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Applying Biblical Critique of Examples in Daily Conversations

Biblical critique of examples in daily conversations involves evaluating actions, behaviors, and teachings against the standards and principles found in Scripture. The Bible itself provides numerous examples for believers to follow or avoid, and it also offers guidance on how to discern and apply these examples [2].

One primary way the Bible presents examples is through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. He is presented as the ultimate example for believers in various aspects, including self-denial (Matthew 4:8-10; John 6:38; Romans 15:3; Philippians 2:6-8) [6], communion with God (Luke 19:41-42) [8], and early rising for devotion (Mark 1:35; Luke 21:38; John 8:2) [9]. Peter explicitly states that Christ left an "example, so that you might follow in his steps" (1 Peter 2:21) [2]. Similarly, pastors are called to be examples to their flocks (Philippians 3:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:9; 1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Peter 5:3) [2].

The Bible also uses negative examples as warnings. The experiences of the Jews, particularly their complaining and disobedience in the wilderness, serve as a warning against similar behavior (Hebrews 4:11) [2]. The Israelites' tendency to complain under adverse circumstances, as seen in Exodus 15:24, is presented as a pattern that can lead to disaster if not addressed (Numbers 14; Psalm 95:7-11; Hebrews 3:7-11) [12].

When engaging in daily conversations, believers are encouraged to "prove his own work" by examining their conduct against the "words and example of Christ" [11]. This means not comparing oneself to others, but rather using Christ as the sole standard for imitation [11]. The apostle Paul also appeals to the judgment of believers, urging them to weigh arguments and discern truth, emphasizing that individuals cannot divest themselves of the responsibility of "judging" for themselves [10]. This critical evaluation extends to avoiding actions that might cause "offence" or stumbling for others (1 Corinthians 10:32; 2 Corinthians 6:3) [7].

The concept of "parable" in the New Testament, derived from the Greek parabole, signifies a "placing beside or together, a comparison, a similitude, an illustration of one subject by another" [5]. This highlights the biblical method of using illustrative stories and comparisons to convey moral and spiritual truths, which then serve as examples for reflection and application. The wisdom and prudence of God are often illustrated through His works and counsel (Ephesians 1:11) [3]. Believers are called to live in a manner worthy of their calling, putting away behaviors like bitterness, wrath, and slander (Ephesians 4:31) [4]. Instead, they are to seek "the spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him" (Ephesians 1:17) [1]. This pursuit of divine wisdom enables a more discerning critique of examples encountered in daily life.

