Using Human Examples in Teaching and Preaching Biblically

The use of human examples in teaching and preaching can be a powerful tool for illustrating biblical truths, but it must be done with caution and a clear understanding of the Bible's role as the ultimate source of truth and authority. Paul writes in Romans 8:28 that "all things work together for good for those who love God," which reminds us that even human examples can be used by God to point people to Himself. When using human examples, it is essential to ensure that they are grounded in Scripture and do not supplant the Bible as the primary authority.

This means carefully selecting examples that illustrate biblical principles and avoiding those that may lead people to rely on human wisdom or experience rather than God's Word. By doing so, we can use human examples in a way that points people to the Bible and ultimately to Christ, rather than detracting from their authority. The goal of teaching and preaching is to glorify God and point people to His truth, and the use of human examples should always be subordinate to this goal.

The Reformed tradition has long emphasized the importance of sola Scriptura, or the Bible alone as the ultimate authority in all matters of faith and practice. This means that while human examples can be useful tools for illustration and application, they must always be subject to the scrutiny of Scripture and used in a way that upholds the Bible's authority. By using human examples in a biblically grounded and theologically informed way, we can help people see the relevance and beauty of God's truth, and point them to the ultimate source of all wisdom and authority.