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Using Biblical Examples to Teach God's Character Effectively

The character of God is a central theme in biblical teaching, and the Bible frequently employs examples, particularly the life of Jesus Christ, to illustrate divine attributes and guide believers [2, 5]. This method of instruction is evident throughout scripture, presenting both positive and negative examples to convey theological truths effectively.

One primary way the Bible teaches God's character is by presenting Jesus Christ as the ultimate example of divine attributes lived out in human form. Jesus's life and ministry serve as a standard for believers to emulate, reflecting God's nature [2]. For instance, Christ is presented as an example of sincerity (1 Peter 2:22) [1], holiness (Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 2:21-22) [2], holy boldness (John 7:26) [3], diligence (Mark 1:35; Luke 2:49) [4], humility (Matthew 11:29; John 13:14-15; Philippians 2:5-8) [5], and communion with God (Luke 19:41-42) [6]. These examples are not merely historical accounts but are intended to shape the conduct and character of those who follow Christ [2]. The author of Hebrews, for example, compares Jesus to Moses, highlighting Jesus as the supreme example of faithfulness for believers to focus on for perseverance [17].

The concept of imitation is crucial to understanding how biblical examples teach God's character. Believers are exhorted to "be followers of God, or imitators of him" (Ephesians 5:1) [15]. This imitation extends to various aspects of Christian life. For instance, the sincerity Christ demonstrated is a characteristic ministers should exhibit (Titus 2:7) [1]. This sincerity should also characterize believers' love for God and Christ, their service to God, their faith, their love for one another, and their overall conduct [1]. Similarly, the holiness commanded of believers (Leviticus 11:45; Ephesians 5:8) is measured against the character of God (Leviticus 19:2; 1 Peter 1:15-16) and Christ (Romans 8:29; 1 John 2:6) [2].

Beyond Christ, the Bible offers numerous examples of individuals whose lives, both in their successes and failures, illustrate aspects of God's character and His expectations for humanity. The "cloud of witnesses" in Hebrews 11 provides a series of examples of faith, demonstrating how individuals throughout history have trusted God [16]. These narratives serve as powerful teaching tools, showing the practical outworking of faith in diverse circumstances.

The Bible also uses examples to teach about sin and its consequences, thereby highlighting God's justice and righteousness. The universal sinfulness of humanity is a foundational concept, with both Gentiles and Jews being "equally under sin’s power" [13]. The first sin of Adam and Eve, for instance, is described not merely as eating an apple but as a profound act of "love of self, dishonor to God, ingratitude to a benefactor, disobedience to the best of Masters—a preference of the creature to the Creator" [11]. This example illustrates the gravity of sin and its impact on the relationship between humanity and God. Deliberate sins are characterized by an "insolent or arrogant attitude" and are seen as rebellion against God [12]. God's anger is not an arbitrary emotional outburst but a "holy God’s necessary response to sin" [13].

The concept of sin is further elaborated through examples that distinguish between different forms of transgression. While all humans are born with a sinful nature (Psalm 51:5), the wicked "indulge their sinful nature," whereas the godly "fight against it" [9]. The one who "commits sin is of the devil," not by birth, but by imitation [10]. To claim "we have not sinned" is to make God a liar, denying the commission of actual sins, even after conversion [14]. These examples clarify the nature of sin and underscore the need for God's redemptive work.

The Bible also uses examples to teach about God's redemptive plan and His desire for humanity's restoration. The call to holiness, for instance, is not merely a command but is rooted in God's election and calling of His people (Romans 8:29; Ephesians 1:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:7) [2]. Believers are "new created in" holiness (Ephesians 4:24) [2], demonstrating God's transformative power. The gospel itself is presented as "the way of holiness" (Isaiah 35:8) [2].

Furthermore, biblical examples illustrate God's compassion and His care for the vulnerable. Believers are exhorted to show compassion and communion with the afflicted, the chastened, enemies, the poor, the weak, and other saints [6]. These actions reflect God's own character, as seen in His compassion (Matthew 13:27, 33) [6]. The promise of God's blessing to those who show such compassion (Proverbs 19:17; Matthew 10:42) reinforces the idea that imitating God's character leads to positive outcomes [6].

