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Using Biblical Examples to Illustrate Points in Teaching

Biblical examples serve as a fundamental pedagogical tool throughout Scripture, illustrating complex theological truths, ethical principles, and practical guidance through concrete narratives and lives. The use of examples is not merely a human teaching strategy but is embedded within the divine revelation itself, with Christ, prophets, and apostles frequently employing them [6].

One primary way the Bible uses examples is through the lives of individuals, both as positive models to emulate and as cautionary tales. For instance, Christ himself is presented as the ultimate example for believers in various aspects of life. His meekness is highlighted in passages like Psalm 45:4, Isaiah 53:7, Matthew 11:29, and 1 Peter 2:21-23, where his suffering without retaliation serves as a pattern for his followers [3]. Similarly, Christ's diligence is exemplified by his early rising for prayer and his commitment to his divine mission (Mark 1:35, Luke 2:49) [5]. His communion with God, demonstrated in moments of prayer and solitude, also stands as an example for believers (Luke 19:41-42) [4]. The Apostle Peter explicitly states that Christ left an "example" for believers to follow in his steps (1 Peter 2:21) [6].

Beyond Christ, other biblical figures are presented as examples. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joshua, Gideon, Samuel, and David are all cited for their practice of early rising, illustrating spiritual diligence and readiness to execute God's commands and daily duties [2]. Conversely, the Bible also provides examples of negative conduct to warn against certain behaviors. The Jews, for instance, are presented as a warning in Hebrews 4:11, cautioning against unbelief and disobedience [6].

The concept of "parable" itself, derived from the Greek parabole, signifies "placing beside or together," a comparison, similitude, or illustration of one subject by another [1]. Parables are a specific form of biblical example, often short narratives designed to convey a moral or spiritual lesson. In the New Testament, this term had a wide application, encompassing proverbs, dark prophetic utterances, enigmatic maxims, and expanded metaphors [1]. Jesus frequently taught in parables, and Psalm 78:2 is quoted in Matthew 13:35 to explain why he did so, indicating that parables were used to teach wisdom and insight by recounting Israel's story [15].

Biblical teachings often use examples to clarify abstract concepts. For instance, the nature of sin is frequently illustrated through concrete examples. The sin of the first pair, Adam and Eve, is described not merely as eating an apple but as a profound act of self-love, dishonor to God, ingratitude, and disobedience, preferring the creature to the Creator [11]. This initial act sets a precedent for understanding sin as rebellion and insolence against God [12]. The universality of sin is a foundational concept, with passages like Psalm 51:5 indicating that all human beings are born sinners [8]. The wicked indulge this sinful nature, while the godly strive against it [8]. The Apostle John clarifies that "he that committeth sin is of the devil," contrasting this with those who do righteousness [10]. Augustine, as cited in the Jamieson, Fausset & Brown commentary, explains that while the devil does not "beget" children, those who imitate him become his children through corruption, not birth [10]. To claim "we have not sinned" is to make God a liar, implying a denial of actual sins committed, even after conversion [14]. Paul, in Romans 1:18-3:20, systematically demonstrates universal sinfulness, showing that both Gentiles and Jews are under sin's power and cannot earn God's favor through their own actions [13]. God's anger, in this context, is not an arbitrary emotional outburst but a necessary, holy response to sin [13].

The Bible also uses examples to illustrate the nature of God and His relationship with humanity. The imagery of Christ's enemies being a "footstool under his feet" (Hebrews 1:13) is a powerful example of absolute subjugation, drawing on ancient Near Eastern practices where victorious kings would place their foot on the neck of a defeated foe [17]. This illustrates Christ's ultimate triumph and dominion.

Furthermore, biblical examples are crucial for teaching practical Christian living. The concept of diligence, for instance, is not only exemplified by Christ but also explicitly required by God in seeking Him, obeying Him, hearkening to Him, striving for perfection, cultivating Christian graces, guarding the soul and heart, engaging in labors of love, and making one's calling sure [5]. Ministers are also called to be examples to their flocks (Philippians 3:17, 2 Thessalonians 3:9, 1 Timothy 4:12, 1 Peter 5:3) [6]. Paul himself provided an example by working for his own food, demonstrating the value of teaching by example in the ancient world [16].

The wisdom literature, particularly Proverbs, frequently employs examples and comparisons to convey moral instruction. Proverbs 30:8, for instance, uses "vanity" to encompass all sorts of sinful acts, providing a broad category for understanding moral failings [9]. The Psalms also contain numerous examples, such as Psalm 90:12, which prays, "Teach us so to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom" [7]. This verse exemplifies the desire for practical wisdom derived from an understanding of life's brevity.

