BEREAN.AI ← Ask a Question

Balancing Human Examples in Biblical Teaching and Preaching

The use of human examples in biblical teaching and preaching is a common practice, drawing on both positive and negative instances from Scripture to illustrate theological truths and ethical principles. This approach is rooted in the Bible's own presentation of human lives as object lessons, often highlighting the exemplary nature of figures like Christ, while also acknowledging the fallen state of humanity [2, 4, 6, 7].

One primary example for Christian teaching is Jesus Christ himself. His life serves as the ultimate model for believers, demonstrating qualities such as meekness, obedience, and self-sacrifice [2, 4, 7]. For instance, Torrey's Topical Textbook notes that Christ set an example of meekness (Psalm 45:4; Isaiah 53:7; Matthew 11:29; 21:5; 2 Corinthians 10:1; 1 Peter 2:21-23) and that his teaching emphasized this virtue (Matthew 5:38-45) [2]. His human nature was essential to his mediatorial office, allowing him to partake in flesh and blood, experience human emotions like weeping, hunger, thirst, and weariness, and ultimately fulfill his role as mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 2:17) [4, 5]. The author of Hebrews presents Jesus as "the supreme example of faithfulness," urging believers to imitate him in his suffering (Hebrews 12:1-4) [10]. This emphasis on Christ's humanity is not merely for theological understanding but for practical emulation.

Beyond Christ, the Bible offers numerous other human examples. The "cloud of witnesses" mentioned in Hebrews 12:1 refers to the host of faithful followers of God from chapter 11, whose lives bear witness to the blessings of a life of faith [10]. These individuals, though imperfect, demonstrated faith and endurance, serving as encouragement for subsequent generations. For instance, the zeal of idolaters and hypocrites is presented as something that should provoke Christians to missionary zeal, indicating that even negative examples can serve a didactic purpose [6]. Children are also presented as capable of glorifying God and are given examples of how they should be brought up and instructed in God's ways (Psalm 8:2; 148:12-13; Matthew 21:15-16; Deuteronomy 31:12-13; Proverbs 22:6) [7].

The use of human examples in teaching often takes the form of parables, which are illustrations of one subject by another, sometimes even encompassing proverbs or enigmatic maxims [1]. Jesus frequently employed parables to convey spiritual truths, drawing on relatable human scenarios to make his teachings accessible. Matthew Henry, a Nonconformist commentator, notes that Christ's doctrine and holy religion are not merely to amuse with divine mysteries but to engage and quicken believers to the practice of Christian duties, such as beneficence, often through such illustrative narratives [9].

However, the use of human examples requires careful balance. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Timothy 6:3, warns against "different teaching, not in agreement with the true words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the teaching which is in agreement with true religion" [3]. This highlights the necessity of ensuring that any human example or illustration remains subservient to biblical truth and the teachings of Christ. The focus of preaching, as Paul himself exemplified, should ultimately be "Christ crucified," not worldly wisdom or human eloquence (1 Corinthians 2:1-5) [11]. While human stories can be illustrative, they must not overshadow the divine message or become the primary source of authority.

The Bible itself provides a framework for discerning appropriate examples. For instance, the concept of meekness is not only exemplified by Christ but also presented as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and a quality saints should seek, put on, and exhibit in their conduct (Zephaniah 2:3; Colossians 3:12-13; James 3:13) [2]. Ministers are also exhorted to follow after meekness and instruct opposers with it (1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:24-25) [2]. This demonstrates that biblical teaching often moves from divine command and principle to human application and example.

The balance lies in recognizing that while human examples can powerfully illustrate biblical principles, they are always secondary to the authoritative Word of God and the perfect example of Christ. The purpose of such examples is to make abstract truths concrete, to inspire imitation of virtue, and to warn against vice, all within the overarching framework of biblical doctrine. The "compact teachings" found in the letters to Timothy and Titus, which might be adapted bits of creeds, hymns, or prayers, served to reinforce core doctrines, especially in the face of false teaching that undercut the universal appeal of the Gospel [8]. These concise statements, often reflecting the life and work of Christ, provided a solid foundation for instruction.

