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Biblical Examples in Sermon Preparation and Delivery Role

Biblical examples serve as powerful illustrations and models for Christian conduct, doctrine, and ministry. These examples are drawn from the lives of Christ, Old Testament figures, and New Testament believers, providing concrete demonstrations of faith and obedience [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].

Christ himself is presented as the ultimate example in various aspects of life and ministry. His intercessory prayer life is highlighted in passages such as Luke 22:32, 23:34, and John 17:9-24, where he prays for his disciples and for all believers [2]. He also exemplified resignation to God's will, as seen in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39-44) and his acceptance of his suffering (John 12:27; 18:11) [6]. Christ's sincerity is noted in 1 Peter 2:22, setting a standard for all believers [5]. Furthermore, his practice of early rising, as mentioned in Mark 1:35, Luke 21:38, and John 8:2, serves as an example of diligence and devotion [1]. The apostle Peter explicitly states that Christ left an "example for you to follow in his steps" (1 Peter 2:21) [3].

Beyond Christ, numerous biblical figures offer examples for instruction and encouragement. Old Testament patriarchs and leaders demonstrated practices such as early rising for devotion and duty. Abraham rose early (Genesis 19:27), as did Isaac (Genesis 26:31), Jacob (Genesis 28:18), Joshua (Joshua 3:1), Gideon (Judges 6:38), Samuel (1 Samuel 15:12), and David (1 Samuel 17:20) [1]. These instances illustrate diligence in executing God's commands and daily duties [1]. Family and social prayer are also exemplified by figures like Abraham (Genesis 12:5, 8), Jacob (Genesis 35:2, 3, 7), Joshua (Joshua 24:15), David (2 Samuel 6:20), and Job (Job 1:5) [4]. The disciples, Cornelius, Paul, and Silas also provide New Testament examples of social and family prayer [4].

The prophets, too, are presented as examples, particularly in their endurance of affliction (James 5:10) [3]. The book of Hebrews cites many Old Testament figures—Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, and Samuel—as examples of faith, though not always in chronological order, emphasizing their collective witness [19].

Ministers and leaders are specifically called to be examples to their flocks. Paul instructs Timothy to "be an example to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12) [3]. Similarly, Peter exhorts elders to be "examples to the flock" (1 Peter 5:3) [3]. This includes sincerity in their ministry, as highlighted in Titus 2:7 [5]. The preaching of the gospel itself should be characterized by sincerity, contrasting with those who preach from impure motives (2 Corinthians 2:17; 1 Thessalonians 2:3-5; Philippians 1:16) [5].

Biblical examples also serve as warnings. The experiences of the Jews are presented as a warning against disobedience (Hebrews 4:11) [3]. The concept of "early rising" can also illustrate negative examples, such as the wicked rising early for deceit (Proverbs 27:14) or to execute evil plans (Micah 2:1) [1]. Neglecting diligence, symbolized by not rising early, can lead to poverty (Proverbs 6:9-11) [1].

The use of biblical examples extends to the interpretation of parables and theological concepts. For instance, the "servant" in the parable of the great supper (Luke 14:16) is interpreted by some as referring to John the Baptist or Christ himself, while "other servants" (Matthew 22:4) are seen as the seventy disciples and other ministers of the Gospel [15, 16]. The "maidens" sent by Wisdom in Proverbs 9:3 are understood as ministers of the Gospel, maintaining the allegory of Wisdom as a lady or queen [13].

The giving of offerings in the Old Testament, such as the "willing offering" brought by the Israelites for the tabernacle (Exodus 35:21, 28), serves as an example of cheerful and voluntary giving for God's service [7, 18]. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where the liberality of Gentile churches in ministering to the poor saints in Jerusalem leads to the glorification of God and demonstrates their subjection to the Gospel of Christ (2 Corinthians 9:13) [17].

The Old Testament sacrificial system, with its detailed instructions for atonement (Leviticus 14:20, 31; 15:15, 30), foreshadows Christ's ultimate sacrifice [8, 9, 10, 11]. The psalmist's words in Psalm 40:6-8, expressing devotion to God's service, are quoted by Paul in Hebrews 10:5-8 as the words of Christ, offering himself as a superior sacrifice [12]. This demonstrates how Old Testament texts can be reinterpreted in light of Christ, providing a deeper understanding of his role as the mediator of a more excellent covenant (Hebrews 8:6) [14].

