Human Examples and Teaching in the Church and Scripture

The role of human examples and teaching in the life of the church is to supplement and illustrate the teachings of Scripture, not to supplant them. Paul writes in Romans 8:28 that "all things work together for good" for those who love God, and this includes the examples of faithful believers who have come before us. Human teaching and example can be a powerful tool for encouraging and instructing one another in the faith, as long as they are grounded in and subordinate to the authority of Scripture.

Human examples and teaching can provide valuable insight and application of biblical principles, helping to make the teachings of Scripture more accessible and relatable to everyday life. However, it is essential to remember that human teachers and examples are fallible and can err, whereas Scripture is inerrant and infallible. Therefore, all human teaching and example must be carefully evaluated in light of Scripture, and any inconsistencies or contradictions must be rejected.

The church can use human examples and teaching in a way that is consistent with the authority of Scripture by ensuring that all teaching is grounded in and faithful to the biblical text. This means that human teachers and examples must be subject to the scrutiny of Scripture, and that any teachings or practices that are not supported by Scripture must be rejected. By doing so, the church can maintain the authority and centrality of Scripture while still benefiting from the insights and examples of human teachers and believers.