Using Relatable Examples to Explain Theological Concepts
Using Relatable Examples to Explain Theological Concepts
The use of relatable examples is a key method in explaining complex theological concepts. Jesus frequently employed parables to convey spiritual truths, making them accessible to a wide audience [1]. A parable is essentially a comparison or similitude that illustrates one subject by another, allowing listeners to grasp abstract ideas through familiar scenarios.
In the New Testament, parables were used to teach various aspects of God's kingdom and the nature of spiritual life. For instance, the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-9) addresses the responses of the Jewish nation to Jesus' message, with the explanation provided in Matthew 13:18-23 [7]. This method of teaching enabled Jesus to convey complex theological ideas in a simple, understandable manner.
Theological concepts such as self-denial, liberality, and communion with God are also illustrated through examples in the Bible. Christ's example of self-denial is highlighted in passages like Matthew 4:8-10 and Philippians 2:6-8, demonstrating the importance of putting aside personal interests for the sake of following Him [2]. Similarly, the concept of liberality is exemplified through Christ's actions and teachings, emphasizing the value of generosity towards others, including the poor and enemies [3].
The use of examples is not limited to the teachings of Jesus. The writers of the Epistles also employed relatable illustrations to explain theological concepts. For example, the Apostle Paul uses the analogy of marriage to explain the relationship between the law and believers, illustrating how death can release one from obligation to the law, allowing for a new relationship with Christ [6].
Theological concepts are further clarified through the examination of biblical characters and their experiences. The Psalms, for instance, provide insights into the nature of sin and righteousness, with Psalm 58:3 noting that all humans are born sinners, but the godly fight against their sinful nature [5]. The example of Christ is also central to understanding various theological concepts, including holiness, righteousness, and love [4].
By using relatable examples, biblical writers and Jesus Himself made complex theological concepts more accessible to their audiences. This approach continues to be relevant today, enabling the effective communication of theological ideas to a broad range of people. The examples provided in the Bible serve as a foundation for understanding and applying theological concepts in everyday life.
Sources
- 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”
- 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 ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Liberality — Pleasing to God -- 2Co 9:7; Heb 13:16. God never forgets -- Heb 6:10. Christ set an example of -- 2Co 8:9. Characteristic of saints -- Ps 112:9; Isa 32:8. Unprofitable, without love -- 1Co 13:3. Should be exercised In the service of God. -- Ex 35:21-29. Toward saints. -- Ro 12:13; Ga 6:10. Toward servants. -- De 15:12-14. Toward the poor. -- De 15:11; Isa 58:7. Toward strangers. -- Le 25:35. Toward enemies. -- Pr 25:21. Toward all men. -- Ga 6:10. In leading to those in want. -- Mt 5:42. In giving alms. -- Lu 12:33. In relieving the destitute. -- Isa 58:”
- 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. --”
- 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).”
- Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 7:2: 7:2-3 These verses are not an allegory, in which every element of the story has a theological counterpart. Paul simply cites an illustration to make two basic points: Death can release a person from obligation to the law, and freedom from one relationship can allow a person to establish a new one. Paul applies the illustration in 7:4.”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 13:3: 13:3-9 This parable (interpreted in 13:18-23) addresses the mostly negative responses of the Jewish nation to Jesus and his message. • Parables (Greek parabolē) are stories that usually express an analogy between a common aspect of life and a spiritual truth. To understand a parable, it is necessary to locate the central analogy and understand it in its historical context and in the context of the Gospel text; then the central message can be understood. Speculative allegorical meanings that were not intended should not be found in every element of a parable.”