Scriptural Guidelines for Choosing Examples in Biblical Studies

The Bible provides numerous examples for Christians to follow, with Christ being the ultimate model ^[4]. The concept of following examples is rooted in biblical teachings, where believers are encouraged to imitate Christ and other faithful individuals.

Biblical Anchor

The scriptures emphasize the importance of following Christ's example. According to 1 Peter 2:21, believers are called to follow in Christ's steps, who suffered for them, leaving an example that they should follow his steps ^[4]. The apostle Paul also exhorts believers to imitate Christ, as he imitated Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). The biblical account of Christ's life, death, and resurrection serves as a foundation for Christian living.

The scriptures also highlight other examples to follow, such as those who have demonstrated faith, perseverance, and obedience. The writer of Hebrews encourages believers to consider those who have gone before them, such as Abraham and Sarah, and to imitate their faith (Hebrews 11:1-40, 12:1) ^[6].

Characteristics of Biblical Examples

Torrey's Topical Textbook highlights various characteristics of biblical examples, including diligence, self-denial, resignation, and sincerity ^{[1, 2, 3]}. These traits are demonstrated through the lives of biblical figures, such as Christ, who exemplified self-denial (Matthew 4:8-10; 8:20) and resignation (Matthew 26:39-44) ^{[2, 3]}.

The biblical examples are not limited to positive traits; they also include accounts of failure and sin. The scriptures provide a realistic portrayal of human experience, with characters who struggle with sin and its consequences. For instance, the story of David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:1-27) serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of sin and the importance of repentance.

Interpretation and Application

In interpreting biblical examples, it is essential to consider the context and the overall message of the scriptures. Jamieson, Fausset & Brown's commentary on 1 John 3:8 notes that John's statement about being "of the devil" refers to imitating the devil's actions, rather than being born of him ^[5]. This interpretation highlights the importance of understanding the biblical context and the nuances of language.

The application of biblical examples involves more than just imitating the actions of biblical figures; it requires a deep understanding of the underlying principles and values. According to Tyndale House's commentary on 1 Corinthians 10:31, believers are to do everything for the glory of God and avoid giving offense to others ^[7]. This principle guides the application of biblical examples in daily life.

Tradition and Interpretation

Different Christian traditions have varying approaches to interpreting and applying biblical examples. While some may emphasize the importance of imitating Christ's actions, others may focus on the underlying principles and values. For instance, one commentary tradition by Jamieson, Fausset & Brown emphasizes the importance of understanding the biblical context, while the Protestant academic commentary by Tyndale House highlights the need to apply biblical principles in daily life ^{[5, 7]}.

The historical development of biblical interpretation has also shaped the understanding of biblical examples. The early church fathers, such as Augustine, have influenced the interpretation of biblical examples, with some traditions drawing on their insights ^[5].

The scriptures remain a vital source for understanding biblical examples, with Christ being the ultimate model for Christian living. By examining the biblical account and the characteristics of biblical examples, believers can gain a deeper understanding of how to apply these examples in their daily lives.

Sources

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:”
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: Resignation — Christ set and example of -- Mt 26:39-44; Joh 12:27; 18:11. Commanded -- Ps 37:7; 46:10. Should be exhibited in Submission to the will of God. -- 2Sa 15:26; Ps 42:5,11; Mt 6:10. Submission to the sovereignty of God in his purposes. -- Ro 9:20,21. The prospect of death. -- Ac 21:13; 2Co 4:16-5:1. Loss of goods. -- Job 1:15,16,21. Loss of children. -- Job 1:18,19,21. Chastisements. -- Heb 12:9. Bodily suffering. -- Job 2:8-10. The wicked are devoid of -- Pr 19:3. Exhortation to -- Ps 37:1-11. Motives to God's greatness. -- Ps 46:10. God's love. -- Heb 12:”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Example of Christ, The — Is perfect -- Heb 7:26. Conformity to, required in Holiness. -- 1Pe 1:15,16; Ro 1:6. Righteousness. -- 1Jo 2:6. Purity. -- 1Jo 3:3. Love. -- Joh 13:34; Eph 5:2; 1Jo 3:16. Humility. -- Lu 22:27; Php 2:5,7. Meekness. -- Mt 11:29. Obedience. -- Joh 15:10. Self-denial. -- Mt 16:24; Ro 15:3. Ministering to others. -- Mt 20:28; Joh 13:14,15. Benevolence. -- Ac 20:35; 2Co 8:7,9. Forgiving injuries. -- Col 3:13. Overcoming the world. -- Joh 16:33; 1Jo 5:4. Being not of the world. -- Joh 17:16. Being guileless. -- 1Pe 2:21-22. Suffering wrongfully. --”
1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 3:8: He that committeth sin is of the devil--in contrast to "He that doeth righteousness," Jo1 3:7. He is a son of the devil (Jo1 3:10; Joh 8:44). John does not, however, say, "born of the devil." as he does "born of God," for "the devil begets none, nor does he create any; but whoever imitates the devil becomes a child of the devil by imitating him, not by proper birth" [AUGUSTINE, Ten Homilies on the First Epistle of John, Homily 4.10]. From the devil there is not generation, but corruption [BENGEL]. sinneth from the beginning--from the time that any beg”
Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 12:1: 12:1-17 The author challenges his hearers to endure in following Jesus, the supreme example of faithfulness, by imitating him in his suffering (12:1-4), by enduring under God’s discipline (12:5-13), and by living in peace with others (12:14-17). 12:1 huge crowd of witnesses: The host of faithful followers of God (ch 11) bear witness to the truth that God blesses the life of faith. • let us strip off every weight: In Greco-Roman literature, a race is a metaphor for the need for endurance in life. Just as extra weight hinders a runner, sin . . . trips us up. It ent”
1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 10:31: 10:31-33 Paul concludes his discussion by summarizing the two principles that are to guide Christian behavior in issues like this: (1) Believers are to do everything for the glory of God (see Col 3:17; 1 Pet 4:11); (2) believers are not to give offense and should avoid doing anything that would harm another person’s Christian faith (cp. 1 Cor 8:9, 13; 1 Jn 2:10). Christians’ behavior is to be guided by what is best for others rather than by personal privilege (cp. Rom 14:13-15, 19-21; 15:1-2). These two basic principles lie at the heart of Paul’s advice on”

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