Sources

  1. 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”
  2. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Meekness — Christ set an example of -- Ps 45:4; Isa 53:7; Mt 11:29; 21:5; 2Co 10:1; 1Pe 2:21-23. His teaching -- Mt 5:38-45. A fruit of the Spirit -- Ga 5:22,23. Saints should Seek. -- Zep 2:3. Put on. -- Col 3:12-13. Receive the word of God with. -- Jas 1:21. Exhibit, in conduct, &c. -- Jas 3:13. Answer for their hope with. -- 1Pe 3:15. Show to all men. -- Tit 3:2. Restore the erring with. -- Ga 6:1. Precious in the sight of God -- 1Pe 3:4. Ministers should Follow after. -- 1Ti 6:11. Instruct opposers with. -- 2Ti 2:24,25. Urge, on their people. -- Tit 3:1,2. A char”
  3. I Timothy “I Timothy 6:3 (BBE) — If any man gives different teaching, not in agreement with the true words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the teaching which is in agreement with true religion,”
  4. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Human Nature of Christ, The — Was necessary to his mediatorial office -- 1Ti 2:5; Heb 2:17; Ga 4:4,5; 1Co 15:21; Ro 6:15,19. Is proved by his Conception in the Virgin's womb. -- Mt 1:18; Lu 1:31. Birth. -- Mt 1:16,25; 2:2; Lu 2:7,11. Partaking of flesh and blood. -- Joh 1:14; Heb 2:14. Having a human soul. -- Mt 26:38; Lu 23:46; Ac 2:31. Circumcision. -- Lu 2:21. Increase in wisdom and stature. -- Lu 2:52. Weeping. -- Lu 19:41; Joh 11:35. Hungering. -- Mt 4:2; 21:18. Thirsting. -- Joh 4:7; 19:28. Sleeping. -- Mt 8:24; Mr 4:38. Being subject to weariness. -- Joh 4:6. ”
  5. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Christ, the Mediator — In virtue of his atonement -- Eph 2:13-18; Heb 9:15; 12:24. The only one between God and man -- 1Ti 2:5. Of the gospel covenant -- Heb 8:6; 12:24. Typified Moses. -- De 5:5; Ga 3:19. Aaron. -- Nu 16:48.”
  6. 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”
  7. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Children — Christ was an example to -- Lu 2:51; Joh 19:26,27. Are a gift from God -- Ge 33:5; Ps 127:3. Are capable of glorifying God -- Ps 8:2; 148:12,13; Mt 21:15,16. Should be Brought to Christ. -- Mr 10:13-16. Brought early to the house of God. -- 1Sa 1:24. Instructed in the ways of God. -- De 31:12,13; Pr 22:6. Judiciously trained. -- Pr 22:15; 29:17; Eph 6:4. Should Obey God. -- De 30:2. Fear God. -- Pr 24:21. Remember God. -- Ec 12:1. Attend to parental teaching. -- Pr 1:8,9. Honour parents. -- Ex 20:12; Heb 12:9. Fear parents. -- Le 19:3. Obey parents. -- Pr ”
  8. 1 Timothy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Timothy 2:5: 2:5-6 Compact teachings, as in this passage, occur throughout the letters to Timothy and Titus (see also 1 Tim 3:16; 2 Tim 1:9-10; 2:8, 11-13; Titus 3:4-7). They might be adapted bits of creeds, hymns, or prayers that were known to the churches. The doctrines referenced probably relate to Paul’s trouble with the false teachers; it appears that their teaching undercut the universal appeal of the Good News and the effectiveness of the Gentile mission. The false teachers also had a deficient understanding of Jesus and his salvation. 2:5 There is one God and therefo”
  9. 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 ”
  10. Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 12:1: 12:1-17 The author challenges his hearers to endure in following Jesus, the supreme example of faithfulness, by imitating him in his suffering (12:1-4), by enduring under God’s discipline (12:5-13), and by living in peace with others (12:14-17). 12:1 huge crowd of witnesses: The host of faithful followers of God (ch 11) bear witness to the truth that God blesses the life of faith. • let us strip off every weight: In Greco-Roman literature, a race is a metaphor for the need for endurance in life. Just as extra weight hinders a runner, sin . . . trips us up. It ent”
  11. 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 2 (introduction): PAUL'S SUBJECT OF PREACHING, CHRIST CRUCIFIED, NOT IN WORLDLY, BUT IN HEAVENLY, WISDOM AMONG THE PERFECT. (1Co. 2:1-16) And I--"So I" [CONYBEARE] as one of the "foolish, weak, and despised" instruments employed by God (Co1 1:27-28); "glorying in the Lord," not in man's wisdom (Co1 1:31). Compare Co1 1:23, "We." when I came-- (Act 18:1, &c.). Paul might, had he pleased, have used an ornate style, having studied secular learning at Tarsus of Cilicia, which STRABO preferred as a school of learning to Athens or Alexandria; here, doubt”
Ask Your Own Question
About Terms Privacy Contact

© 2026 BEREAN.AI. All rights reserved.