Balancing Human Examples with God's Glory in Teaching
Balancing Human Examples with God's Glory in Teaching
Teaching that balances human examples with God's glory is rooted in biblical principles and has been a concern for Christian educators throughout history. The Bible presents Jesus Christ as the ultimate teacher, whose method of instruction was characterized by humility and a focus on the kingdom of God [1].
In the view of Nonconformist/Puritan commentator Matthew Henry, the glory of God is a central theme in many Psalms, where it is often linked to God's goodness and greatness. For instance, Psalm 8 is described as a "solemn meditation on, and admiration of, the glory and greatness of God" [4]. This emphasis on God's glory is not limited to the Psalms; it is a pervasive biblical theme that underscores the importance of prioritizing divine glory in teaching.
The use of human examples in teaching is also a biblical practice. Jesus himself used parables and comparisons to convey spiritual truths, as seen in Mark 4:30. Methodist/Wesleyan commentator Adam Clarke notes that Jesus' teaching method was characterized by a desire to be understood, rather than to impress with eloquence or clever comparisons [5]. This approach is echoed in Torrey's Topical Textbook, which highlights the importance of humility in teaching, citing Christ as an example [2].
The balance between human examples and God's glory is crucial because it reflects the biblical tension between the human and divine. According to Baptist/Reformed commentator John Gill, God's glory is not diminished by the use of human examples; rather, it is enhanced by the recognition of God's power and wisdom in exalting Christ [8]. In John 17:21, Jesus prays that his followers may be one, just as he and the Father are one, and that they may behold the glory given to him [7].
In practice, this balance means that teachers should strive to point to God's glory, rather than seeking to glorify themselves or their human examples. As Matthew Henry notes, the psalmist's endeavour to perfect himself in his religion is driven by a desire to learn God's righteous judgments [6]. This focus on God's glory is not limited to personal piety; it is also essential for effective teaching.
The biblical emphasis on diligence in teaching is also relevant to balancing human examples with God's glory. Torrey's Topical Textbook highlights Christ as an example of diligence in seeking God and obeying him [3]. This diligence is not merely a human virtue; it is a reflection of God's own character and a means of glorifying him.
Sources
- Acts “preaching the Kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without hindrance. -- Acts 28:31”
- 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: 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:”
- 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”
- Mark (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Mark 4:30: Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? - How amiable is this carefulness of Jesus! How instructive to the preachers of his word! He is not solicitous to seek fine turns of eloquence to charm the minds of his auditors, nor to draw such descriptions and comparisons as may surprise them: but studies only to make himself understood; to instruct to advantage; to give true ideas of faith and holiness; and to find out such expressions as may render necessary truths easy and intelligible to the meanest capacities. The very wisdom of God seems to be at a loss to find out”
- Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 119:7: Here is, I. David's endeavour to perfect himself in his religion, and to make himself (as we say) master of his business. He hopes to learn God's righteous judgments. He knew much, but he was still pressing forward and desired to know more, as knowing this, that he had not yet attained; but as far as perfection is attainable in this life he reached towards it, and would not take up short of it. As long as we live we must be scholars in Christ's school, and sit at his feet; but we should aim to be head-scholars, and to get into the highest form. God's judgments ar”
- John (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on John 17:21: And the glory which thou gavest me,.... Not the glory of his deity; this is the same with his Father, what he has in right of nature, and not by gift; nor can it be communicated to creatures; this would be to make them one in the Godhead, as the three are one, which is not the design of the expression in the close of the verse: nor his mediatorial glory, which he had with the Father before the world began; this indeed was given him by the Father, but is not given to the saints: nor the glory, of working miracles; which glory Christ had, and which, as man, he had from t”
- Job (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Job 36:22: Behold, God exalteth by his power,.... He exalts himself, or causes himself to be exalted, and even above all the blessing and praise of his creatures; by his power, in the works of creation and providence, he makes such a display of his glorious perfections, as to set him on high, and out of the reach of the highest praises of men. He exalts his Son as Mediator, and has made him higher than the kings of the earth, Ti1 2:5; he exalts him as a Prince and a Saviour, Act 5:31, to give repentance and remission of sins to his people, and to be the Judge of quick and dead, Ac”