Interpreting Biblical Examples in Teaching and Preaching Pitfalls
Biblical Examples in Teaching and Preaching: Pitfalls to Avoid
The use of biblical examples in teaching and preaching is a valuable tool for illustrating doctrine and guiding Christian behavior. However, interpreting these examples requires care to avoid misapplication. The biblical text itself provides numerous examples that serve as warnings or illustrations of righteous living, such as Christ's example of meekness (1 Peter 2:21-23) and the warnings against taking offense at Christ [1, 2].
When interpreting biblical examples, it is crucial to understand their original context. For instance, the parables of Jesus, as recorded in the Gospels, were spoken in specific historical and cultural contexts. Understanding these contexts is essential to applying the teachings correctly. The parables, as noted by Smith's Bible Dictionary, were used to convey moral and spiritual lessons through comparisons or similitudes [3].
One of the pitfalls in interpreting biblical examples is to allegorize or spiritualize them beyond their original intent. For example, Calvin cautions against connecting Isaiah's statement about being weaned from milk and taken from the breast with Peter's reference to being like newborn babes, as this misinterprets the Prophet's complaint about the futility of teaching doctrine to those who are unreceptive [4].
Another challenge is to avoid using biblical examples to justify or promote unbiblical teachings or practices. The presence of false teachers and prophets in biblical times, as noted by John Gill in his commentary on 2 Peter 2, serves as a warning against those who would introduce "damnable heresies" and deny the Lord who bought them [5].
The correct interpretation and application of biblical examples require a careful consideration of their context and the overall teaching of Scripture. As Jamieson, Fausset & Brown note in their commentary on Matthew 7:20, the fruits of a person's life are a key indicator of their true character, and this principle can be applied to evaluating the teachings of others.
Furthermore, biblical examples should be used to promote a Christ-centered message. The examples of Christ's life and teachings, as well as those of biblical figures, serve to illustrate the principles of the kingdom of God. Adam Clarke's commentary on Mark 4 highlights the importance of understanding the parables and teachings of Jesus in their original context to derive the intended lessons [6].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Offence — Occasions of, must arrive -- Mt 18:7. Occasions of, forbidden -- 1Co 10:32; 2Co 6:3. Persecution, a cause of, to mere professors -- Mt 13:21; 24:10; 26:31. The wicked take, at The low station of Christ. -- Isa 53:1-3; Mt 13:54-57. Christ, as the corner-stone. -- Isa 8:14; Ro 9:33; 1Pe 2:8. Christ, as the bread of life. -- Joh 6:58-61. Christ crucified. -- 1Co 1:23; Ga 5:11. The righteousness of faith. -- Ro 9:32. The necessity of inward purity. -- Mt 15:11,12. Blessedness of not taking, at Christ -- Mt 11:6. Saints warned against taking -- Joh 16:1. Saints ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Meekness — Christ set an example of -- Ps 45:4; Isa 53:7; Mt 11:29; 21:5; 2Co 10:1; 1Pe 2:21-23. His teaching -- Mt 5:38-45. A fruit of the Spirit -- Ga 5:22,23. Saints should Seek. -- Zep 2:3. Put on. -- Col 3:12-13. Receive the word of God with. -- Jas 1:21. Exhibit, in conduct, &c. -- Jas 3:13. Answer for their hope with. -- 1Pe 3:15. Show to all men. -- Tit 3:2. Restore the erring with. -- Ga 6:1. Precious in the sight of God -- 1Pe 3:4. Ministers should Follow after. -- 1Ti 6:11. Instruct opposers with. -- 2Ti 2:24,25. Urge, on their people. -- Tit 3:1,2. A char”
- 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”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Isaiah, Vol. 2, section 16.13: mistake to connect this statement of the Prophet with that passage in the Apostle Peter, as if Isaiah represented God as desirous to obtain disciples who had divested themselves of all pride, and were like infants lately weaned; for the Prophet, on the contrary, loudly complains, that to “teach doctrine” is useless, and merely provokes ridicule among stupid and senseless persons, who are “children, not in malice, but in understanding,” as Paul speaks. ( 1 Corinthians 14:20 .) From what follows it will more clearly appear that, since they wer”
- 2 Peter (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Peter 2 (introduction): INTRODUCTION TO 2 PETER 2 This chapter contains a description of false teachers, that were then in Christian churches, as there had been false prophets among the Jews; and they are described by the doctrines, which they privily introduced; in general, damnable heresies; in particular, denying the Lord that bought them; and by their success, having many followers of them in their pernicious ways; and by the sad effects following hereupon; with respect to the way of truth, that was blasphemed; with respect to their hearers, they, through the covetousness ”
- Mark (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Mark 4 (introduction): The parable of the sower, Mar 4:1-9. Its interpretation, Mar 4:10-20. The use we should make of the instructions we receive, Mar 4:21-26. The parable of the progressively growing seed, Mar 4:26-29. Of the mustard seed, Mar 4:30-34. Christ and his disciples are overtaken by a storm, Mar 4:35-38. He rebukes the wind and the sea, and produces fair weather, Mar 4:39-41.”