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

Teaching that aligns with God's character and glory involves both verbal instruction and the consistent example of the teacher's life ^{[8, 15]}. The Bible emphasizes that God's character is marked by holiness, mercy, truth, faithfulness, and wondrous works, all of which are reasons to glorify Him ^[5]. His glory is also evident in the excellency of Christ, who is God, the Son of God, one with the Father, the Creator, and the image of God ^[4].

Central to understanding God's character is the concept of sin and His response to it. All human beings are born with a sinful nature ^[9], and sin is understood not merely as isolated acts but as a fundamental rebellion against God ^[12]. The first sin, committed by Adam and Eve, is described as a "heinous and aggravated" act of disobedience, a preference for the creature over the Creator ^[11]. Sin is also characterized as "vanity" or "all sorts of sinful acts" ^[10]. Paul teaches that both Gentiles and Jews are universally under the power of sin, unable to find favor with God through their own actions ^[13]. God's anger is not an arbitrary emotional outburst but a necessary, holy response to sin ^[13]. Even after conversion, believers still contend with the "sin of our corrupt old nature" and the commission of actual sins ^[14]. To deny having sinned is to make God a liar ^[14].

Given this understanding of God's character and humanity's sinful condition, teaching must consistently reflect God's nature and His redemptive plan. The example of Christ is paramount in this regard. Jesus is presented as the perfect example ^[3], embodying diligence ^[1], humility ^[2], love, meekness ^[6], obedience, self-denial, and service to others ^[3]. He glorified God through His life ^[5] and taught with integrity and seriousness ^[8].

The Example of Christ in Teaching

The New Testament explicitly calls believers to imitate Christ. Paul instructs Titus to be "an example of good works" in his teaching, demonstrating "integrity, seriousness, incorruptibility" ^[8]. This aligns with the broader biblical principle that teachers, and indeed all believers, should "be followers of God, or imitators of him" ^[16]. This imitation extends to various virtues:

Humility: Christ's humility is highlighted as an example for believers, who are called to be humble in service to God ^[2]. He taught, "Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart" (Matthew 11:29). Humility is necessary for God's service, and those who are humble are regarded, heard, and lifted up by God ^[2].
Meekness: Christ set an example of meekness, as seen in passages like Isaiah 53:7 and Matthew 11:29 ^[6]. Meekness is a fruit of the Spirit, and saints are encouraged to seek it, put it on, and receive the word of God with it ^[6]. Ministers, in particular, should follow after meekness and instruct opponents with it ^[6].
Diligence: Christ demonstrated diligence, rising early to pray (Mark 1:35) and being about His Father's business (Luke 2:49) ^[1]. Believers are required to be diligent in seeking God, obeying Him, striving for perfection, cultivating Christian graces, and performing "labours of love" ^[1].
Love and Self-Denial: Christ's love is the ultimate example, as He laid down His life for others ^[3]. Believers are called to love one another as Christ loved them (John 13:34) and to practice self-denial, taking up their cross and following Him (Matthew 16:24) ^[3].
Righteousness and Purity: Conformity to Christ's example is required in holiness, righteousness, and purity ^[3]. John writes that "He who does righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous" (1 John 3:7).

The importance of the teacher's example is underscored by the observation that "teaching by example was highly regarded in the ancient world" ^[15]. Paul himself provided an example by working to support himself, rather than being a burden to others ^[15].

Avoiding Misrepresentations of God's Character

When teaching, it is crucial to avoid examples or methods that misrepresent God's character or diminish His glory. This means:

Not comparing oneself to others: Adam Clarke, commenting on Galatians 6:4, argues that a Christian's only rule is the word of Christ, and the only pattern for imitation is Christ's example. Comparing oneself to others, who may be weaker or less instructed, is not the standard ^[19]. The focus should be on resembling the Lord and Master ^[19].
Acknowledging universal sinfulness: Any teaching that downplays the reality of universal sinfulness or suggests that humans can earn God's favor through their own actions would contradict the biblical narrative ^[13]. While the wicked indulge their sinful nature, the godly fight against it ^[9].
Emphasizing God's sovereignty in teaching: While human teachers are vital, the ultimate teacher is God Himself. Job 36:22 asks, "Behold, God exalteth by his power: who teacheth like him?" ^[7]. John Chrysostom, an early Church Father, acknowledged that even if a human teacher is not virtuous, believers still have God as their ultimate instructor, citing Isaiah 54:13 and Jeremiah 31:34: "They shall be all taught of God" ^[18]. This does not negate the need for virtuous human teachers but places the ultimate reliance on divine instruction.
Focusing on God's glory as the ultimate end: The purpose of all things, including teaching, is to glorify God ^[5]. This is accomplished by relying on His promises, praising Him, and doing all things to His glory ^[5]. The psalmist marvels at God's glory and greatness, particularly as demonstrated in His goodness to humanity ^[17].

