Balancing Relevant Examples with Biblical Integrity in Teaching

The concept of balancing relevant examples with biblical integrity in teaching is rooted in the biblical mandate for ministers and teachers to be examples of good works while maintaining the integrity of their teaching ^[2]. This balance is crucial in ensuring that the message conveyed is not only relevant to the audience but also faithful to the biblical text.

The biblical basis for this concept is found in passages such as Titus 2:7, which exhorts teachers to "show yourself an example of good works; in your teaching showing integrity, seriousness, incorruptibility" ^[2]. This verse highlights the importance of both the content of the teaching and the character of the teacher. The example set by the teacher is not merely a peripheral aspect of their role but is integral to their teaching ministry.

The example of Christ is often cited as the paramount model for Christian teachers. Torrey's Topical Textbook notes that Christ is presented as an example in various aspects of his ministry and character, including diligence, meekness, and humility ^{[1, 3, 4]}. The imitation of Christ is not limited to his actions but also encompasses his teachings and the manner in which he taught. This includes his use of relevant examples, such as parables, to convey deeper spiritual truths.

In maintaining biblical integrity, teachers are called to adhere closely to the word of God. Matthew Henry, commenting on Deuteronomy 4:1, emphasizes the importance of applying the lessons from biblical history to duty and obedience, underscoring the need for teaching to be grounded in scripture ^[7]. Similarly, Calvin stresses the duty of parents and teachers to communicate what they have learned from the Lord to their children and others, highlighting the importance of passing on biblical knowledge ^[8].

The New Testament epistles provide further guidance on maintaining biblical integrity in teaching. For instance, 1 Timothy 6:3 warns against teaching "different doctrine" that is not in line with the "true words of our Lord Jesus Christ" ^[5]. This caution against deviating from sound doctrine is echoed in Titus 1:9, which emphasizes the importance of adhering to the "true word of the teaching" ^[6].

The challenge of balancing relevant examples with biblical integrity is also addressed in the context of engaging with different audiences. Paul's sermon in Athens, as recorded in Acts 17, is cited as an example of contextualizing the gospel message while remaining faithful to its core tenets ^[9]. Paul's approach demonstrates how to engage with the culture and thought forms of one's audience without compromising the integrity of the biblical message.

Throughout history, Christian theologians and teachers have grappled with the issue of how to present the gospel in a way that is both relevant and faithful to scripture. The early church fathers, such as John Chrysostom, emphasized the importance of sound doctrine and the dangers of deviating from it ^[10]. Similarly, Reformed theologians like Calvin have stressed the need for teaching to be grounded in scripture and for teachers to be mindful of their own character and example.

Sources

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:”
Titus “in all things showing yourself an example of good works; in your teaching showing integrity, seriousness, incorruptibility, -- Titus 2:7”
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”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Humility — Necessary to the service of God -- Mic 6:8. Christ an example of -- Mt 11:29; Joh 13:14,15; Php 2:5-8. A characteristic of saints -- Ps 34:2. The who have Regarded by God. -- Ps 138:6; Isa 66:2. Heard by God. -- Ps 9:12; Isa 10:17. Enjoy the presence of God. -- Isa 57:15. Delivered by God. -- Job 22:29. Lifted up by God. -- Jas 4:10. Exalted by God. -- Lu 14:11; 18:14. Are greatest in Christ's kingdom. -- Mt 18:4; 20:26-28. Receive more grace. -- Pr 3:34; Jas 4:6. Upheld by honour. -- Pr 18:12; 29:23. Is before honour -- Pr 15:33. Leads to riches, honour, ”
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,”
Titus “Titus 1:9 (BBE) — Keeping to the true word of the teaching, so that he may be able to give comfort by right teaching and overcome the arguments of the doubters.”
Deuteronomy (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Deuteronomy 4:1: This most lively and excellent discourse is so entire, and the particulars of it are so often repeated, that we must take it altogether in the exposition of it, and endeavour to digest it into proper heads, for we cannot divide it into paragraphs. I. In general, it is the use and application of the foregoing history; it comes in by way of inference from it: Now therefore harken, O Israel, Deu 4:1. This use we should make of the review of God's providences concerning us, we should by them be quickened and engaged to duty and obedience. The histories of the year”
CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 1 (Gen 1-23), section 22.18: to posterity and that they may deliver the knowledge received through us, from hand to hand, (as we say,) to their descendants. Wherefore, it is the duty of parents to apply themselves diligently to the work of communicating what they have learned from the Lord to their children. In this manner the truth of God is to be propagated by us, so that no one may retain his knowledge for his own private use; but that each may edify others, according to his own calling, and to the measure of his faith. There is however no doubt, that the”
Acts (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Acts 17:16: 17:16-34 In this chapter, we see Paul presented as a model witness for Christ, engaging the thinkers of his day and challenging them with the Christian message. Paul quoted writers his audience would be familiar with and showed the relevance of the gospel by dialoguing with them, critiquing their assumptions, and offering Jesus as a constructive alternative (see Col 1:28). Paul reminded these proud intellectuals that there is a living God to whom all human beings are answerable; that they will be judged by him through Jesus, whom God raised from the dead; and that ”
CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Galatians–Colossians–Thessalonians: Homily XVII. 1 Timothy vi. 2–7 “These things teach and exhort. If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain”

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