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Subjecting Cultural Examples to God's Teaching in Scripture

The Christian faith asserts that all cultural examples and human thoughts must be brought into submission to God's teaching as revealed in Scripture [6, 7]. This principle is rooted in the belief that the Bible is divinely inspired, "God-breathed," and therefore authoritative for all aspects of life [1, 11, 12].

The concept of subjecting cultural examples to God's teaching begins with the understanding of Scripture itself. The Bible is referred to as "the Word," "Word of God," "Word of Christ," and "Word of truth" [1]. It is considered "Holy Scriptures" and the "Scripture of truth" [1]. The apostle Paul emphasizes that "All scripture" (or "Every Scripture" in its every part) is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness [1, 11]. This divine origin means that God is fully responsible for the content of Scripture, even while acknowledging the active involvement of human authors [12]. The Old Testament Scriptures, in particular, provided Timothy with the wisdom necessary to receive Christ Jesus, and conversely, Christ is essential for a full understanding of the Old Testament [13].

The call to subject all thoughts and cultural expressions to Christ's obedience is articulated in 2 Corinthians 10:5, which speaks of "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" [6, 7]. This verse highlights a spiritual battle against ideas and cultural norms that oppose divine truth. The "imaginations" (or "reasonings" in some translations) and "every high thing" represent human constructs, philosophies, and cultural practices that elevate themselves above the knowledge of God [6, 7]. The goal is to bring these into "captivity" to Christ's obedience, implying a transformation and alignment with biblical principles.

This principle extends to various aspects of Christian life and conduct. For instance, the concept of "meekness" is presented as a fruit of the Spirit and a quality that saints should seek and put on [2]. Christ himself set an example of meekness, and his teaching encouraged it [2]. Receiving the word of God with meekness is also enjoined [2]. Similarly, "self-denial" is presented as a test of devotion to Christ and necessary for following him, particularly in denying ungodliness and worldly lusts [3]. Christ's own life exemplified self-denial [3]. These virtues, rooted in biblical teaching and exemplified by Christ, stand as counter-cultural ideals in many contexts.

Diligence is another quality required by God, encompassing seeking Him, obeying Him, striving for perfection, cultivating Christian graces, and guarding against defilement [4]. Christ is presented as an example of diligence [4]. Hospitality, commanded in Scripture, is a test of Christian character and should be shown to strangers, the poor, and even enemies [5]. These are not merely suggestions but divine commands that shape Christian engagement with the world.

The early church demonstrated this commitment to biblical authority. The practice of public reading of Scripture, transferred from the Jewish synagogue to the Christian Church, indicates the central role of God's Word in shaping community life and thought [8]. As New Testament Gospels and Epistles were recognized as inspired, they were read alongside the Old Testament [8]. This consistent engagement with Scripture provided the framework for evaluating and transforming cultural practices.

The transformation of individuals and communities through the Gospel is seen as a glorification of God. When Gentile churches demonstrated liberality to the poor saints in Jerusalem, it was seen as a "professed subjection to the Gospel of Christ," leading them to glorify God [9]. This suggests that outward actions, influenced by cultural contexts, are to be expressions of an inward submission to Christ's teachings.

The idea of "putting on the Lord Jesus" signifies receiving and believing the Gospel, adopting its maxims for life, and having "the mind that was in Christ" [10]. This transformation involves a change in profession, company, and conduct, moving away from worldly patterns towards those aligned with Christ [10]. This spiritual clothing implies a comprehensive reorientation of one's entire being, including one's cultural expressions, to reflect Christ.

In essence, the Christian perspective holds that all human endeavors, including cultural examples, must be critically examined through the lens of Scripture. Any aspect that exalts itself against the knowledge of God must be challenged and brought into alignment with the truth revealed in Christ and his Word [6, 7]. This process is not merely intellectual but involves a deep spiritual commitment to obedience and transformation.

