Using Simple Examples in Biblical Teaching and Preaching
Christ's teaching ministry relied heavily on parables—comparisons that placed one subject beside another to illuminate spiritual truth [1]. The Greek term parabole denotes this "placing beside," and Scripture applies it to everything from brief proverbs to extended narratives [1]. This method reflects a broader biblical pattern: God's word enlightens by instructing "the simple" [3], imparting "prudence to the simple and knowledge and discretion to the young" [6].
The Pedagogical Function of Simplicity
Biblical instruction consistently moves from accessible entry points toward deeper understanding. Paul describes this progression when he tells the Corinthians, "I have fed you with milk... because from the low state of your minds in religious knowledge, you were incapable of comprehending the higher truths of the Gospel" [9]. The writer of Hebrews similarly distinguishes between milk—suitable for those "unskilful in the word of righteousness"—and solid food for the mature [10]. This isn't condescension but sound pedagogy: teachers meet learners where they are.
The use of simple examples serves multiple audiences. Proverbs explicitly aims "to impart prudence to the simple" [6], while the Psalms declare that "the opening of Thy words enlighteneth, instructing the simple" [3]. These passages assume that clarity and accessibility mark faithful teaching, not obscurity or complexity for its own sake.
Christ as Pattern
Jesus modeled this approach throughout his ministry, using everyday images—seeds, soil, sheep, coins—to convey kingdom realities. Beyond his parables, Christ "set an example" in multiple dimensions of ministry [2, 4, 5], establishing a pattern that pastors are called to follow in their own teaching [7]. Paul instructs Timothy to "be an example to the church in word, in behaviour, in love, in faith, in holy living" [7], linking exemplary conduct with exemplary speech.
The Standard for Evaluation
When examining one's teaching, the measure is not comparison with other teachers but conformity to Christ's word and example. As one commentator notes, "The only rule for a Christian is the word of Christ; the only pattern for his imitation is the example of Christ" [8]. Simple examples succeed when they faithfully illuminate Scripture's meaning, making the "word of righteousness" [10] accessible without distorting its content. The goal remains what it was for the prophets and apostles: that the opening of God's words would enlighten and instruct [3].
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”
- 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).”
- Psalms “Psalms 119:130 (YLT) — The opening of Thy words enlighteneth, Instructing the simple.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Prayer, Intercessory — Christ set an example of -- Lu 22:32; 23:34; Joh 17:9-24. Commanded -- 1Ti 2:1; Jas 5:14,16. Should be offered up for Kings. -- 1Ti 2:2. All in authority. -- 1Ti 2:2. Ministers. -- 2Co 1:11; Php 1:19. The Church. -- Ps 122:6; Isa 62:6,7. All saints. -- Eph 6:18. All men. -- 1Ti 2:1. Masters. -- Ge 24:12-14. Servants. -- Lu 7:2,3. Children. -- Ge 17:18; Mt 15:22. Friends. -- Job 42:8. Fellow-countrymen. -- Ro 10:1. The sick. -- Jas 5:14. Persecutors. -- Mt 5:44. Enemies among whom we dwell. -- Jer 29:7. Those who envy us. -- Nu 12:13. Those who ”
- 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”
- Proverbs “Proverbs 1:4 (BSB) — To impart prudence to the simple and knowledge and discretion to the young,”
- I Timothy “I Timothy 4:12 (BBE) — Let no one make little of you because you are young, but be an example to the church in word, in behaviour, in love, in faith, in holy living.”
- 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 ”
- 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 5:12: For everyone that useth milk,.... And sits down contented with the first principles of the Gospel, such as are easily taken in and digested; or makes use of the ceremonial law, as a schoolmaster to teach him the Gospel: is unskilful in the word of righteousness; the Gospel, which is a doctrine of righteousness; not of works of righteousness done by men, and of justification by them, or of a man's own righteousness; but of the pure, perfect, and everlasting righteousness of Christ: and it is called so, because it is the means of stripping a man of his own righteousn”