Using Simple, Concrete Examples in Biblical Teaching

Biblical teaching frequently employs simple, concrete examples to convey complex spiritual truths, a method evident throughout both the Old and New Testaments. This approach is particularly effective for instructing those described as "simple" or those who are new to spiritual concepts ^{[7, 8]}. The Greek word parabole, from which "parable" is derived, signifies "placing beside or together," indicating a comparison or illustration of one subject by another ^[2]. This highlights the illustrative nature of such teaching methods.

The use of concrete examples is not merely a pedagogical technique but is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative and the teaching ministry of Jesus. For instance, Jesus frequently taught through parables, which are expanded metaphors or similes drawn from everyday life ^[2]. These narratives, such as the Parable of the Sower or the Prodigal Son, allowed listeners to grasp profound spiritual realities through relatable scenarios. The Apostle Paul also recognized the need to present foundational truths before moving to more complex doctrines, likening basic instruction to "milk" for those who are not yet ready for "solid food" ^{[10, 19]}. This "milk" includes elementary teachings about Christ, such as repentance from dead works and faith toward God ^{[9, 20]}.

The Bible itself provides numerous examples of individuals whose lives serve as concrete illustrations of various virtues and spiritual principles. These examples function as models for believers to emulate or as warnings against certain behaviors.

Examples of Virtues and Principles:

Sincerity: Christ is presented as the ultimate example of sincerity, as seen in 1 Peter 2:22. Ministers are encouraged to follow this example (Titus 2:7), and sincerity should characterize various aspects of a believer's life, including love for God and others, service, faith, and overall conduct ^[3]. The preaching of the gospel itself should be marked by sincerity ^[3].
Liberality: The concept of generosity, or liberality, is shown to be pleasing to God and is exemplified by Christ in 2 Corinthians 8:9. Saints are characterized by liberality (Psalm 112:9), which should be exercised in service to God, toward other saints, servants, the poor, strangers, and even enemies ^[5]. This includes giving alms and relieving the destitute ^[5].
Meekness: Christ's life provides a powerful example of meekness (Psalm 45:4; Matthew 11:29; 1 Peter 2:21-23). Believers are called to seek meekness, put it on as a virtue, receive God's word with it, and exhibit it in their conduct ^[6]. Ministers are also instructed to pursue meekness and use it when instructing those who oppose them ^[6].
Communion with God: Christ's own life demonstrated communion with God, as seen in Luke 19:41-42. Believers are exhorted to practice communion, particularly towards the afflicted, the chastened, enemies, the poor, the weak, and other saints ^[4]. This communion is inseparable from love for God ^[4].
Early Rising: While seemingly mundane, early rising is presented as a practical example of diligence and devotion. Christ himself set an example by rising early (Mark 1:35). It is linked to devotion (Psalm 5:3), executing God's commands (Genesis 22:3), and discharging daily duties (Proverbs 31:15). Conversely, neglecting it can lead to poverty (Proverbs 6:9-11) ^[1]. Biblical figures like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joshua, Gideon, Samuel, David, and Mary are also noted for their early rising ^[1].

These examples from biblical figures serve as concrete illustrations of abstract virtues. For instance, Matthew Henry, in his commentary on Hebrews 11, notes that the chapter provides "illustrious examples" of faith from Old Testament times, detailing specific acts of faith or simply mentioning names whose lives exemplify faith ^[18].

The Nature of Sin as a Concrete Example:

The Bible also uses concrete examples to illustrate the nature and consequences of sin. Sin is not merely an abstract concept but is demonstrated through specific actions and their outcomes.

