Using Scripture to Critique Human Examples Biblically

The Bible provides numerous examples and principles for evaluating human actions and character, often presenting both positive and negative models for instruction and warning ^[1]. This critical assessment is rooted in the understanding that Scripture is divinely inspired and serves as the ultimate authority for faith and life ^[4].

The Authority of Scripture The foundation for critiquing human examples biblically rests on the nature of Scripture itself. The Bible is described as "given by inspiration of God" (2 Timothy 3:16) and "given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 1:16; 2 Peter 1:21) ^[4]. Jesus himself sanctioned the Scriptures by appealing to them and teaching from them (Matthew 4:4; Mark 12:10; Luke 24:27) ^[4]. This divine origin means that the Bible is not merely a collection of human writings but the very "Word of God" (Luke 11:28; Hebrews 4:12) and the "Word of truth" (James 1:18) ^[4]. Therefore, when human examples are measured against biblical standards, they are being measured against God's own revealed will and character.

Biblical Examples for Instruction Scripture frequently presents individuals and groups as "examples" (Greek: parabole, meaning a comparison or similitude ^[2]) for believers to emulate or avoid.

Christ as the Ultimate Example: Jesus Christ is presented as the supreme example for believers (1 Peter 2:21; John 13:15) ^[1]. His life, teachings, and actions serve as the perfect standard against which all human conduct is to be evaluated. For instance, the Paschal Lamb, a male of the first year, without blemish, taken from the flock, and killed by the people, is understood as a type of Christ (Exodus 12:3; 1 Corinthians 5:7) ^[7]. This typological connection highlights Christ's sinless perfection and sacrificial role, providing a benchmark for understanding righteousness.
Leaders as Examples: Pastors and spiritual leaders are called to be examples to their flocks (Philippians 3:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:9; 1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Peter 5:3) ^[1]. Their lives and ministries are to reflect biblical principles, serving as tangible models for those they lead.
Faithful Individuals: The Bible also highlights individuals whose faith and obedience serve as positive examples. For instance, Hebrews 11 lists numerous figures who lived by faith, providing a "cloud of witnesses" (Hebrews 12:1) to encourage believers.

Biblical Examples as Warnings Just as there are positive examples, Scripture also provides negative examples, serving as warnings against disobedience and sin.

The Israelites as a Warning: The experiences of the Israelites, particularly their failures and consequences, are presented as a warning (Hebrews 4:11) ^[1]. Their history illustrates the dangers of unbelief and rebellion against God.
The Fall of Humanity: The account of the Fall in Genesis 2 and 3 is presented as a literal historical event that profoundly impacted humanity ^[3]. This narrative serves as a foundational example of humanity's revolt from God, resulting in sin and misery ^[3]. The sin of Adam and Eve was not merely eating an apple but involved self-love, dishonor to God, ingratitude, and disobedience ^[10]. This event underscores the inherent sinfulness of humanity, a concept further articulated by David's confession of being conceived in sin (Psalm 51:5) ^[16].
The Nature of Sin: The Bible consistently portrays sin as a fundamental problem. All human beings are born sinners, and while the godly fight against their sinful nature, the wicked indulge it (Psalm 58:3; Romans 7:19-23; James 4:1-10) ^[8]. Sin is not merely an action but a state of being, a "corrupt old nature" that adheres to individuals even after conversion ^[13]. Deliberate sins are often committed with an insolent or arrogant attitude, representing rebellion against God (Psalm 19:13; 32:1) ^[11]. Paul emphasizes the universal sinfulness of both Gentiles and Jews, stating that all are "under sin's power" and cannot earn God's favor through their own actions (Romans 1:18–3:20) ^[12]. God's anger is a necessary response to sin, not a spontaneous emotional outburst (Romans 1:18) ^[12].

Principles for Critique When critiquing human examples biblically, several principles emerge:

Universality of Sin: The Bible teaches that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). This means no human example, apart from Christ, is perfect. Even the most righteous individuals in Scripture exhibit flaws and commit sins. For instance, David, a man after God's own heart, confessed being conceived in sin (Psalm 51:5) ^[16]. This understanding prevents an overly idealistic or unrealistic expectation of human perfection.
Distinction Between Actions and Nature: The Bible distinguishes between committing sin and being "of the devil" (1 John 3:8). While believers may commit sins, their nature is not inherently of the devil, unlike those who continually practice sin ^[9]. Augustine, as cited by Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, notes that "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" ^[9]. This distinction is crucial for evaluating whether an individual's actions are an aberration or a reflection of their fundamental allegiance.
God's Sovereignty and Judgment: Ultimately, God is the judge of all humanity (Ecclesiastes 11:9; 12:14) ^[6]. While believers are called to discern and evaluate, the final judgment belongs to God. This perspective encourages humility and reliance on God's perfect justice.
The Role of Conscience: While Scripture is the primary guide, the human conscience also plays a role. Paul appeals to the Corinthians' "own powers of judgment" to weigh arguments, suggesting that individuals have a responsibility to judge for themselves ^[14]. However, this private judgment must be informed and guided by biblical truth.
The Spirit's Guidance: Believers are given the "spirit of wisdom and revelation" to know God more fully (Ephesians 1:17) ^[5]. This spiritual insight aids in understanding and applying biblical principles to human examples.
Christ's Sympathy: Even as we critique, we are reminded that Christ, our High Priest, sympathizes with our weaknesses and temptations, having been tempted in every way, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15) ^[15]. This provides a framework of grace and understanding, even when evaluating human failings.

The biblical framework for critiquing human examples is not about condemnation but about discernment, instruction, and growth in righteousness. It acknowledges the fallen nature of humanity while pointing to Christ as the perfect standard and the Holy Spirit as the guide in applying God's Word.