Sources

  1. 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 ”
  2. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Prayer, Intercessory — Christ set an example of -- Lu 22:32; 23:34; Joh 17:9-24. Commanded -- 1Ti 2:1; Jas 5:14,16. Should be offered up for Kings. -- 1Ti 2:2. All in authority. -- 1Ti 2:2. Ministers. -- 2Co 1:11; Php 1:19. The Church. -- Ps 122:6; Isa 62:6,7. All saints. -- Eph 6:18. All men. -- 1Ti 2:1. Masters. -- Ge 24:12-14. Servants. -- Lu 7:2,3. Children. -- Ge 17:18; Mt 15:22. Friends. -- Job 42:8. Fellow-countrymen. -- Ro 10:1. The sick. -- Jas 5:14. Persecutors. -- Mt 5:44. Enemies among whom we dwell. -- Jer 29:7. Those who envy us. -- Nu 12:13. Those who ”
  3. 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).”
  4. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Prayer, Social and Family — Promise of answers to -- Mt 18:19. Christ promises to be present at -- Mt 18:20. Punishment for neglecting -- Jer 10:25. Exemplified Abram. -- Ge 12:5,8. Jacob. -- Ge 35:2,3,7. Joshua. -- Jos 24:15. David. -- 2Sa 6:20. Job. -- Job 1:5. The Disciples. -- Ac 1:13,14. Cornelius. -- Ac 10:2. Paul and Silas. -- Ac 16:25. Paul. -- Ac 20:36; 21:5.”
  5. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Sincerity — Christ was an example of -- 1Pe 2:22. Ministers should be examples of -- Tit 2:7. Opposed to fleshly wisdom -- 2Co 1:12. Should characterise Our love to God. -- 2Co 8:8,24. Our love to Christ. -- Eph 6:24. Our service to God. -- Jos 24:14; Joh 4:23,24. Our faith. -- 1Ti 1:5. Our love to one another. -- Ro 12:9; 1Pe 1:22; 1Jo 3:18. Our whole conduct. -- 2Co 1:12. The preaching of the gospel. -- 2Co 2:17; 1Th 2:3-5. A characteristic of the doctrines of the gospel -- 1Pe 2:2. The gospel sometimes preached without -- Php 1:16. The wicked devoid of -- Ps 5:9; ”
  6. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Resignation — Christ set and example of -- Mt 26:39-44; Joh 12:27; 18:11. Commanded -- Ps 37:7; 46:10. Should be exhibited in Submission to the will of God. -- 2Sa 15:26; Ps 42:5,11; Mt 6:10. Submission to the sovereignty of God in his purposes. -- Ro 9:20,21. The prospect of death. -- Ac 21:13; 2Co 4:16-5:1. Loss of goods. -- Job 1:15,16,21. Loss of children. -- Job 1:18,19,21. Chastisements. -- Heb 12:9. Bodily suffering. -- Job 2:8-10. The wicked are devoid of -- Pr 19:3. Exhortation to -- Ps 37:1-11. Motives to God's greatness. -- Ps 46:10. God's love. -- Heb 12:”
  7. Exodus “obtulerunt mente promptissima atque devota primitias Domino, ad faciendum opus tabernaculi testimonii. Quidquid ad cultum et ad vestes sanctas necessarium erat, -- Exodus 35:21”
  8. Leviticus “even such as he is able to afford, the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering, with the meal offering. The priest shall make atonement for him who is to be cleansed before Yahweh.” -- Leviticus 14:31”
  9. Leviticus “The priest shall offer the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering; and the priest shall make atonement for her before Yahweh for the uncleanness of her discharge. -- Leviticus 15:30”
  10. Leviticus “and the priest shall offer the burnt offering and the meal offering on the altar. The priest shall make atonement for him, and he shall be clean. -- Leviticus 14:20”
  11. Leviticus “and the priest shall offer them, the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering. The priest shall make atonement for him before Yahweh for his discharge. -- Leviticus 15:15”
  12. Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 40 (introduction): In this Psalm a celebration of God's deliverance is followed by a profession of devotion to His service. Then follows a prayer for relief from imminent dangers, involving the overthrow of enemies and the rejoicing of sympathizing friends. In Heb 10:5, &c., Paul quotes Psa 40:6-8 as the words of Christ, offering Himself as a better sacrifice. Some suppose Paul thus accommodated David's words to express Christ's sentiments. But the value of his quotation would be thus destroyed, as it would have no force in his argument, unless regarded by h”
