Creating Effective Examples and Illustrations from Scripture

The Bible, understood as God-breathed and inspired by the Holy Spirit, serves as a foundational source for understanding divine will and human conduct ^{[2, 7]}. It is referred to as "the Word," "the Word of God," and "the Word of truth," among other titles, emphasizing its authority and reliability ^[2]. The Scriptures are intended to guide individuals toward good works and righteousness, providing wisdom for living out one's salvation ^{[1, 7]}.

One significant way the Bible communicates truth is through examples and illustrations, both positive and negative. These examples are not mere historical accounts but are presented as instructive for believers ^[9]. The effectiveness of teaching by example was highly valued in the ancient world, and this method is consistently employed throughout Scripture ^[10].

Christ as the Ultimate Example

Jesus Christ is frequently presented as the preeminent example for believers in various aspects of life and devotion. His life demonstrates diligence, prudence, and communion with God ^{[4, 5, 6]}. For instance, Christ's practice of early rising is highlighted as an example for devotion, as seen in Mark 1:35, where he rose "a great while before day" to pray ^[3]. Similarly, his works are described as "good fruits" and "labours of love," performed "by Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God" ^[1]. His prudence is evident in his responses to challenging questions, such as those posed by the Pharisees regarding taxes or authority, where he demonstrated wisdom and discernment (Matthew 21:24-27; 22:15-21) ^[5]. Christ's example extends to his compassion and empathy, as he showed communion with the afflicted and the weak (Luke 19:41-42) ^[6].

Old Testament Figures as Examples

The Old Testament provides numerous figures whose lives serve as illustrations of both commendable and cautionary behavior. These narratives are not simply historical records but are preserved for their instructive value ^[9].

Early Rising: Figures like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joshua, Gideon, Samuel, and David are noted for their practice of early rising, often in connection with executing God's commands or discharging daily duties ^[3]. Abraham's early departure to Moriah to offer Isaac (Genesis 22:3) and Samuel's early visit to Saul (1 Samuel 15:12) are examples of this diligence ^[3].
Diligence: The concept of diligence is exemplified by Christ, but also by Old Testament figures who sought God, obeyed Him, and strived for perfection ^[4]. This includes diligence in seeking God (1 Chronicles 22:19), obeying His commands (Deuteronomy 6:17), and hearkening to His voice (Isaiah 55:2) ^[4].
Prudence: Prudence, closely linked with wisdom, is seen in those who "deal with knowledge" and "look well to their goings" ^[5]. The wise are celebrated for their prudence, understanding God's ways and foreseeing evil (Proverbs 16:21; 14:15; 22:3) ^[5].
Communion with God: While Christ is the ultimate example, the Old Testament also illustrates the importance of communion with God and with fellow human beings, especially the afflicted and the poor ^[6]. The compassion of God is a motive for such communion (Matthew 13:27, 33), and promises are given to those who show it (Proverbs 19:17) ^[6].

The Purpose and Efficacy of Scriptural Examples

The detailed accounts of events and instructions in Scripture, even those that might seem repetitive, are understood to be divinely inspired and purposeful ^[9]. The "entrance of God's word gives light," enlightening the understanding of those who are sanctified ^[11]. The Scriptures are described as "wonderful" due to their divine authorship, the profound truths they contain, and their practical benefits ^[8]. They reveal the "wonderful works of creation," events of Providence, and numerous miracles, all serving to instruct and edify ^[8].

The Bible itself is presented as a comprehensive guide for life, making known "the will of God concerning our duty" ^[12]. It is through diligent study of both the "book of the creatures" (general revelation) and the "book of the scriptures" (special revelation) that individuals can gain instruction and edification ^[12]. The effectiveness of Scripture lies in its ability to provide wisdom for living out salvation, with its inspiration guaranteeing its reliability and authority ^[7]. Paul's own example of working for his own food (1 Thessalonians 2:9) is cited as a practical illustration of teaching by example, reinforcing the idea that leaders should model the behavior they advocate ^[10].

The Scriptures are not merely a collection of abstract principles but a living word that actively works in believers ^[2]. They are designed to lead individuals to good works, and these works are "wrought by God in us" ^[1]. The ultimate goal of these examples and the entire scriptural witness is to bring glory and praise to God through Christ ^[1].

