Using Examples Consistent with God's Character and Glory in Teaching

To ensure that our use of examples is consistent with the character and glory of God, we must carefully consider the source and content of those examples, recognizing that all truth and authority ultimately flow from Scripture. Paul writes in Romans 8:28 that "all things work together for good" for those who love God, indicating that even in the use of examples, God's sovereign hand is at work. This truth reminds us that our examples should reflect God's character, pointing to His wisdom, love, and righteousness, rather than undermining them.

By grounding our understanding in Scripture, we avoid the pitfall of elevating secondary sources to an unwarranted level of authority, recognizing that all human wisdom and insight are derivative and subject to error. This approach also helps us to discern between examples that glorify God and those that may inadvertently lead away from Him.

In maintaining this perspective, we demonstrate reverence for God's Word and a commitment to its sufficiency, acknowledging that while examples can be helpful, they must always be subordinate to the authority of Scripture. This mindset fosters a healthy dependence on God's revelation, guiding us to use examples in a manner that honors His name and promotes the gospel, rather than detracting from it.