--all sorts of sinful acts (Job 11:11; Isa 5:18).”
- 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”
- Genesis (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Genesis 3:13: beguiled--cajoled by flattering lies. This sin of the first pair was heinous and aggravated--it was not simply eating an apple, but a love of self, dishonor to God, ingratitude to a benefactor, disobedience to the best of Masters--a preference of the creature to the Creator.”
- John (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on John 13:15: For I have given you an example,.... Christ is an example to his people, in many things; not in his miraculous performances and mediatorial work, but in the exercise of grace, of meekness, humility, love, patience, and the like; and in the discharge of duty, in submission to ordinances, and in attending on them; and in the several duties, both to them that are without, and to them that are within; and also in his sufferings and death; not that he died merely as an example, but likewise in the room and stead of his people; but here he is spoken of, as an example, in a p”
- Luke (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Luke 16:1: We mistake if we imagine that the design of Christ's doctrine and holy religion was either to amuse us with notions of divine mysteries or to entertain us with notions of divine mercies. No, the divine revelation of both these in the gospel is intended to engage and quicken us to the practice of Christian duties, and, as much as any one thing, to the duty of beneficence and doing good to those who stand in need of any thing that either we have or can do for them. This our Saviour is here pressing us to, by reminding us that we are but stewards of the manifold grace ”