Effective Use of Scripture in Illustrations and Teaching
Effective Use of Scripture in Illustrations and Teaching
The Bible is replete with examples of using Scripture effectively in teaching and illustration. Jesus himself frequently used Scripture to teach and illustrate spiritual truths, as seen in his appeal to the Old Testament during his temptation in the wilderness [2]. This method of teaching is rooted in the understanding that Scripture is "God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16) [1, 3].
The effectiveness of Scripture in teaching is attributed to its divine inspiration. The apostle Paul affirms that "every Scripture is inspired by God" (2 Timothy 3:16) [3]. This inspiration is not limited to the original authors, but is also seen in the way Scripture interprets and applies itself throughout its various books. For instance, the Psalmist marvels at the wonder of God's testimonies, highlighting their ability to give an account of God's wonderful works of creation and providence [4].
The use of Scripture in illustration is a hallmark of biblical teaching. Jesus drew striking illustrations from familiar objects and incidents of life, as seen in his teaching on the cup and platter in Luke 11:39 [7]. The apostle Paul also employed this method, using the body of Christ as an illustration of the interconnectedness of spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12 [8]. These examples demonstrate the power of Scripture to illuminate and instruct, making it an indispensable tool for teaching and illustration.
The Reformed tradition has long emphasized the importance of Scripture in teaching and illustration. John Calvin, for example, notes that God's efficacy in his elect is not limited to presenting the light to them, but also involves opening the eyes of their heart [6]. This understanding underscores the need for Scripture to be not only taught, but also applied and lived out in the lives of believers.
The Puritan tradition also highlights the importance of Scripture in teaching and illustration. Matthew Henry's commentary on Psalms 19 notes that the book of Scripture is a primary means of knowing God's will concerning our duty [5]. He emphasizes the need to diligently study Scripture, recognizing its excellency and usefulness in making us wise unto salvation.
Sources
- 2 Timothy “Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, -- 2 Timothy 3:16”
- 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”
- II Timothy “II Timothy 3:16 (LEB) — All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness,”
- 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”
- 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 ”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, section 67.5: the efficacy of grace, and extol the powers of free will, reason on false grounds. For although God works efficaciously in his elect, and does not merely present the light to them, but causes them to see, opens the eyes of their heart, and keeps them open, yet as the flesh is always inclined to indolence, it has need of being stirred up by exhortations. But what God commands by Paul’s mouth, He himself accomplishes inwardly. In the mean time, it is our part to ask from the Lord, that he would furnish oil to the lam”
- Luke (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Luke 11:39: cup and platter--remarkable example of our Lord's way of drawing the most striking illustrations of great truths from the most familiar objects and incidents of life. ravening--rapacity.”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 12 (introduction): THE USE AND THE ABUSE OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS, ESPECIALLY PROPHESYING AND TONGUES. (1Co. 12:1-31) spiritual gifts--the signs of the Spirit's continued efficacious presence in the Church, which is Christ's body, the complement of His incarnation, as the body is the complement of the head. By the love which pervades the whole, the gifts of the several members, forming reciprocal complements to each other, tend to the one object of perfecting the body of Christ. The ordinary and permanent gifts are comprehended together with the extraordin”