Learning from Historical Examples in Christian Discernment and Wisdom
Learning from Historical Examples in Christian Discernment and Wisdom
The Christian tradition has long emphasized the importance of learning from historical examples to cultivate discernment and wisdom. The biblical account provides numerous instances of individuals who demonstrated exemplary faith, perseverance, and character, serving as models for subsequent generations.
Christ's life and teachings are paramount among these examples. His meekness, self-denial, and sincerity are highlighted as virtues to be emulated [2, 3, 4]. The Gospels portray Jesus rising early for prayer, demonstrating diligence and devotion [1]. This practice is echoed in the Old Testament, where figures like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are noted for their early rising and diligence in their duties [1].
The Psalms and Proverbs offer wisdom on cultivating discernment. Psalm 119:66 petitions God to "Teach me good judgement and knowledge" [5], while Proverbs 1:2 aims "to know wisdom and instruction; to discern the words of understanding" [6]. Psalm 90:12 requests that God teach people "so to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom" [7].
The importance of fearing the Lord is a recurring theme in Proverbs and Isaiah. Fearing God is seen as the foundation of wisdom, counteracting inner turmoil and bringing inner peace [9, 10]. Isaiah 8:13 exhorts readers to "sanctify the Lord" and fear Him, rather than fearing people [11].
The early Christian community, as reflected in the New Testament, also provides examples of discernment and wisdom. The church in Ephesus is commended for its perseverance, faithfulness, and ability to discern true from false teachings [12]. The apostle Peter's writings encourage believers to follow Christ's example in patient endurance under undeserved suffering [13].
Throughout Christian history, these biblical examples have been interpreted and applied in various ways. Commentators like Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown have noted the importance of seeking God "betimes" (early) and honoring His holy name [8, 11]. The Methodist tradition, represented by Adam Clarke, emphasizes the need to suffer patiently after Christ's example and to live soberly and charitably in anticipation of the end of all things [14].
By examining these historical examples and biblical teachings, Christians can cultivate discernment and wisdom, learning to navigate the complexities of life with faith and character.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Early Rising — Christ set an example of -- Mr 1:35; Lu 21:38; Joh 8:2. Requisite for Devotion. -- Ps 5:3; 59:16; 63:1; 88:13; Isa 26:9. Executing God's commands. -- Ge 22:3. Discharge of daily duties. -- Pr 31:15. Neglect of, leads to poverty -- Pr 6:9-11. Practised by the wicked, for Deceit. -- Pr 27:14. Executing plans of evil. -- Mic 2:1. Illustrates spiritual diligence -- Ro 13:11,12. Exemplified Abraham. -- Ge 19:27. Isaac, &c. -- Ge 26:31. Jacob. -- Ge 28:18. Joshua &c. -- Jos 3:1. Gideon. -- Jdj 6:38. Samuel. -- 1Sa 15:12. David. -- 1Sa 17:20. Mary, &c. -- Mr ”
- 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”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Denial — Christ set an example of -- Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8. A test of devotedness to Christ -- Mt 10:37,38; Lu 9:23,24. Necessary In following Christ. -- Lu 14:27-33. In the warfare of saints. -- 2Ti 2:4. To the triumph of saints. -- 1Co 9:25-27. Ministers especially called to exercise -- 2Co 6:4,5. Should be exercised in Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. -- Ro 6:12; Tit 2:12. Controlling the appetite. -- Pr 23:2. Abstaining from fleshly lusts. -- 1Pe 2:11. No longer living to lusts of men. -- 1Pe 4:2. Mortifying sinful lusts. -- Mr ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Sincerity — Christ was an example of -- 1Pe 2:22. Ministers should be examples of -- Tit 2:7. Opposed to fleshly wisdom -- 2Co 1:12. Should characterise Our love to God. -- 2Co 8:8,24. Our love to Christ. -- Eph 6:24. Our service to God. -- Jos 24:14; Joh 4:23,24. Our faith. -- 1Ti 1:5. Our love to one another. -- Ro 12:9; 1Pe 1:22; 1Jo 3:18. Our whole conduct. -- 2Co 1:12. The preaching of the gospel. -- 2Co 2:17; 1Th 2:3-5. A characteristic of the doctrines of the gospel -- 1Pe 2:2. The gospel sometimes preached without -- Php 1:16. The wicked devoid of -- Ps 5:9; ”
- Psalms “Psalms 119:66 (Geneva1599) — Teach me good iudgement and knowledge: for I haue beleeued thy commandements.”
- Proverbs “to know wisdom and instruction; to discern the words of understanding; -- Proverbs 1:2”
- Psalms “Psalms 90:12 (Geneva1599) — Teach vs so to nomber our dayes, that we may apply our heartes vnto wisdome.”
- Job (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Job 8:5: seek unto God betimes--early. Make it the first and chief anxiety (Psa 78:34; Hos 5:15; Isa 26:9; Pro 8:17; Pro 13:24).”
- Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 15:16: 15:16 A healthy fear for the Lord counteracts inner turmoil and brings inner peace. • Better to have little: See also 16:8.”
- Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 9:10: 9:10-12 Fear of the Lord: See study note on 1:7.”
- Isaiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Isaiah 8:13: Sanctify--Honor His holy name by regarding Him as your only hope of safety (Isa 29:23; Num 20:12). him . . . fear--"fear" lest you provoke His wrath by your fear of man and distrust of Him.”
- Revelation (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Revelation 2:2: 2:2-3 I know: This repeated refrain (2:9, 13, 19; 3:1, 8, 15) shows Christ’s total knowledge of his people, their activities, and their circumstances. • The Ephesian Christians had a correct theology marked by perseverance and faithfulness. They had examined various claims, exercised discipline on evil people, could tell what is true and what is false, and had patiently suffered for their faith in Christ.”
- 1 Peter (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Peter 2:21: Christ's example a proof that patient endurance under undeserved sufferings is acceptable with God. hereunto--to the patient endurance of unmerited suffering (Pe1 3:9). Christ is an example to servants, even as He was once in "the form of a servant." called--with a heavenly calling, though slaves. for us--His dying for us is the highest exemplification of "doing well" (Pe1 2:20). Ye must patiently suffer, being innocent, as Christ also innocently suffered (not for Himself, but for us). The oldest manuscripts for "us . . . us," read, "you . . . f”
- 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”