Sources

  1. Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Ephesians 1:17 cross-references: Genesis 41:38, 1 Chronicles 29:11, Psalms 24:7, Psalms 24:10, Psalms 29:3, Proverbs 2:5, Isaiah 11:2, Jeremiah 2:11, Jeremiah 9:24, Jeremiah 24:7, Jeremiah 31:34, Daniel 2:28, Daniel 5:11, Daniel 10:1, Matthew 6:13, Matthew 11:25, Matthew 11:27, Matthew 16:17, Matthew 20:33, Luke 2:14, Luke 12:12, Luke 21:15, John 8:54, John 14:17, John 14:26, John 16:3, John 17:3, John 17:25, John 20:17, Acts 6:10, Acts 7:2, Romans 1:28, Romans 15:6, 1 Corinthians 2:8, 1 Corinthians 2:10, 1 Corinthians 12:8, 1 Corinthians 14:6, 2 Corinthians 12:1, Ephesians 1:3, Ephesians 3:5,”
  2. Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Example — Of Christ (1 Pet. 2:21; John 13:15); of pastors to their flocks (Phil. 3:17; 2 Thess. 3:9; 1 Tim. 4:12; 1 Pet. 5:3); of the Jews as a warning (Heb. 4:11); of the prophets as suffering affliction (James 5:10).”
  3. Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Ephesians 1:11 cross-references: Deuteronomy 4:20, Job 12:13, Psalms 37:18, Proverbs 8:14, Isaiah 5:19, Isaiah 28:29, Isaiah 40:13, Isaiah 46:10, Jeremiah 23:18, Jeremiah 32:19, Zechariah 6:13, Acts 2:23, Acts 4:28, Acts 20:27, Acts 20:32, Acts 26:18, Romans 8:17, Romans 8:28, Romans 11:34, Galatians 3:18, Ephesians 1:5, Ephesians 1:8, Ephesians 1:14, Ephesians 3:11, Colossians 1:12, Colossians 3:24, Titus 3:7, Hebrews 6:17, James 2:5, 1 Peter 1:4, 1 Peter 3:9”
  4. Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Ephesians 4:31 cross-references: Genesis 4:8, Genesis 27:41, Genesis 37:4, Genesis 37:21, Leviticus 19:16, 2 Samuel 13:22, 2 Samuel 19:27, 2 Samuel 19:43, Psalms 15:3, Psalms 50:20, Psalms 64:3, Psalms 101:5, Psalms 140:11, Proverbs 6:19, Proverbs 10:12, Proverbs 10:18, Proverbs 14:17, Proverbs 18:8, Proverbs 19:12, Proverbs 25:23, Proverbs 26:20, Proverbs 26:24, Proverbs 29:9, Proverbs 29:22, Ecclesiastes 7:9, Jeremiah 6:28, Jeremiah 9:4, Acts 19:28, Acts 21:30, Acts 22:22, Romans 1:29, Romans 3:14, 1 Corinthians 5:8, 1 Corinthians 14:20, 2 Corinthians 12:20, Galatians 5:20, Ephesians 4:26, C”
  5. 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”
  6. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Denial — Christ set an example of -- Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8. A test of devotedness to Christ -- Mt 10:37,38; Lu 9:23,24. Necessary In following Christ. -- Lu 14:27-33. In the warfare of saints. -- 2Ti 2:4. To the triumph of saints. -- 1Co 9:25-27. Ministers especially called to exercise -- 2Co 6:4,5. Should be exercised in Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. -- Ro 6:12; Tit 2:12. Controlling the appetite. -- Pr 23:2. Abstaining from fleshly lusts. -- 1Pe 2:11. No longer living to lusts of men. -- 1Pe 4:2. Mortifying sinful lusts. -- Mr ”
  7. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Offence — Occasions of, must arrive -- Mt 18:7. Occasions of, forbidden -- 1Co 10:32; 2Co 6:3. Persecution, a cause of, to mere professors -- Mt 13:21; 24:10; 26:31. The wicked take, at The low station of Christ. -- Isa 53:1-3; Mt 13:54-57. Christ, as the corner-stone. -- Isa 8:14; Ro 9:33; 1Pe 2:8. Christ, as the bread of life. -- Joh 6:58-61. Christ crucified. -- 1Co 1:23; Ga 5:11. The righteousness of faith. -- Ro 9:32. The necessity of inward purity. -- Mt 15:11,12. Blessedness of not taking, at Christ -- Mt 11:6. Saints warned against taking -- Joh 16:1. Saints ”
  8. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Communion With God — Christ set an example of -- Lu 19:41,42. Exhortation to -- Ro 12:15; 1Pe 3:8. Exercise towards The afflicted. -- Job 6:14; Heb 13:3. The chastened. -- Isa 22:4; Jer 9:1. Enemies. -- Ps 35:13. The poor. -- Pr 19:17. The weak. -- 2Co 11:29; Ga 6:2. Saints. -- 1Co 12:25,26. Inseparable from love to God -- 1Jo 3:17; Joh 4:20. Motives to The compassion of God. -- Mt 13:27,33. The sense of our infirmities. -- Heb 5:2. The wicked made to feel, for saints -- Ps 106:46. Promise to those who show -- Pr 19:17; Mt 10:42. Illustrated -- Lu 10:33; 15:20. Exemp”
  9. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Early Rising — Christ set an example of -- Mr 1:35; Lu 21:38; Joh 8:2. Requisite for Devotion. -- Ps 5:3; 59:16; 63:1; 88:13; Isa 26:9. Executing God's commands. -- Ge 22:3. Discharge of daily duties. -- Pr 31:15. Neglect of, leads to poverty -- Pr 6:9-11. Practised by the wicked, for Deceit. -- Pr 27:14. Executing plans of evil. -- Mic 2:1. Illustrates spiritual diligence -- Ro 13:11,12. Exemplified Abraham. -- Ge 19:27. Isaac, &c. -- Ge 26:31. Jacob. -- Ge 28:18. Joshua &c. -- Jos 3:1. Gideon. -- Jdj 6:38. Samuel. -- 1Sa 15:12. David. -- 1Sa 17:20. Mary, &c. -- Mr ”
  10. 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 10:15: Appeal to their own powers of judgment to weigh the force of the argument that follows: namely, that as the partaking of the Lord's Supper involves a partaking of the Lord Himself, and the partaking of the Jewish sacrificial meats involved a partaking of the altar of God, and, as the heathens sacrifice to devils, to partake of an idol feast is to have fellowship with devils. We cannot divest ourselves of the responsibility of "judging" for ourselves. The weakness of private judgment is not an argument against its use, but its abuse. We should t”
  11. Galatians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Galatians 6:4: Prove his own work - Let him examine himself and his conduct by the words and example of Christ; and if he find that they bear this touchstone, then he shall have rejoicing in himself alone, feeling that he resembles his Lord and Master, and not in another - not derive his consolation from comparing himself with another who may be weaker, or less instructed than himself. The only rule for a Christian is the word of Christ; the only pattern for his imitation is the example of Christ. He should not compare himself with others; they are not his standard. Christ hath ”
  12. Exodus (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Exodus 15:24: 15:24 Instead of reflecting on the lessons of faith so recently experienced, the people lost heart and began to complain, as we often do under adverse circumstances. If this complaining becomes a pattern, disaster can befall us in the ultimate test, as it did the Israelites (see Num 14; Ps 95:7-11; Heb 3:7-11).”
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