Many people are visual learners. Mental pictures
always help to focus a message and make it easier to remember. Be practical in
your teaching and use illustrations people can readily understand.
Jesus constantly used
parables or story illustrations that conveyed a spiritual meaning when He
taught. “All these things Jesus spoke to
the multitude in parables; and without a parable He did not speak to them”
(Matthew 13:34). Jesus knew that spiritual things are often not tangible until
we “see” a natural illustration that points us to the spiritual implication.
Jesus used mental pictures of a sower sowing seeds or a lost sheep or a hidden
treasure. These pictures helped the people understand what He was saying. A good
teacher will use stories describing current events or famous people to relate a
spiritual concept to the people he is teaching.
I once read Charles H.
Spurgeon’s sermons, the prince of preachers of the late 1800s. I was amazed
that two-thirds of the content of his sermons were illustrations. This preacher,
who led millions of people to his Lord Jesus, knew the importance of using
stories and illustrations to help people understand spiritual concepts.
Some of the greatest
illustrations you can give as teacher are those of your own life. When I teach
on salvation from the Scripture, after I expound the Word and use character
examples, as for practical application I give my own testimony. When I teach on
singleness, I use examples from my own life. When I teach on forgiveness, I shared
about my struggles. People love stories! Deep theological talks are beneficial,
but stories are more useful, it help them to remember spiritual truth better.
THINK BIG.
START SMALL. GO DEEP.
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