Ensuring Analogies and Examples Align with Scripture
Biblical analogies and examples serve to illuminate spiritual truths and guide believers in their conduct. The Scriptures themselves provide numerous examples for imitation, particularly the life and character of Jesus Christ [1, 2].
The New Testament frequently points to Christ as the ultimate example for believers. His perfection is highlighted in passages such as Hebrews 7:26 [1]. Christians are called to conform to Christ's example in holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16), righteousness (1 John 2:6), purity (1 John 3:3), and love (John 13:34, Ephesians 5:2) [1]. Other virtues exemplified by Christ include humility (Luke 22:27, Philippians 2:5,7), meekness (Matthew 11:29), obedience (John 15:10), and self-denial (Matthew 16:24, Romans 15:3) [1]. He also demonstrated diligence (Mark 1:35, Luke 2:49) and ministered to others (Matthew 20:28, John 13:14-15) [2, 1]. Adam Clarke, in his commentary on Galatians 6:4, emphasizes that "the only rule for a Christian is the word of Christ; the only pattern for his imitation is the example of Christ" [5]. He further states that a Christian should not compare himself with others, as they are not the standard, but rather should examine his conduct by the words and example of Christ [5]. Similarly, in his commentary on 1 Peter 4, Clarke notes that believers should "suffer patiently, after the example of Christ" [8].
Beyond Christ, the Bible offers other figures and narratives as examples. The Greek word parabole, from which "parable" is derived, signifies a comparison, similitude, or illustration of one subject by another [3]. These can range from short proverbs to extended narratives [3]. The Apostle Paul encouraged believers to imitate him as he imitated Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1), urging them to "mark those who walk so as ye have us for an ensample" (Philippians 3:17) [6]. John Chrysostom, an early Church Father, also discussed the concept of examples, warning against falling "after the same example of unbelief" as those who failed in the past [7].
The Scriptures are considered to be "given by inspiration of God" (2 Timothy 3:16) and "by inspiration of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 1:16, 2 Peter 1:21) [4]. Christ himself sanctioned the Scriptures by appealing to them and teaching from them (Matthew 4:4, Luke 24:27) [4]. Therefore, any analogies or examples used in Christian teaching must align with the authoritative Word of God [4].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Example of Christ, The — Is perfect -- Heb 7:26. Conformity to, required in Holiness. -- 1Pe 1:15,16; Ro 1:6. Righteousness. -- 1Jo 2:6. Purity. -- 1Jo 3:3. Love. -- Joh 13:34; Eph 5:2; 1Jo 3:16. Humility. -- Lu 22:27; Php 2:5,7. Meekness. -- Mt 11:29. Obedience. -- Joh 15:10. Self-denial. -- Mt 16:24; Ro 15:3. Ministering to others. -- Mt 20:28; Joh 13:14,15. Benevolence. -- Ac 20:35; 2Co 8:7,9. Forgiving injuries. -- Col 3:13. Overcoming the world. -- Joh 16:33; 1Jo 5:4. Being not of the world. -- Joh 17:16. Being guileless. -- 1Pe 2:21-22. Suffering wrongfully. --”
- 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:”
- 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: 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”
- Galatians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Galatians 6:4: Prove his own work - Let him examine himself and his conduct by the words and example of Christ; and if he find that they bear this touchstone, then he shall have rejoicing in himself alone, feeling that he resembles his Lord and Master, and not in another - not derive his consolation from comparing himself with another who may be weaker, or less instructed than himself. The only rule for a Christian is the word of Christ; the only pattern for his imitation is the example of Christ. He should not compare himself with others; they are not his standard. Christ hath ”
- Philippians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Philippians 3:17: followers--Greek, "imitators together." of me--as I am an imitator of Christ (Co1 11:1): Imitate me no farther than as I imitate Christ. Or as BENGEL "My fellow imitators of God" or "Christ"; "imitators of Christ together with me" (see on Phi 2:22; Eph 5:1). mark--for imitation. which walk so as ye have us for an ensample--In English Version of the former clause, the translation of this clause is, "those who are walking so as ye have an example in us." But in BENGEL'S translation, "inasmuch as," or "since," instead of "as."”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on John & Hebrews: into the same [sins], not to suffer the same things which they suffered. This is, “After the same example of unbelief.” Let us not faint, he means (which he says also near the end [of the Epistle]. “Lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees”): “lest any man,” he says, “fall after the same example.” ( c. xii. 12 .) For this is to fall indeed. Then, lest when thou hearest, “any man fall after the same example,” thou shouldest conceive of the same death which they also underwent, see what he says: “For the Word of God is quick and powerfu”
- 1 Peter (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Peter 4 (introduction): We should suffer patiently, after the example of Christ, Pe1 4:1. And no longer live according to our former custom, but disregard the scoffs of those who are incensed against us because we have forsaken their evil ways, who are shortly to give account to God for their conduct, Pe1 4:2-5. How the Gospel was preached to Jews and Gentiles, Pe1 4:6. As the end of all things was at hand, they should be sober, watchful, charitable, benevolent, good stewards of the bounty of Providence; and, when called to instruct others, speak as the oracles of God, Pe1 4:7”