Cultural Relevance in Preaching Examples and Biblical Context
Cultural Relevance in Preaching: Examples and Biblical Context
Preaching that is culturally relevant is not a modern concept, but rather one rooted in biblical teachings and examples. The Bible provides numerous instances where cultural context is used to convey spiritual messages effectively. For instance, the practice of hospitality is commended in the New Testament, with examples from the Old Testament, such as Abraham's welcoming of strangers (Genesis 18:3-8), serving as a model for Christian behavior [2].
The biblical emphasis on diligence and early rising is another example. Christ is cited as an example of diligence, rising early to pray (Mark 1:35; Luke 21:38; John 8:2). This practice is not only a demonstration of devotion but also illustrates the importance of prioritizing spiritual disciplines [1]. Similarly, the virtue of meekness is highlighted as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), with Christ setting an example of meekness in his teachings and actions (Matthew 11:29; 21:5) [3].
The New Testament writers, such as the apostle Paul, also demonstrate cultural relevance in their preaching and teaching. In 1 Corinthians, Paul addresses the issue of spiritual gifts, emphasizing the importance of prophesying over speaking in tongues because it is more edifying to the church [4, 6]. This discussion is culturally relevant as it addresses the specific concerns and practices of the Corinthian church.
The concept of setting a good example is another aspect of culturally relevant preaching. The author of Hebrews encourages believers to consider Jesus as their high priest and example, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and perseverance [5, 7]. Similarly, in 1 Timothy, the qualifications for church leaders include being hospitable and having a good reputation, demonstrating the importance of cultural relevance in leadership [8].
The biblical context for cultural relevance in preaching is not limited to specific practices or virtues but is deeply rooted in the understanding of the gospel and its application to everyday life. As Matthew Henry notes, the histories of God's providences should quicken and engage believers to duty and obedience [9]. This understanding is echoed in the writings of other biblical commentators, who emphasize the importance of applying biblical teachings to daily life in a way that is culturally relevant.
The examples of biblical figures, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who demonstrated diligence and hospitality, serve as models for Christian behavior. These examples are not limited to their historical context but are seen as having ongoing relevance for believers [1, 2]. The biblical emphasis on virtues such as meekness and hospitality provides a framework for culturally relevant preaching that is grounded in scripture.
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 ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Hospitality — Commanded -- Ro 12:13; 1Pe 4:9. Required in ministers -- 1Ti 3:2; Tit 1:8. A test of Christian character -- 1Ti 5:10. Specially to be shown to Strangers. -- Heb 13:2. The poor. -- Isa 58:7; Lu 14:13. Enemies. -- 2Ki 6:22,23; Ro 12:20. Encouragement to -- Lu 14:14; Heb 13:2. Exemplified Melchizedek. -- Ge 14:18. Abraham. -- Ge 18:3-8. Lot. -- Ge 19:2,3. Laban. -- Ge 24:31. Jethro. -- Ex 2:20. Manoah. -- Jdj 13:15. Samuel. -- 1Sa 9:22. David. -- 2Sa 6:19. Barzillai. -- 2Sa 19:32. Shunammite. -- 2Ki 4:8. Nehemiah. -- Ne 5:17. Job. -- Job 31:17,32. Zacchaeu”
- 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”
- 1 Corinthians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Corinthians 14 (introduction): In this chapter the apostle directs them about the use of their spiritual gifts, preferring those that are best and fitted to do the greatest good. I. He begins with advising them of all spiritual gifts to prefer prophesying, and shows that this is much better than speaking with tongues (Co1 14:1-5). II. He goes on to show them how unprofitable the speaking of foreign languages is, and useless to the church; it is like piping in one tone, like sounding a trumpet without any certain note, like talking gibberish; whereas gifts should be used for ”
- Hebrews (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Hebrews 3:1: In these verses we have the application of the doctrine laid down in the close of the last chapter concerning the priesthood of our Lord Jesus Christ. And observe, I. In how fervent and affectionate a manner the apostle exhorts Christians to have this high priest much in their thoughts, and to make him the object of their close and serious consideration; and surely no one in earth or heaven deserves our consideration more than he. That this exhortation might be made the more effectual, observe, 1. The honourable compellation used towards those to whom he wrote: Ho”
- 1 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 2:1: When I came to you - Acting suitably to my mission, which was to preach the Gospel, but not with human eloquence, Co1 1:17. I declared to you the testimony, the Gospel, of God, not with excellency of speech, not with arts of rhetoric, used by your own philosophers, where the excellence of the speech recommends the matter, and compensates for the want of solidity and truth: on the contrary, the testimony concerning Christ and his salvation is so supremely excellent, as to dignify any kind of language by which it may be conveyed. See the Introduction, Section 2.”
- Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 3:1: 3:1-6 The author compares Jesus to Moses, setting Jesus forward as the supreme example of faithfulness. The great status of Moses, a revered figure in Judaism, is used to show the incomparable greatness of Jesus. 3:1 dear brothers and sisters who belong to God: Literally holy brothers. Speakers and writers of the ancient world often addressed religious gatherings as “brothers” (Greek adelphoi), referring to both men and women. • think carefully about this Jesus: Focusing on Jesus is a primary means of persevering in the faith (2:9; 12:1-2). • God’s messenger (lite”
- 1 Timothy (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Timothy 5:10: Well reported of for good works,.... Both by the members of the church, and by them that were without: particularly if she have brought up children; that is, "well", as the Arabic version adds; in the nurture and admonition of the Lord; commanding them, as Abraham did, to keep the way of the Lord, and to do justice and judgment; training them up in the paths of religion and virtue, from which they will not so easily depart when grown up. If she have lodged strangers; as Abraham and Lot did, who entertained angels unawares: this may be understood of strangers in”
- Deuteronomy (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Deuteronomy 4:1: This most lively and excellent discourse is so entire, and the particulars of it are so often repeated, that we must take it altogether in the exposition of it, and endeavour to digest it into proper heads, for we cannot divide it into paragraphs. I. In general, it is the use and application of the foregoing history; it comes in by way of inference from it: Now therefore harken, O Israel, Deu 4:1. This use we should make of the review of God's providences concerning us, we should by them be quickened and engaged to duty and obedience. The histories of the year”