Showcasing God's Attributes Through Storytelling and Example-Giving
Showcasing God's Attributes Through Storytelling and Example-Giving
The biblical narrative is replete with examples of God's attributes being showcased through storytelling and example-giving. One of the primary ways this is achieved is through the use of parables, which are comparisons or similitudes used to illustrate spiritual truths [3]. Jesus frequently employed parables in his teaching, using everyday scenarios to convey deeper spiritual realities [7].
The Psalms also demonstrate the importance of storytelling in showcasing God's attributes. Psalm 78:5-6 emphasizes the need to recount God's deeds to future generations, motivating them to obey his commands [9]. Similarly, Exodus 10:2 highlights the significance of passing down the story of God's wonders to subsequent generations, ensuring they understand God's character [5].
The biblical writers often used concrete examples to illustrate God's attributes. For instance, God's joy over his people is described as a bridegroom's delight in his bride (Isaiah 62:5; Luke 15:23-24) [2]. The attribute of humility is exemplified in Christ, who is described as being humble and meek (Matthew 11:29; Philippians 2:5-8) [1]. These examples serve to make God's attributes more relatable and tangible.
The early Christian church continued this tradition of showcasing God's attributes through storytelling and example-giving. The apostle Paul's sermon in Athens, as recorded in Acts 17:22-31, demonstrates his ability to adapt his message to his audience while still proclaiming the nature and purpose of God [8]. The book of Acts also highlights the importance of boldness and confidence in proclaiming the kingdom of God, as exemplified by Paul's preaching (Acts 28:31) [4].
The Puritan tradition, as represented by Matthew Henry, notes that Christ's use of parables was a deliberate choice to keep the people engaged and attentive, while also veiling the truth from those who were not receptive [7]. This approach underscores the significance of contextualizing the message to effectively communicate God's attributes.
The biblical emphasis on showcasing God's attributes through storytelling and example-giving serves to reinforce the importance of understanding God's character. By examining the ways in which God's attributes are presented in scripture, believers can gain a deeper appreciation for the nature of God and the significance of living a life that reflects his character [6].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Humility — Necessary to the service of God -- Mic 6:8. Christ an example of -- Mt 11:29; Joh 13:14,15; Php 2:5-8. A characteristic of saints -- Ps 34:2. The who have Regarded by God. -- Ps 138:6; Isa 66:2. Heard by God. -- Ps 9:12; Isa 10:17. Enjoy the presence of God. -- Isa 57:15. Delivered by God. -- Job 22:29. Lifted up by God. -- Jas 4:10. Exalted by God. -- Lu 14:11; 18:14. Are greatest in Christ's kingdom. -- Mt 18:4; 20:26-28. Receive more grace. -- Pr 3:34; Jas 4:6. Upheld by honour. -- Pr 18:12; 29:23. Is before honour -- Pr 15:33. Leads to riches, honour, ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Joy of God Over His People, The — Greatness of, described -- Zep 3:17. On account of their Repentance. -- Lu 15:7,10. Faith. -- Heb 11:5,6. Fear of him. -- Ps 147:11. Praying to him. -- Pr 15:8. Hope in his mercy. -- Ps 147:11. Meekness. -- Ps 149:4. Uprightness. -- 1Ch 29:17; Pr 11:20. Leads to him Prosper them. -- De 30:9. Do them good. -- De 28:63; Jer 32:41. Deliver them. -- 2Sa 22:20. Comfort them. -- Isa 65:19. Give them the inheritance. -- Nu 14:8. Illustrated -- Isa 62:5; Lu 15:23,24. Exemplified Solomon. -- 1Ki 10:9.”
- 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”
- Acts “Acts 28:31 (Tyndale) — preachyng the kyngdome of God and teachynge those thinges which concerned the lorde Iesus with all confidence vnforboden.”
- Exodus “Exodus 10:2 (BBE) — And so that you may be able to give to your son and to your son's son the story of my wonders in Egypt, and the signs which I have done among them; so that you may see that I am the Lord.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Glorifying God — Commanded -- 1Ch 16:28; Ps 22:23; Isa 42:12. Due to him -- 1Ch 16:29. For his Holiness. -- Ps 99:9; Re 15:4. Mercy and truth. -- Ps 115:1; Ro 15:9. Faithfulness and truth. -- Isa 25:1. Wondrous works. -- Mt 15:31; Ac 4:21. Judgments. -- Isa 25:3; Eze 28:22; Re 14:7. Deliverance. -- Ps 50:15. Grace to others. -- Ac 11:18; 2Co 9:13; Ga 1:24. Obligation of saints to -- 1Co 6:20. Is acceptable through Christ -- Php 1:11; 1Pe 4:11. Christ, an example of -- Joh 17:4. Accomplished by Relying on his promises. -- Ro 4:20. Praising him. -- Ps 50:23. Doing all ”
- Matthew (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Matthew 13:24: In these verses, we have, I. Another reason given why Christ preached by parables, Mat 13:34, Mat 13:35. All these things he spoke in parables, because the time was not yet come for the more clear and plain discoveries of the mysteries of the kingdom. Christ, to keep the people attending and expecting, preached in parables, and without a parable spake he not unto them; namely, at this time and in this sermon. Note, Christ tries all ways and methods to do good to the souls of men, and to make impressions upon them; if men will not be instructed and influenced by ”
- Acts (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Acts 17:22: 17:22-31 Paul’s remarkable sermon in Athens reveals his versatility in preaching the Good News (Rom 11:14; 1 Cor 9:19-23; 10:33; cp. Acts 16:3; 17:2-3; 21:20-26). While Paul’s Greek audience did not know the Scriptures or have a tradition of monotheism as the Jews did, they did have a rich intellectual heritage. So Paul established a point of contact on the basis of an Athenian inscription to an Unknown God. He then explained God’s nature as the Creator (17:22-29), followed by God’s purpose as the Redeemer (17:30-31). • As he did elsewhere in his own writings (see ”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 78:5: 78:5-6 The telling of the story should motivate God’s people to obey what he commanded (Deut 6:4-9).”