Balancing Relatable Examples with Biblical Principles in Teaching

Effective teaching of biblical principles often involves the use of relatable examples, a method exemplified by Jesus himself ^[1]. The Greek word parabole, from which "parable" derives, signifies "placing beside or together," indicating a comparison or illustration of one subject by another ^[1]. This approach allows for complex spiritual truths to be conveyed through familiar scenarios.

Jesus frequently employed parables, such as the mustard seed, to illustrate the growth and spread of the kingdom of heaven ^[11]. He also used analogies from everyday life, like a king preparing for war, to explain the commitment required for discipleship ^[10]. This method of teaching, involving questions and answers, was a customary form of rabbinical instruction, allowing for deep engagement with the subject matter ^[8].

The balance between relatable examples and biblical principles is crucial. While examples make concepts accessible, the core teaching must remain firmly rooted in scripture. For instance, the concept of diligence is illustrated by Christ's own example (Mark 1:35; Luke 2:49) and is required in seeking God, obeying Him, and striving for perfection ^[2]. Similarly, self-denial is exemplified by Christ (Matthew 4:8-10; Philippians 2:6-8) and is presented as a test of devotion and a necessary aspect of following Him ^[3]. Liberality, or generosity, is shown to be pleasing to God and characteristic of saints, with Christ serving as the ultimate example (2 Corinthians 8:9) ^[4]. These examples are not merely illustrative but are presented as direct applications of divine principles.

The purpose of such teaching is to guide believers in their conduct and understanding. Paul, in his letter to Titus, emphasizes the importance of "wholesome teaching" that addresses the relationship of the Christian community with society at large ^[12]. This teaching is grounded in God's actions towards humanity ^[12]. The apostle also warns against "different teaching" that does not align with the "true words of our Lord Jesus Christ" and "true religion" ^[6]. This highlights the necessity of ensuring that any examples or illustrations used are consistent with sound doctrine.

The aim is not merely to entertain or to make a point, but to foster spiritual growth and understanding. Afflictions, for example, are presented as beneficial in promoting God's glory, exhibiting His power, teaching His will, and turning individuals to Him ^[5]. These are profound theological truths, which can be understood through personal experience and relatable narratives, but their ultimate meaning is derived from their biblical context.

The balance also means that while examples can simplify, they should not dilute the depth of biblical truth. Calvin, in his commentary on Hebrews, notes that while one must never abandon the foundation of doctrine, continually laboring only on the "principles" would be "ridiculous" ^[9]. This suggests a progression in teaching, where foundational truths are built upon, often with the aid of increasingly nuanced examples. The goal is for teaching to "fall like rain and... settle like dew, like gentle rain on new grass, like showers on tender plants," nourishing spiritual growth ^[7]. This imagery suggests a gentle yet pervasive influence, where understanding is cultivated through clear and consistent instruction, supported by relevant illustrations.

