Ensuring Biblical Accuracy in Illustrations and Examples
The concept of an "example" in biblical teaching refers to a pattern or model for behavior, often presented through the lives of individuals or the actions of God himself [2]. The New Testament frequently presents Christ as the ultimate example for believers to follow [3].
Jesus's life provides a perfect model of holiness, righteousness, purity, love, humility, meekness, and obedience [3]. For instance, his diligence in seeking God is seen in passages like Mark 1:35 and Luke 2:49 [1]. Believers are called to conform to Christ's example in various aspects of their lives, including love (John 13:34), humility (Philippians 2:5, 7), self-denial (Matthew 16:24), and ministering to others (John 13:14-15) [3]. His example extends to enduring suffering wrongfully (1 Peter 2:21-22) and forgiving injuries (Colossians 3:13) [3].
Beyond Christ, the Bible also presents other figures as examples of faith and conduct. The book of Hebrews, for instance, dedicates an entire chapter to cataloging heroes of faith, including Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and Rahab, among others [7]. These individuals serve as illustrations of how faith operates and its effects on one's life [7]. Their stories demonstrate diligence in seeking God (Hebrews 11:6), obeying Him (Deuteronomy 6:17), and striving for perfection (Philippians 3:13-14) [1].
The concept of "example" also extends to the actions and character of God. The "light of thy countenance upon us" in Psalm 4:6 is understood as a figure for God's favor, serving as an example of His benevolent disposition towards His people [6].
The New Testament epistles frequently exhort believers to follow good examples and to be examples themselves. For instance, believers are encouraged to cultivate Christian graces (2 Peter 1:5), guard against defilement (Hebrews 12:15), and make their calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:10) [1]. The apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 14:26, provides rules for the exercise of spiritual gifts within the congregation, implying that the proper use of these gifts should serve as an example of orderly worship [5].
The importance of diligent observation and adherence to biblical examples is emphasized in passages like Hebrews 12:14, which calls for believers to look diligently lest any "fail of the grace of God" [4]. This diligence can involve watching over one another within the church community to ensure adherence to sound doctrine and moral living [4].
The biblical understanding of an example is not merely illustrative but prescriptive, calling for active imitation and application in the lives of believers. This is evident in the call to "follow every good work" (1 Timothy 5:10) and to be found "spotless" (2 Peter 3:14) [1].
Sources
- 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:”
- STEPBible TIPNR “Biblical proper name: Example: — >”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Example of Christ, The — Is perfect -- Heb 7:26. Conformity to, required in Holiness. -- 1Pe 1:15,16; Ro 1:6. Righteousness. -- 1Jo 2:6. Purity. -- 1Jo 3:3. Love. -- Joh 13:34; Eph 5:2; 1Jo 3:16. Humility. -- Lu 22:27; Php 2:5,7. Meekness. -- Mt 11:29. Obedience. -- Joh 15:10. Self-denial. -- Mt 16:24; Ro 15:3. Ministering to others. -- Mt 20:28; Joh 13:14,15. Benevolence. -- Ac 20:35; 2Co 8:7,9. Forgiving injuries. -- Col 3:13. Overcoming the world. -- Joh 16:33; 1Jo 5:4. Being not of the world. -- Joh 17:16. Being guileless. -- 1Pe 2:21-22. Suffering wrongfully. --”
- Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 12:14: Looking diligently,.... Acting the part of bishops, or overseers, as the word signifies; and so this exhortation either respects officers of the church of the Hebrews, whose business it was more especially to inspect into the principles and practices of the members of it, and take care that they did not imbibe false doctrines, or live immoral lives; or rather the several members of the church, whose business it is to watch over one another, since this epistle seems to be written to the whole church. Lest any man fail of the grace of God; not the free favour and lo”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 14:26: RULES FOR THE EXERCISE OF GIFTS IN THE CONGREGATION. (Co1 14:26-40) How is it then?--rather, "What then is the true rule to be observed as to the use of gifts?" Compare Co1 14:15, where the same Greek occurs. a psalm--extemporary, inspired by the Spirit, as that of Mary, Zechariah, Simeon, and Anna (Luk 1:46-55, Luk 1:67-79; Luk 2:34-38). a doctrine--to impart and set forth to the congregation. a tongue . . . a revelation--The oldest manuscripts transpose the order: "revelation . . . tongue"; "interpretation" properly following "tongue" ”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 4:6: Contrast true with vain confidence. light of thy countenance upon us--figure for favor (Num 6:26; Psa 44:3; Psa 81:16).”
- Hebrews (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Hebrews 11 (introduction): A definition of faith, Heb 11:1, Heb 11:2. What are its immediate objects, Heb 11:3. What are its effects, instanced in Abel, Heb 11:4. In Enoch, Heb 11:5, Heb 11:6. In Noah, Heb 11:7. In Abraham, Heb 11:8-10. In Sara, Heb 11:11. In their righteous posterity, Heb 11:12-16 In Abraham's offering of his son Isaac, Heb 11:17-19. In Isaac, Heb 11:20. In Jacob, Heb 11:21. In Joseph, Heb 11:22. In Moses, Heb 11:23-28. In the Israelites in the wilderness, Heb 11:29. In the fall of Jericho, Heb 11:30. In Rahab, Heb 11:31. In several of the judges, and in David,”