Because properly illustrating a sermon is a difficult task, and using illustrations well is even harder, some refuse to use them. Instead of applying themselves to learn how to prepare and use illustrations effectively, they eliminate illustrations, criticize those who use them, and belittle hearers who appreciate them. Failure to use illustrations is not a sign of intellectual surrender. To the contrary, failure to use illustrations is a sign of intellectual lethargy and indifference to the hearers. The use of illustrations affirms that the preacher places a priority on the hearer's understanding.
Hearers can tell from the illustrations whether a sermon is practical.
The preacher's illustrations will indicate whether the preacher is kind and discriminating, or whether he lacks those qualities. Neither propositions alone nor illustrations alone can bridge the gap between generations, much less centuries. Together they make truth accessible and comprehensible. The best preaching never addresses the intellect alone or the emotions alone. Man is both an intellectual and an emotional creature.