Sources

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”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Diligence — Christ, an example -- Mr 1:35; Lu 2:49. Required by God in Seeking him. -- 1Ch 22:19; Heb 11:6. Obeying him. -- De 6:17; 11:13. Hearkening to him. -- Isa 55:2. Striving after perfection. -- Php 3:13,14. Cultivating Christian graces. -- 2Pe 1:5. Keeping the souls. -- De 4:9. Keeping the heart. -- Pr 4:23. Labours of love. -- Heb 6:10-12. Following every good work. -- 1Ti 5:10. Guarding against defilement. -- Heb 12:15. Seeking to be found spotless. -- 2Pe 3:14. Making our call, &c, sure. -- 2Pe 1:10. Self-examination. -- Ps 77:6. Lawful business. -- Pr 27:”
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 ”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Liberality — Pleasing to God -- 2Co 9:7; Heb 13:16. God never forgets -- Heb 6:10. Christ set an example of -- 2Co 8:9. Characteristic of saints -- Ps 112:9; Isa 32:8. Unprofitable, without love -- 1Co 13:3. Should be exercised In the service of God. -- Ex 35:21-29. Toward saints. -- Ro 12:13; Ga 6:10. Toward servants. -- De 15:12-14. Toward the poor. -- De 15:11; Isa 58:7. Toward strangers. -- Le 25:35. Toward enemies. -- Pr 25:21. Toward all men. -- Ga 6:10. In leading to those in want. -- Mt 5:42. In giving alms. -- Lu 12:33. In relieving the destitute. -- Isa 58:”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Afflictions Made Beneficial — In promoting the glory of God -- Joh 9:1-3; 11:3,4; 21:18,19. In exhibiting the power and faithfulness of God -- Ps 34:19,20; 2Co 4:8-11. In teaching us the will of God -- Ps 119:71; Isa 26:9; Mic 6:9. In turning us to God -- De 4:30,31; Ne 1:8,9; Ps 78:34; Isa 10:20,21; Ho 2:6,7. In keeping us from again departing from God -- Job 34:31,32; Isa 10:20; Eze 14:10,11. In leading us to seek God in prayer -- Jdj 4:3; Jer 31:18; La 2:17-19; Ho 5:14,15; Jon 2:1. In convincing us of sin -- Job 36:8,9; Ps 119:67; Lu 15:16-18. In leading us to con”
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,”
Deuteronomy “Deuteronomy 32:2 (BSB) — Let my teaching fall like rain and my speech settle like dew, like gentle rain on new grass, like showers on tender plants.”
Luke (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Luke 2:46: hearing . . . asking--The method of question and answer was the customary form of rabbinical teaching; teacher and learner becoming by turns questioner and answerer, as may be seen from their extant works. This would give full scope for all that "astonished them in His understanding and answers." Not that He assumed the office of teaching--"His hour" for that "was not yet come," and His equipment for that was not complete; for He had yet to "increase in wisdom" as well as "stature" (Luk 2:52). In fact, the beauty of Christ's example lies very much in His”
Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 6 (introduction): WARNING AGAINST RETROGRADING, WHICH SOON LEADS TO APOSTASY; ENCOURAGEMENT TO STEADFASTNESS FROM GOD'S FAITHFULNESS TO HIS WORD AND OATH. (Heb 6:1-14) Therefore--Wherefore: seeing that ye ought not now to be still "babes" (Heb 5:11-14). leaving--getting further forward than the elementary "principles." "As in building a house one must never leave the foundation: yet to be always laboring in 'laying the foundation' would be ridiculous" [CALVIN]. the principles of the doctrine--Greek, "the word of the beginning," that is, the discussion ”
Luke (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Luke 14:30: Or what king going to make war against another king,.... Our Lord illustrates the same thing, the business of a profession, by another similitude, or parable; taking up a profession of religion, is like to two kings engaging in a war. The king on the one side, is the Christian professor; true believers are kings, they have the apparel of kings, the royal robe of Christ's righteousness; they live like kings, at the table of the King of kings; have the attendance of kings, angels ministering unto them; have crowns and thrones as kings have, and greater than theirs; and h”
Matthew (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Matthew 13:31: Another parable spake he unto them,.... To the disciples and the multitude, and which was of the same kind, to the same purpose, and relating to the same subject as the former; the spread of the Gospel, and the increase of it in the world, The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven. The word "leaven" is every where else used in a bad sense; and either designs immorality, as malice and wickedness, or false doctrine, such as that of the Pharisees and Sadducees: but here it seems to be taken in a good sense, and the Gospel to be compared unto it; nor for its disagreea”
Titus (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Titus 3:1: 3:1-11 The emphasis on wholesome teaching (1:9; 2:1) continues; Paul turns now to the relationship of the Christian community with society at large (cp. 1 Tim 2:2-4). As in Titus 2:1-15, God’s instructions for his people (3:1-2) are based on his dealings with them (3:3-7; cp. study note on 2:11-15). Paul then instructs Titus to avoid fruitless disputes and to insist on beneficial teaching (3:8-11). 3:1 Paul might be telling the believers to make a clear distinction between themselves and the unruly common masses. Alternatively, the troublemakers (1:10-15; 3:10) migh”

Ask Your Own Question