Sources

  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”
  2. 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”
  3. 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 ”
  4. 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:”
  5. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Hospitality — Commanded -- Ro 12:13; 1Pe 4:9. Required in ministers -- 1Ti 3:2; Tit 1:8. A test of Christian character -- 1Ti 5:10. Specially to be shown to Strangers. -- Heb 13:2. The poor. -- Isa 58:7; Lu 14:13. Enemies. -- 2Ki 6:22,23; Ro 12:20. Encouragement to -- Lu 14:14; Heb 13:2. Exemplified Melchizedek. -- Ge 14:18. Abraham. -- Ge 18:3-8. Lot. -- Ge 19:2,3. Laban. -- Ge 24:31. Jethro. -- Ex 2:20. Manoah. -- Jdj 13:15. Samuel. -- 1Sa 9:22. David. -- 2Sa 6:19. Barzillai. -- 2Sa 19:32. Shunammite. -- 2Ki 4:8. Nehemiah. -- Ne 5:17. Job. -- Job 31:17,32. Zacchaeu”
  6. II Corinthians “II Corinthians 10:5 (Geneva1599) — Casting downe the imaginations, and euery high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captiuitie euery thought to the obedience of Christ,”
  7. King James Version “[KJV] 2 Corinthians 10:5 — Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”
  8. 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”
  9. 2 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Corinthians 9:13: Whiles by the experiment of this ministration,.... That is, the poor saints at Jerusalem having a specimen, a proof, an experience of the liberality of the Gentile churches ministered to them by the apostles, first, they glorify God; by giving thanks unto him, acknowledging him to be the author of all the grace and goodness which they, and others, were partakers of; particularly for your professed subjection to the Gospel of Christ. The Gospel of Christ is the doctrine of grace, life, and salvation by Christ, of which he is the author, as God, the subject m”
  10. Romans (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Romans 13:14: Put ye on the Lord Jesus - This is in reference to what is said, Rom 13:13 : Let us put on decent garments - let us make a different profession, unite with other company, and maintain that profession by a suitable conduct. Putting on, or being clothed with Jesus Christ, signifies receiving and believing the Gospel; and consequently taking its maxims for the government of life, having the mind that was in Christ. The ancient Jews frequently use the phrase putting on the shechinah, or Divine majesty, to signify the soul's being clothed with immortality, and rendered ”
  11. 2 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Timothy 3:16: All scripture--Greek, "Every Scripture," that is, Scripture in its every part. However, English Version is sustained, though the Greek article be wanting, by the technical use of the term "Scripture" being so well known as not to need the article (compare Greek, Eph 3:15; Eph 2:21). The Greek is never used of writings in general, but only of the sacred Scriptures. The position of the two Greek adjectives closely united by "and," forbids our taking the one as an epithet, the other as predicated and translated as ALFORD and ELLICOTT. "Every Scripture ”
  12. 2 Timothy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Timothy 3:16: 3:16-17 These verses elaborate on 3:15 by explaining Scripture’s effectiveness, its source, and the ways that it gives wisdom to live out our salvation. Paul was speaking of the Hebrew Scriptures (the Old Testament), but his statement can now apply to all Scripture, including the New Testament (see, e.g., 2 Pet 3:15-16). 3:16 The fact that Scripture is inspired by God (literally God-breathed, breathed out by God’s own speech; see also Heb 4:12-13; 2 Pet 1:20-21) does not negate the active involvement of the human authors. But it does affirm that God is fully re”
  13. 2 Timothy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Timothy 3:14: 3:14-15 from childhood: Timothy’s Jewish grandmother and mother, Lois and Eunice (see Acts 16:1-3), provided his education in the Old Testament Scriptures (see 2 Tim 1:5), and their lives reinforced their teaching. • The Old Testament Scriptures give the wisdom to receive . . . Christ Jesus. In turn, Jesus Christ is needed to understand the Old Testament Scriptures fully.”
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