Original Sin: The sin of the first pair, Adam and Eve, is presented as a foundational example of disobedience. It was not simply eating a fruit but involved "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" ^[14]. This concrete act illustrates the multifaceted nature of sin.
Universal Sinfulness: Paul's argument in Romans 1:18–3:20 systematically demonstrates universal sinfulness, first among Gentiles and then among Jews, showing that all are "under sin’s power" ^[16]. This comprehensive argument uses various examples of human behavior to illustrate the pervasive nature of sin.
Deliberate Sin: Deliberate sins are characterized by an "insolent or arrogant attitude" and are equated with rebellion ^[15]. This provides a concrete understanding of the heart attitude behind intentional wrongdoing.
The Devil's Influence: The phrase "He that committeth sin is of the devil" (1 John 3:8) uses the devil as a concrete example of the origin and nature of sin. Augustine, as cited by Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, clarifies that while the devil does not "beget" sinners, those who imitate him become "children of the devil" through their actions, not by birth ^[13]. This distinguishes between natural generation and moral imitation.
Ongoing Sin: The statement "we have not sinned" (1 John 1:10) refers to the commission of actual sins, even after conversion, and is contrasted with the idea of having "no sin," which refers to the guilt remaining from past sins and the corrupt nature ^[17]. This distinction clarifies that sin is not just a past event but an ongoing potential for action.
Vanity: The term "vanity" in Proverbs 30:8 is interpreted as encompassing "all sorts of sinful acts" ^[12]. This broad definition uses a single, relatable concept to represent a wide range of transgressions.

The biblical emphasis on concrete examples extends to the very structure of human existence, as seen in Ecclesiastes 12:7, which describes the return of the dust to the earth and the spirit to God ^[11]. This simple, observable process illustrates the ultimate fate of humanity.

Sources

Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Early Rising — Christ set an example of -- Mr 1:35; Lu 21:38; Joh 8:2. Requisite for Devotion. -- Ps 5:3; 59:16; 63:1; 88:13; Isa 26:9. Executing God's commands. -- Ge 22:3. Discharge of daily duties. -- Pr 31:15. Neglect of, leads to poverty -- Pr 6:9-11. Practised by the wicked, for Deceit. -- Pr 27:14. Executing plans of evil. -- Mic 2:1. Illustrates spiritual diligence -- Ro 13:11,12. Exemplified Abraham. -- Ge 19:27. Isaac, &c. -- Ge 26:31. Jacob. -- Ge 28:18. Joshua &c. -- Jos 3:1. Gideon. -- Jdj 6:38. Samuel. -- 1Sa 15:12. David. -- 1Sa 17:20. Mary, &c. -- Mr ”
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: 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; ”
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”
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: 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”
Psalms “Psalms 119:130 (YLT) — The opening of Thy words enlighteneth, Instructing the simple.”
Proverbs “Proverbs 1:4 (LEB) — to give shrewdness to the simple, knowledge and purpose to the young,”
Hebrews “Hebrews 6:1 (NASB) — Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,”
Hebrews “Hebrews 5:12 (BSB) — Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to reteach you the basic principles of God’s word. You need milk, not solid food!”
Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Ecclesiastes 12:7 cross-references: Genesis 2:7, Genesis 3:19, Genesis 18:27, Numbers 16:22, Numbers 27:16, Job 4:19, Job 7:21, Job 20:11, Job 34:14, Job 34:15, Psalms 31:6, Psalms 90:3, Psalms 146:4, Ecclesiastes 3:20, Isaiah 57:16, Jeremiah 38:16, Daniel 12:2, Zechariah 12:1, Hebrews 12:9, Hebrews 12:23”
Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 30:8: vanity--all sorts of sinful acts (Job 11:11; Isa 5:18).”
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”
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”
1 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 3:2: I have fed you with milk - I have instructed you in the elements of Christianity - in its simplest and easiest truths; because from the low state of your minds in religious knowledge, you were incapable of comprehending the higher truths of the Gospel: and in this state you will still continue. The apostle thus exposes to them the absurdity of their conduct in pretending to judge between preacher and preacher, while they had but a very partial acquaintance even with the first principles of Christianity.”
Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 6:1: Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ,.... The Gospel is the doctrine of Christ, and is so called, because Christ, as God, is the author of it; as Mediator, he received it from his Father; as man, he was the preacher of it; and he is also the sum and substance of it: the principles of this doctrine are either the easier parts of the Gospel, called milk in the latter part of the preceding chapter; which are not to be left with dislike and contempt, nor so as to be forgotten, nor so as not to be recurred to at proper times; but so as not to abide in”

Ask Your Own Question