The effectiveness of biblical examples in teaching God's character lies in their ability to make abstract theological concepts concrete and relatable. By observing the lives of biblical figures, readers can grasp the implications of divine attributes for their own lives. Josephus, for instance, noted that those who would "give laws to others" should first "consider the Divine nature" and "imitate the best of all patterns" [8]. This imitation is not merely outward conformity but an inward transformation that aligns with God's revealed character. The apostles, such as Paul, boldly proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about Jesus Christ, providing a living example of faithfulness and courage in their ministry (Acts 28:31) [7]. This approach to teaching God's character through concrete examples remains a powerful and enduring method of biblical instruction.

Sources

  1. 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; ”
  2. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Holiness — Commanded -- Le 11:45; 20:7; Eph 5:8; Col 3:12; Ro 12:1. Christ Desires for his people. -- Joh 17:17. Effects, in his people. -- Eph 5:25-27. An example of. -- Heb 7:26; 1Pe 2:21,22. The character of God, the standard of -- Le 19:2; 1Pe 1:15,16; Eph 5:1. The character of Christ, the standard of -- Ro 8:29; 1Jo 2:6; Php 2:5. The gospel the way of -- Isa 35:8. Necessary to God's worship -- Ps 24:3,4. None shall see God without -- Eph 5:5; Heb 12:14. Saints Elected to. -- Ro 8:29; Eph 1:4. Called to. -- 1Th 4:7; 2Ti 1:9. New created in. -- Eph 4:24. Possess. ”
  3. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Boldness, Holy — Christ set an example of -- Joh 7:26. Is through faith in Christ -- Eph 3:12; Heb 10:19. A characteristic of saints -- Pr 28:1. Produced by Trust in God. -- Isa 50:7. The fear of God. -- Ac 4:19; 5:29. Faithfulness to God. -- 1Ti 3:13. Express your trust in God with -- Heb 13:6. Have, in prayer -- Eph 3:12; Heb 4:16. Saints shall have, in judgment -- 1Jo 4:17. Exhortations to -- Jos 1:7; 2Ch 19:11; Jer 1:8; Eze 3:9. Pray for -- Ac 4:29; Eph 6:19,20. Ministers should exhibit, in Faithfulness to their people. -- 2Co 7:4; 10:1. Preaching. -- Ac 4:31; Ph”
  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: 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, ”
  6. 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”
  7. Acts “Acts 28:31 (BSB) — Boldly and freely he proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.”
  8. Project Gutenberg “Flavius Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, CHAPTER 11, section 4: life well, and give laws to others, in the first place should consider the Divine nature; and, upon the contemplation of God's operations, should thereby imitate the best of all patterns, so far as it is possible for human nature to do, and to endeavor to follow after it: neither could the legislator himself have a right mind without such a contemplation; nor would any thing he should write tend to the promotion of virtue in his readers; I mean, unless they be taught first of all, that God is the Father and Lord of all things, a”
  9. 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).”
  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. Ephesians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Ephesians 5:1: Here we have the exhortation to mutual love, or to Christian charity. The apostle had been insisting on this in the former chapter, and particularly in the last verses of it, to which the particle therefore refers, and connects what he had said there with what is contained in these verses, thus: "Because God, for Christ's sake, has forgiven you, therefore be you followers of God, or imitators of him;" for so the word signifies. Pious persons should imitate the God whom they worship, as far as he has revealed himself as imitable by them. They must conform themsel”
  16. Hebrews (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Hebrews 11:4: The apostle, having given us a more general account of the grace of faith, now proceeds to set before us some illustrious examples of it in the Old Testament times, and these may be divided into two classes: - 1. Those whose names are mentioned, and the particular exercise and actings of whose faith are specified. 2. Those whose names are barely mentioned, and an account given in general of the exploits of their faith, which it is left to the reader to accommodate, and apply to the particular persons from what he gathers up in the sacred story. We have here those”
  17. Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 3:1: 3:1-6 The author compares Jesus to Moses, setting Jesus forward as the supreme example of faithfulness. The great status of Moses, a revered figure in Judaism, is used to show the incomparable greatness of Jesus. 3:1 dear brothers and sisters who belong to God: Literally holy brothers. Speakers and writers of the ancient world often addressed religious gatherings as “brothers” (Greek adelphoi), referring to both men and women. • think carefully about this Jesus: Focusing on Jesus is a primary means of persevering in the faith (2:9; 12:1-2). • God’s messenger (lite”
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