  13. Proverbs (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Proverbs 9:3: She hath sent forth her maidens,.... Not moral virtues, or good works, which subserve the interest of Christ and religion, adorn the Gospel and its professors; nor the liberal arts and sciences, said to be handmaids to divinity; nor angels, ministering spirits to Christ; but the ministers of the Gospel, who being so called does not suppose or encourage women's preaching; but have the name to keep up the decency of the parable, and the propriety of the allegory: for since Wisdom is represented as a lady, a princess or queen, it is proper that her attendants should be ”
  14. Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 8:6: now--not time; but "as it is." more excellent ministry--than any earthly ministry. by how much--in proportion as. mediator--coming between us and God, to carry into effect God's covenant with us. "The messenger (angel) of the covenant." which--Greek, "one which" [ALFORD]: inasmuch as being one which. established--Greek, "enacted as a law." So Rom 3:27, "law of faith"; and Rom 8:2; Rom 9:31, apply "law" to the Gospel covenant. It is implied hereby, the Gospel is founded on the law, in the spirit and essence of the latter. upon--resting upon.”
  15. Luke (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Luke 14:16: And sent his servant at supper time,.... Either John the Baptist, the harbinger and forerunner of Christ, who declared that the kingdom of heaven, or the Gospel dispensation, was at hand; and exhorted the people to believe in Christ that should come after him; or Christ himself, who is God's servant as man, of his choosing and appointing, and whom he sent in the fulness of time in the form of a servant, as the minister of the circumcision, to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, and to call sinners to repentance; or servant may be put for servants, since in Mat 22:3 ”
  16. Matthew (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Matthew 22:4: Again he sent forth other servants,.... The seventy disciples, and other ministers of the Gospel, as Barnabas and Saul, and others that were joined to, and were helpers of the apostles, who were sent, and preached to the Jews, any time before the destruction of Jerusalem: saying, tell them which are bidden; for these preachers of the word were first sent to the Jews, and preached unto them, until they by their carriage and conduct, showed themselves to be unworthy of the blessing. These men had notice of the Gospel feast by the prophets, and were invited to it, by ”
  17. 2 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Corinthians 9:13: Whiles by the experiment of this ministration,.... That is, the poor saints at Jerusalem having a specimen, a proof, an experience of the liberality of the Gentile churches ministered to them by the apostles, first, they glorify God; by giving thanks unto him, acknowledging him to be the author of all the grace and goodness which they, and others, were partakers of; particularly for your professed subjection to the Gospel of Christ. The Gospel of Christ is the doctrine of grace, life, and salvation by Christ, of which he is the author, as God, the subject m”
  18. Exodus (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Exodus 35:28: The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the Lord,.... What they did, whether more or less, they did it cheerfully and willingly, as to the Lord, for his service and glory: every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the Lord had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses: See Gill on Exo 35:21 and as there were work and service of God's appointment to be done in the legal tabernacle, so there are in the Gospel church; such as prayer, praise, preaching, and hearing the word, and the administration of ordina”
  19. Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 11:32: the time--suitable for the length of an Epistle. He accumulates collectively some out of many examples of faith. Gideon--put before Barak, not chronologically, but as being more celebrated. Just as Samson for the same reason is put before JephthÃ&brvbr. The mention of JephthÃ&brvbr as an example of "faith," makes it unlikely he sacrificed the life of his daughter for a rash vow. David, the warrior king and prophet, forms the transition from warrior chiefs to the "prophets," of whom "Samuel" is mentioned as the first.”
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