Sharing Human Examples with a Gospel Focus in Teaching

The practice of sharing human examples with a gospel focus is rooted in biblical teachings and has been a cornerstone of Christian instruction throughout history. Jesus Christ himself is presented as the ultimate example for Christians to follow, demonstrating virtues such as meekness, sincerity, and compassion ^{[1, 3]}.

In the Gospels, Jesus is depicted as setting an example for his disciples through his actions and teachings. For instance, his teaching on humility in Matthew 18 emphasizes the importance of living out one's faith in a manner that is exemplary ^[8]. The apostle Paul also underscores the significance of personal example in Christian teaching, as seen in his exhortation to the Corinthian church, where he reminds them that he has become their father in Christ Jesus through the gospel ^[6].

The use of human examples in Christian teaching is not limited to the lives of Jesus and the apostles. The biblical tradition encourages believers to follow the examples of faithful servants of God, both in the Old and New Testaments. For example, Paul commends the Thessalonians for becoming imitators of him and of the Lord, thus demonstrating the value of human example in the transmission of Christian faith ^[1].

The early Christian preachers, known as evangelists, were tasked with proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. Their accounts of his life, death, and resurrection formed the basis of Christian doctrine and practice. The Gospels, as historical accounts, provided a narrative framework for understanding the significance of Jesus' life and teachings, serving as a model for Christian living ^{[2, 4]}.

In Christian teaching, the use of parables is another method employed to convey moral and spiritual lessons. Jesus' parables, as recorded in the Gospels, are illustrative of this approach, using relatable stories to teach profound truths about the kingdom of God ^[5]. The interpretation of these parables has been a subject of Christian teaching and reflection throughout history, with various traditions offering insights into their meaning and application ^[10].

The importance of living a virtuous life as an example to others is a recurring theme in Christian instruction. The apostle Paul exhorts Titus to be an example to believers in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, highlighting the significance of personal integrity in Christian leadership ^[7]. Similarly, the writer of Hebrews encourages believers to remember their leaders, who have spoken the word of God to them, and to imitate their faith ^[11].

The practice of sharing human examples with a gospel focus continues to be relevant in contemporary Christian teaching. By examining the lives of biblical figures and Christian leaders, believers can gain insight into the practical application of Christian virtues and the challenges of living out one's faith in various contexts. This approach to teaching emphasizes the importance of authenticity and integrity in Christian witness, encouraging believers to embody the teachings of Jesus in their daily lives ^[9].

Sources

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; ”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Gospels — The central fact of Christian preaching was the intelligence that the Saviour had come into the world (Matt. 4:23; Rom. 10:15); and the first Christian preachers who called their account of the person and mission of Christ by the term evangelion_ (= good message) were called _evangelistai (= evangelists) (Eph. 4:11; Acts 21:8). There are four historical accounts of the person and work of Christ: "the first by Matthew, announcing the Redeemer as the promised King of the kingdom of God; the second by Mark, declaring him a prophet, mighty in deed and word'; th”
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: Gospels — The name Gospel (from god and spell, Ang. Sax. good message or news, which is a translation of the Greek euaggelion) is applied to the four inspired histories of the life and teaching of Christ contained in the New Testament, of which separate accounts are given in their place. They were all composed during the latter half of the first century: those of St. Matthew and St. Mark some years before the destruction of Jerusalem; that of St. Luke probably about A.D. 64; and that of St. John towards the close of the century. Before the end of the second century, t”
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”
I Corinthians “I Corinthians 4:15 (DRC) — For if you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet not many fathers. For in Christ Jesus, by the gospel, I have begotten you.”
Titus “Titus 2:7 (BSB) — In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity,”
Matthew (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Matthew 18 (introduction): The gospels are, in short, a record of what Jesus began both to do and to teach. In the foregoing chapter, we had an account of his doings, in this, of his teachings; probably, not all at the same time, in a continued discourse, but at several times, upon divers occasions, here put together, as near akin. We have here, I. Instructions concerning humility (Mat 18:1-6). II. Concerning offences in general (Mat 18:7), particularly offences given, 1. By us to ourselves (Mat 18:8, Mat 18:9). 2. By us to others, (Mat 18:10-14). 3. By others to us; which are”
John (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on John 13:15: For I have given you an example,.... Christ is an example to his people, in many things; not in his miraculous performances and mediatorial work, but in the exercise of grace, of meekness, humility, love, patience, and the like; and in the discharge of duty, in submission to ordinances, and in attending on them; and in the several duties, both to them that are without, and to them that are within; and also in his sufferings and death; not that he died merely as an example, but likewise in the room and stead of his people; but here he is spoken of, as an example, in a p”
Matthew (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Matthew 13 (introduction): In this chapter, we have, I. The favour which Christ did to his countrymen in preaching the kingdom of heaven to them (Mat 13:1-2). He preached to them in parables, and here gives the reason why he chose that way of instructing (Mat 13:10-17). And the evangelist gives another reason (Mat 13:34, Mat 13:35). There are eight parables recorded in this chapter, which are designed to represent the kingdom of heaven, the method of planting the gospel kingdom in the world, and of its growth and success. The great truths and laws of that kingdom are in other ”
Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 6:1: Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ,.... The Gospel is the doctrine of Christ, and is so called, because Christ, as God, is the author of it; as Mediator, he received it from his Father; as man, he was the preacher of it; and he is also the sum and substance of it: the principles of this doctrine are either the easier parts of the Gospel, called milk in the latter part of the preceding chapter; which are not to be left with dislike and contempt, nor so as to be forgotten, nor so as not to be recurred to at proper times; but so as not to abide in”

Ask Your Own Question