Prioritizing Scripture over Human Examples in Decision-Making

The Bible consistently presents itself as the inspired word of God, providing a foundational authority for decision-making that supersedes human examples or traditions ^[2]. This divine origin is emphasized in passages like 2 Timothy 3:16, which states that "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God," and 2 Peter 1:21, noting that "prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit" ^[2]. The Scriptures are thus understood as a direct communication from God, intended to guide humanity.

Jesus himself sanctioned the authority of Scripture by appealing to it in his teachings and during temptations ^[2]. For instance, he quoted from the Old Testament when confronted by Satan in the wilderness (Matthew 4:4) and referred to the Scriptures to explain his mission (Luke 24:27) ^[2]. This demonstrates a pattern of prioritizing divine revelation over human reasoning or experience, even in the life of Christ. The apostle Paul similarly exhorted believers to "hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle" (2 Thessalonians 2:15), emphasizing the importance of adhering to established teachings ^[9].

The concept of divine law and instruction as the ultimate guide is also evident in the writings of Josephus, who observed that a legislator, to have a "right mind" and promote virtue, must first consider the "Divine nature" and imitate God's operations ^[3]. This perspective suggests that human wisdom, even when well-intentioned, is perfected and properly directed when it aligns with divine patterns. Josephus also recounts Moses receiving advice from Raguel, which Moses kindly accepted and acted upon, demonstrating a willingness to consider counsel, but the ultimate authority for the Hebrews remained the words of God given through Moses (Exodus 30:12) ^{[4, 6]}.

In practical decision-making, the Bible encourages a reliance on God's revealed will. Proverbs 21:3 states that "To do righteousness and judgment, Is chosen of Jehovah rather than sacrifice" ^[5]. This verse highlights that ethical conduct and just decisions, aligned with God's character, are more valued than mere ritualistic observance. This principle implies that actions should be guided by divine standards of righteousness rather than by human customs or preferences.

The New Testament further develops this emphasis. The author of Hebrews urges believers to move beyond "the first principles of Christ" and "press on to perfection," not laying again a foundation of "repentance from dead works" ^[1]. This suggests a progression in understanding and application of faith, moving from basic tenets to a more mature and comprehensive adherence to God's will, which is revealed in Scripture. one commentary tradition on 2 Thessalonians 2:15 notes that God's sovereign choice of believers serves as "the strongest incentive to action and perseverance," implying that divine decree, as revealed in Scripture, motivates human conduct ^[9].

The early Christian church continued this practice of prioritizing Scripture. Public reading of Scripture was a central practice, transferred from the Jewish synagogue to Christian worship (Luke 4:16-20; Acts 13:15; Acts 15:21) ^[10]. This consistent engagement with the written word ensured that the community's understanding and decisions were continually shaped by divine revelation. John Chrysostom, an Eastern Orthodox father, emphasized that prophets not only spoke but also wrote what they spoke, and even "shadowed them forth by actions," indicating the multifaceted ways God's word was communicated and preserved for guidance ^[8].

While human examples can offer insights, the biblical framework consistently points to Scripture as the ultimate and infallible guide. The "election of grace," for instance, is presented as grounded in "the good pleasure of God" (Ephesians 1:5, 11), rather than human merit or example ^[7]. This divine prerogative underscores that God's will, as revealed in Scripture, is the primary determinant of spiritual realities and, by extension, the most reliable guide for human conduct and decision-making.

Sources

Hebrews “Therefore leaving the teaching of the first principles of Christ, let us press on to perfection—not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, of faith toward God, -- Hebrews 6:1”
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”
Project Gutenberg “Flavius Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, CHAPTER 11, section 4: life well, and give laws to others, in the first place should consider the Divine nature; and, upon the contemplation of God's operations, should thereby imitate the best of all patterns, so far as it is possible for human nature to do, and to endeavor to follow after it: neither could the legislator himself have a right mind without such a contemplation; nor would any thing he should write tend to the promotion of virtue in his readers; I mean, unless they be taught first of all, that God is the Father and Lord of all things, a”
Project Gutenberg “Flavius Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, CHAPTER 4, section 2: But if any great cause arise, let them bring the cognizance of it before the rulers of a higher dignity; but if any great difficulty arise that is too hard for even their determination, let them send it to thee. By these means two advantages will be gained; the Hebrews will have justice done them, and thou wilt be able to attend constantly on God, and procure him to be more favorable to the people." 2. This was the admonition of Raguel; and Moses received his advice very kindly, and acted according to his suggestion. Nor did he c”
Proverbs “Proverbs 21:3 (YLT) — To do righteousness and judgment, Is chosen of Jehovah rather than sacrifice.”
Project Gutenberg “Flavius Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, CHAPTER 15, section 10: at the latter end of his life, or after his wars were over. Nor does Josephus, nor the authors of the known books of the Old and New Testament, nor the Apostolical Constitutions, seem to have ascribed any of them to any other author than to David himself. See Essay on the Old Testament, pages 174, 175. Of these metres of the Psalms, see the note on Antiq. B. II. ch. 16. sect. 4.] 23 (return) [ The words of God by Moses, Exodus 30:12, sufficiently satisfy the reason here given by Josephus for the great plague mentioned in this c”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Election of Grace — The Scripture speaks (1) of the election of individuals to office or to honour and privilege, e.g., Abraham, Jacob, Saul, David, Solomon, were all chosen by God for the positions they held; so also were the apostles. (2) There is also an election of nations to special privileges, e.g., the Hebrews (Deut. 7:6; Rom. 9:4). (3) But in addition there is an election of individuals to eternal life (2 Thess. 2:13; Eph. 1:4; 1 Pet. 1:2; John 13:18). The ground of this election to salvation is the good pleasure of God (Eph. 1:5, 11; Matt. 11:25, 26; John 15”
CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Acts & Romans: hear, the Flesh itself, and the very miracles before your eyes. But let me beg you to look and see what a very long time ago these things were foretold. For when God is about to do openly some great things, He announces them of a long time before, to practise men’s hearing for the reception of them when they come. “In the Holy Scriptures.” Because the Prophets not only spake, but also writ what they spake; nor did they write only, but also shadowed them forth by actions, as Abraham when he led up Isaac, and Moses when he lifted up the Serpent, and wh”
2 Thessalonians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Thessalonians 2:15: Therefore--God's sovereign choice of believers, so far from being a ground for inaction on their part, is the strongest incentive to action and perseverance in it. Compare the argument, Phi 2:12-13, "Work out your own salvation, FOR it is God which worketh in you," &c. We cannot fully explain this in theory; but to the sincere and humble, the practical acting on the principle is plain. "Privilege first, duty afterwards" [EDMUNDS]. stand fast--so as not to be "shaken or troubled" (Th2 2:2). hold--so as not to let go. Adding nothing, subtrac”
1 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Timothy 4:13: Till I come--when Timothy's commission would be superseded for the time by the presence of the apostle himself (Ti1 1:3; Ti1 3:14). reading--especially in the public congregation. The practice of reading Scripture was transferred from the Jewish synagogue to the Christian Church (Luk 4:16-20; Act 13:15; Act 15:21; Co2 3:14). The New Testament Gospel and Epistles being recognized as inspired by those who had the gift of discerning spirits, were from the first, according as they were written, read along with the Old Testament in the Church (Th1 5:21”

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