Sources

Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Works, Good — Christ, an example of -- Joh 10:32; Ac 10:38. Called Good fruits. -- Jas 3:17. Fruits meet for repentance. -- Mt 3:8. Fruits of righteousness. -- Php 1:11. Works and labours of love. -- Heb 6:10. Are by Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God -- Php 1:11. They alone, who abide in Christ can perform -- Joh 15:4,5. Wrought by God in us -- Isa 26:12; Php 2:13. The Scripture designed to lead us to -- 2Ti 3:16,17; Jas 1:25. To be performed in Christ's name -- Col 3:17. Heavenly wisdom is full of -- Jas 3:17. Justification unattainable by -- Ro 3:20; Ga 2”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Scriptures, The — Given by inspiration of God -- 2Ti 3:16. Given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit -- Ac 1:16; Heb 3:7; 2Pe 1:21. Christ sanctioned, by appealing to them -- Mt 4:4; Mr 12:10; Joh 7:42. Christ taught out of -- Lu 24:27. Are called the Word. -- Jas 1:21-23; 1Pe 2:2. Word of God. -- Lu 11:28; Heb 4:12. Word of Christ. -- Col 3:16. Word of truth. -- Jas 1:18. Holy Scriptures. -- Ro 1:2; 2Ti 3:15. Scripture of truth. -- Da 10:21. Book. -- Ps 40:7; Re 22:19. Book of the Lord. -- Isa 34:16. Book of the law. -- Ne 8:3; Ga 3:10. Law of the Lord. -- Ps 1:2; Isa”
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 ”
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: Prudence — Exhibited in the manifestation of God's grace -- Eph 1:8. Exemplified by Christ -- Isa 52:13; Mt 21:24-27; 22:15-21. Intimately connected with wisdom -- Pr 8:12. The wise celebrated for -- Pr 16:21. They who have Get knowledge. -- Pr 18:15. Deal with knowledge. -- Pr 13:16. Look well to their goings. -- Pr 14:15. Understand the ways of God. -- Ho 14:9. Understand their own ways. -- Pr 14:8. Crowned with knowledge. -- Pr 14:18. Not ostentatious of knowledge. -- Pr 12:23. Foresee and avoid evil. -- Pr 22:3. Are preserved by it. -- Pr 2:11. Suppress angry fee”
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”
2 Timothy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Timothy 3:16: 3:16-17 These verses elaborate on 3:15 by explaining Scripture’s effectiveness, its source, and the ways that it gives wisdom to live out our salvation. Paul was speaking of the Hebrew Scriptures (the Old Testament), but his statement can now apply to all Scripture, including the New Testament (see, e.g., 2 Pet 3:15-16). 3:16 The fact that Scripture is inspired by God (literally God-breathed, breathed out by God’s own speech; see also Heb 4:12-13; 2 Pet 1:20-21) does not negate the active involvement of the human authors. But it does affirm that God is fully re”
Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 119:125: PE.--The Seventeenth Part. PE. Thy testimonies are wonderful,.... The Scriptures, which testify of God, his mind and will, are wonderful both with respect to the author of them, the things contained in them, and the use and advantage of them. They give an account of the wonderful works of creation; of their author and matter; of the manner, order, and time of their being wrought: they relate many wonderful events of Providence, both in a way of mercy and judgment; they declare several surprising miracles, wrought by Moses and others, and exhibit many marvellous t”
Exodus (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Exodus 37:1: I. It may be thought strange that Moses, when he had recorded so fully the instructions given him upon the mount for the making of all these things, should here record as particularly the making of them, when it might have sufficed only to have said, in a few words, that each of these things was made exactly according to the directions before recited. We are sure that Moses, when he wrote by divine inspiration, used no vain repetitions; there are no idle words in scripture. Why then are so many chapters taken up with this narrative, which we are tempted to think n”
2 Thessalonians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Thessalonians 3:7: 3:7 Teaching by example was highly regarded in the ancient world. Paul himself provided an example by working for his own food (3:8; 1 Thes 2:9).”
Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 119:130: Here is, 1. The great use for which the word of God was intended, to give light, that is, to give understanding, to give us to understand that which will be of use to us in our travels through this world; and it is the outward and ordinary means by which the Spirit of God enlightens the understanding of all that are sanctified. God's testimonies are not only wonderful for the greatness of them, but useful, as a light in a dark place. 2. Its efficacy for this purpose. It admirably answers the end; for, (1.) Even the entrance of God's word gives light. If we begi”
Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 19 (introduction): There are two excellent books which the great God has published for the instruction and edification of the children of men; this psalm treats of them both, and recommends them both to our diligent study. I. The book of the creatures, in which we may easily read the power and godhead of the Creator (Psa 19:1-6). II. The book of the scriptures, which makes known to us the will of God concerning our duty. He shows the excellency and usefulness of that book (Psa 19:7-11) and then teaches us how to improve it (Psa 19:12-14). To the chief musician. A psalm ”

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