Evaluating Examples and Illustrations with Biblical Criteria
Evaluating Examples and Illustrations with Biblical Criteria
The Bible provides numerous examples and illustrations to convey spiritual truths and moral lessons. Jesus often used everyday objects and incidents to teach profound truths, as seen in his rebuke of the Pharisees, where he drew an illustration from the "cup and platter" to highlight their hypocrisy [3]. This approach underscores the importance of evaluating examples and illustrations used in Christian teaching against biblical criteria.
One key criterion is that examples and illustrations should align with biblical teachings and not contradict them. The Bible warns against idolatry, emphasizing that God cannot be represented by images or likenesses [5]. The second commandment explicitly prohibits making or worshiping graven images [1]. This principle guides the evaluation of examples, ensuring they do not inadvertently promote or glorify practices contrary to biblical teachings.
Another criterion is the source and context of the example or illustration. Biblical examples are often drawn from everyday life, history, or nature, making them relatable and understandable. For instance, Psalm 34:8 encourages believers to "taste and see that the Lord is good," using a sensory experience to illustrate a spiritual truth [4]. The context in which an example is used is also crucial; it should be used to glorify God and edify believers.
The Bible also teaches the importance of diligence in seeking God and living a virtuous life, providing examples of diligence in various contexts. Christ is presented as an example of diligence, and believers are encouraged to follow his example in seeking God, obeying him, and cultivating Christian graces [2]. This diligence extends to the use of examples and illustrations in teaching, ensuring they are carefully chosen to promote spiritual growth.
Furthermore, biblical examples often serve as warnings against certain behaviors or attitudes. The history of Israel is replete with examples of God's judgment on idolatry and disobedience, serving as a cautionary tale for believers [8]. The use of such examples in teaching should be done in a way that admonishes and corrects, rather than merely condemning.
In evaluating examples and illustrations, it is also essential to consider their potential to be misinterpreted or to lead to idolatry. The Bible criticizes the making and worshiping of idols, highlighting the futility and foolishness of such practices [6]. Examples or illustrations that could be misconstrued as promoting idolatry or detracting from the worship of the true God should be avoided.
The biblical emphasis on teaching and instruction also informs the evaluation of examples and illustrations. Believers are encouraged to teach and learn from one another, using examples and illustrations to convey important truths [7]. The effectiveness of an example or illustration is not just in its ability to convey a truth but also in its capacity to inspire and instruct.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Idolatry — Forbidden -- Ex 20:2,3; De 5:7. Consists in Bowing down to images. -- Ex 20:5; De 5:9. Worshipping images. -- Isa 44:17; Da 3:5,10,15. Sacrificing to images. -- Ps 106:38; Ac 7:41. Worshipping other gods. -- De 30:17; Ps 81:9. Swearing by other gods. -- Ex 23:13; Jos 23:7. Walking after other gods. -- De 8:19. Speaking in the name of other gods. -- De 18:20. Looking to other gods. -- Ho 3:1. Serving other gods. -- De 7:4; Jer 5:19. Fearing other gods. -- 2Ki 17:35. Sacrificing to other gods. -- Ex 22:20. Worshipping the true God by an image, & c. -- Ex 32:”
- 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:”
- 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.”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 34:8: taste and see--try and experience.”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Isaiah, Vol. 3, section 8.30: in guarding the Jews against distrust, at the same time condemns the superstitions of the Gentiles, and declares that it is inconsistent with the nature of God to be represented by painting or by any kind of likeness. This shews clearly that Paul’s doctrine fully agrees with it; for the Prophet, after having shewn that the power of God is infinite, since he holds all things in his fist, at length concludes, “To whom then will ye liken me? for no image that is formed will have any likeness or resemblance to me.” Or, what resemblance will you a”
- Jeremiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Jeremiah 10:14: in his knowledge--"is rendered brutish by his skill," namely, in idol-making (Jer 10:8-9). Thus the parallel, "confounded by the graven image," corresponds (so Jer 51:17). Others not so well translate, "without knowledge," namely, of God (see Isa 42:17; Isa 45:16; Hos 4:6).”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 34:11: children--subjects of instruction (Pro 1:8, Pro 1:10).”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 66:5: The terrible works illustrated in Israel's history (Exo 14:21). By this example let rebels be admonished.”