Sources

  1. 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”
  2. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Early Rising — Christ set an example of -- Mr 1:35; Lu 21:38; Joh 8:2. Requisite for Devotion. -- Ps 5:3; 59:16; 63:1; 88:13; Isa 26:9. Executing God's commands. -- Ge 22:3. Discharge of daily duties. -- Pr 31:15. Neglect of, leads to poverty -- Pr 6:9-11. Practised by the wicked, for Deceit. -- Pr 27:14. Executing plans of evil. -- Mic 2:1. Illustrates spiritual diligence -- Ro 13:11,12. Exemplified Abraham. -- Ge 19:27. Isaac, &c. -- Ge 26:31. Jacob. -- Ge 28:18. Joshua &c. -- Jos 3:1. Gideon. -- Jdj 6:38. Samuel. -- 1Sa 15:12. David. -- 1Sa 17:20. Mary, &c. -- Mr ”
  3. 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”
  4. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Communion With God — Christ set an example of -- Lu 19:41,42. Exhortation to -- Ro 12:15; 1Pe 3:8. Exercise towards The afflicted. -- Job 6:14; Heb 13:3. The chastened. -- Isa 22:4; Jer 9:1. Enemies. -- Ps 35:13. The poor. -- Pr 19:17. The weak. -- 2Co 11:29; Ga 6:2. Saints. -- 1Co 12:25,26. Inseparable from love to God -- 1Jo 3:17; Joh 4:20. Motives to The compassion of God. -- Mt 13:27,33. The sense of our infirmities. -- Heb 5:2. The wicked made to feel, for saints -- Ps 106:46. Promise to those who show -- Pr 19:17; Mt 10:42. Illustrated -- Lu 10:33; 15:20. Exemp”
  5. 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:”
  6. Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Example — Of Christ (1 Pet. 2:21; John 13:15); of pastors to their flocks (Phil. 3:17; 2 Thess. 3:9; 1 Tim. 4:12; 1 Pet. 5:3); of the Jews as a warning (Heb. 4:11); of the prophets as suffering affliction (James 5:10).”
  7. Psalms “Psalms 90:12 (Geneva1599) — Teach vs so to nomber our dayes, that we may apply our heartes vnto wisdome.”
  8. Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 58:3: 58:3 All human beings are born sinners (see 51:5); however, whereas the wicked indulge their sinful nature, the godly fight against it (Rom 7:19-23; Jas 4:1-10).”
  9. Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 30:8: vanity--all sorts of sinful acts (Job 11:11; Isa 5:18).”
  10. 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”
  11. Genesis (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Genesis 3:13: beguiled--cajoled by flattering lies. This sin of the first pair was heinous and aggravated--it was not simply eating an apple, but a love of self, dishonor to God, ingratitude to a benefactor, disobedience to the best of Masters--a preference of the creature to the Creator.”
  12. Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 19:13: 19:13 An individual who commits deliberate sins does so with an insolent (86:14) or arrogant (119:21, 69) attitude. • The great sin is rebellion (see 32:1).”
  13. Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 1:18: 1:18–3:20 Paul delays exploring the theme of righteousness through faith (see 3:21) until after he first teaches about universal sinfulness. Gentiles (1:18-32) and Jews (2:1–3:8) are equally under sin’s power and cannot find favor with God by any action of their own (3:9-20). 1:18 God’s anger is not a spontaneous emotional outburst, but the holy God’s necessary response to sin. The Old Testament often depicts God’s anger (Exod 32:10-12; Num 11:1; Jer 21:3-7) and predicts a decisive outpouring of God’s wrath on human sin at the end of history. While Paul usually de”
  14. 1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 1:10: Parallel to Jo1 1:8. we have not sinned--referring to the commission of actual sins, even after regeneration and conversion; whereas in Jo1 1:8, "we have no sin," refers to the present GUILT remaining (until cleansed) from the actual sins committed, and to the SIN of our corrupt old nature still adhering to us. The perfect "have . . . sinned" brings down the commission of sins to the present time, not merely sins committed before, but since, conversion. we make him a liar--a gradation; Jo1 1:6, "we lie"; Jo1 1:8, "we deceive ourselves"; worst of al”
  15. Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 78:2: 78:2 The psalmist recites Israel’s story (78:5-72) in a parable in order to teach wisdom and insight. • Jesus quoted this verse to explain why he taught in parables (Matt 13:35).”
  16. 2 Thessalonians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Thessalonians 3:7: 3:7 Teaching by example was highly regarded in the ancient world. Paul himself provided an example by working for his own food (3:8; 1 Thes 2:9).”
  17. Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 1:13: 1:13 In climactic fashion, the author ends his string of Old Testament quotations (see study note on 1:5-14) by quoting from Ps 110:1 in celebration of Christ’s exaltation (see also study notes on Luke 20:42-43; 22:69; 1 Cor 15:25; Eph 1:19-22). • The image of the Son’s enemies as a footstool under his feet represents their absolute subjugation (see Heb 2:8). In the ancient world, a victorious king would place his foot on the neck or back of an enemy as a symbolic act of domination.”
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