Sources

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).”
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”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Fall of man — An expression probably borrowed from the Apocryphal Book of Wisdom, to express the fact of the revolt of our first parents from God, and the consequent sin and misery in which they and all their posterity were involved. The history of the Fall is recorded in Gen. 2 and 3. That history is to be literally interpreted. It records facts which underlie the whole system of revealed truth. It is referred to by our Lord and his apostles not only as being true, but as furnishing the ground of all God's subsequent dispensations and dealings with the children of m”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Scriptures, The — Given by inspiration of God -- 2Ti 3:16. Given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit -- Ac 1:16; Heb 3:7; 2Pe 1:21. Christ sanctioned, by appealing to them -- Mt 4:4; Mr 12:10; Joh 7:42. Christ taught out of -- Lu 24:27. Are called the Word. -- Jas 1:21-23; 1Pe 2:2. Word of God. -- Lu 11:28; Heb 4:12. Word of Christ. -- Col 3:16. Word of truth. -- Jas 1:18. Holy Scriptures. -- Ro 1:2; 2Ti 3:15. Scripture of truth. -- Da 10:21. Book. -- Ps 40:7; Re 22:19. Book of the Lord. -- Isa 34:16. Book of the law. -- Ne 8:3; Ga 3:10. Law of the Lord. -- Ps 1:2; Isa”
Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Ephesians 1:17 cross-references: Genesis 41:38, 1 Chronicles 29:11, Psalms 24:7, Psalms 24:10, Psalms 29:3, Proverbs 2:5, Isaiah 11:2, Jeremiah 2:11, Jeremiah 9:24, Jeremiah 24:7, Jeremiah 31:34, Daniel 2:28, Daniel 5:11, Daniel 10:1, Matthew 6:13, Matthew 11:25, Matthew 11:27, Matthew 16:17, Matthew 20:33, Luke 2:14, Luke 12:12, Luke 21:15, John 8:54, John 14:17, John 14:26, John 16:3, John 17:3, John 17:25, John 20:17, Acts 6:10, Acts 7:2, Romans 1:28, Romans 15:6, 1 Corinthians 2:8, 1 Corinthians 2:10, 1 Corinthians 12:8, 1 Corinthians 14:6, 2 Corinthians 12:1, Ephesians 1:3, Ephesians 3:5,”
Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Ecclesiastes 11:9 cross-references: Genesis 3:6, Genesis 6:2, Numbers 15:30, Numbers 15:39, Numbers 22:32, Deuteronomy 29:19, Joshua 7:21, 2 Samuel 11:2, 1 Kings 18:12, 1 Kings 18:27, 1 Kings 22:15, Job 31:7, Psalms 50:4, Psalms 81:12, Ecclesiastes 2:10, Ecclesiastes 3:12, Ecclesiastes 3:17, Ecclesiastes 7:14, Ecclesiastes 12:1, Ecclesiastes 12:14, Jeremiah 7:24, Jeremiah 23:17, Jeremiah 44:16, Lamentations 3:27, Matthew 5:28, Luke 15:12, Acts 14:16, Acts 17:30, Acts 24:25, Romans 2:5, Romans 14:10, 1 Corinthians 4:5, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Ephesians 2:2, Hebrews 9:27, 1 Peter 4:3, 2 Peter 3:7, 1”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Paschal Lamb, Typical Nature Of — A type of Christ -- Ex 12:3; 1Co 5:7. A male of the first year -- Ex 12:5; Isa 9:6. Without blemish -- Ex 12:5; 1Pe 1:19. Taken out of the flock -- Ex 12:5; Heb 2:14,17. Chosen before-hand -- Ex 12:3; 1Pe 2:4. Shut up four days that it might be closely examined -- Ex 12:6; Joh 8:46; 18:38. Killed by the people -- Ex 12:6; Ac 2:23. Killed at the place where the Lord put his name -- De 16:2,5-7; 2Ch 35:1; Lu 13:33. Killed in the evening -- Ex 12:6; Mr 15:34,37. Its blood to be shed -- Ex 12:7; Lu 22:20. Blood of, sprinkled on lintel an”
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).”
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”
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”
1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 10:15: Appeal to their own powers of judgment to weigh the force of the argument that follows: namely, that as the partaking of the Lord's Supper involves a partaking of the Lord Himself, and the partaking of the Jewish sacrificial meats involved a partaking of the altar of God, and, as the heathens sacrifice to devils, to partake of an idol feast is to have fellowship with devils. We cannot divest ourselves of the responsibility of "judging" for ourselves. The weakness of private judgment is not an argument against its use, but its abuse. We should t”
Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 4:15: For--the motive to "holding our profession" (Heb 4:14), namely the sympathy and help we may expect from our High Priest. Though "great" (Heb 4:14), He is not above caring for us; nay, as being in all points one with us as to manhood, sin only excepted, He sympathizes with us in every temptation. Though exalted to the highest heavens, He has changed His place, not His nature and office in relation to us, His condition, but not His affection. Compare Mat 26:38, "watch with me": showing His desire in the days of His flesh for the sympathy of those whom H”
CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 1 (Gen 1-23), section 7.20: pronounced in the Scriptures. In the first place, Scripture clearly teaches us that we are born vicious and perverse. The cavil of Pelagius was frivolous, that sin proceeded from Adam by imitation. For David, while still enclosed in his mother’s womb, could not be an imitator of Adam, yet he confesses that he was conceived in sin, ( Psalm 51:5 .) A fuller proof of this matter, and a more ample definition of original sin, may be found in the Institutes; 171 171 Calvin’s Institutes, Book II, chap. 1, 2, 3. yet here, in a single word”

Ask Your Own Question