Sources

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:”
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: Example of Christ, The — Is perfect -- Heb 7:26. Conformity to, required in Holiness. -- 1Pe 1:15,16; Ro 1:6. Righteousness. -- 1Jo 2:6. Purity. -- 1Jo 3:3. Love. -- Joh 13:34; Eph 5:2; 1Jo 3:16. Humility. -- Lu 22:27; Php 2:5,7. Meekness. -- Mt 11:29. Obedience. -- Joh 15:10. Self-denial. -- Mt 16:24; Ro 15:3. Ministering to others. -- Mt 20:28; Joh 13:14,15. Benevolence. -- Ac 20:35; 2Co 8:7,9. Forgiving injuries. -- Col 3:13. Overcoming the world. -- Joh 16:33; 1Jo 5:4. Being not of the world. -- Joh 17:16. Being guileless. -- 1Pe 2:21-22. Suffering wrongfully. --”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Excellency and Glory of Christ, The — As God -- Joh 1:1-5; Php 2:6,9,10. As the Son of God -- Mt 3:17; Heb 1:6,8. As one with the Father -- Joh 10:30,38. As the First-born -- Col 1:15,18. As the First-begotten -- Heb 1:6. As Lord of lords, &c -- Re 17:14. As the image of God -- Col 1:15; Heb 1:3. As creator -- Joh 1:3; Col 1:16; Heb 1:2. As the Blessed of God -- Ps 45:2. As Mediator -- 1Ti 2:5; Heb 8:6. As Prophet -- De 18:15,16; Ac 3:22. As Priest -- Ps 110:4; Heb 4:15. As King -- Isa 6:1-5; Joh 12:41. As Judge -- Mt 16:27; 25:31,33. As Shepherd -- Isa 40:10,11; Joh”
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 ”
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”
Job “Job 36:22 (Webster) — Behold, God exalteth by his power: who teacheth like him?”
Titus “in all things showing yourself an example of good works; in your teaching showing integrity, seriousness, incorruptibility, -- Titus 2:7”
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).”
Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 30:8: vanity--all sorts of sinful acts (Job 11:11; Isa 5:18).”
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.”
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).”
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”
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”
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).”
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”
Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 8 (introduction): This psalm is a solemn meditation on, and admiration of, the glory and greatness of God, of which we are all concerned to think highly and honourably. It begins and ends with the same acknowledgment of the transcendent excellency of God's name. It is proposed for proof (Psa 8:1) that God's name is excellent in all the earth, and then it is repeated as proved (with a "quod erat demonstrandum" - which was to be demonstrated) in the last verse. For the proof of God's glory the psalmist gives instances of his goodness to man; for God's goodness is his glor”
CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Galatians–Colossians–Thessalonians: not practice them. But if he sees his virtue fully carried out in action, he will no longer be able to speak thus. Yet although the life of our teacher be careless, let us take heed to ourselves, and let us listen to the words of the prophet; “They shall be all taught of God.” ( Isa. liv. 13 .) “And they shall teach no more every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord, for they shall all know me from the least of them to the greatest of them.” ( Jer. xxxi. 34 .) Hast thou a teacher who is not virtuous? Still thou hast Him who is ”
Galatians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Galatians 6:4: Prove his own work - Let him examine himself and his conduct by the words and example of Christ; and if he find that they bear this touchstone, then he shall have rejoicing in himself alone, feeling that he resembles his Lord and Master, and not in another - not derive his consolation from comparing himself with another who may be weaker, or less instructed than himself. The only rule for a Christian is the word of Christ; the only pattern for his imitation is the example of Christ. He should not compare himself with others; they are not his standard. Christ hath ”

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