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Ensuring Examples Align with Biblical Teaching and Scripture

Scripture functions as the authoritative standard by which all Christian teaching, conduct, and example must be measured. Paul instructs Timothy that anyone who "gives different teaching, not in agreement with the true words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the teaching which is in agreement with true religion" departs from sound doctrine [5]. The biblical text itself claims divine origin: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God" [2], a claim elaborated by later interpreters who note that Scripture is "breathed out by God's own speech" while not negating "the active involvement of the human authors" [15]. This dual authorship establishes Scripture's unique authority as both divine revelation and human testimony.

Christ as the Pattern

The New Testament presents Christ himself as the supreme example for Christian conduct. Believers are called to conformity with Christ in holiness, righteousness, purity, love, humility, meekness, obedience, self-denial, and the forgiveness of injuries [3]. When Christ "set an example" of self-denial through his earthly ministry—refusing worldly power, living without permanent shelter, and subordinating his will to the Father's [4]—he established a pattern that transcends cultural particularity. Paul explicitly appeals to this Christological standard when he writes "be imitators of me, as I am an imitator of Christ" [13]. The apostle's own conduct becomes exemplary only insofar as it reflects Christ's, establishing a hierarchy of authority: Christ first, apostolic witness second, and subsequent Christian example third.

The Test of Alignment

Any proposed example or illustration must pass through Scripture's filter. The psalmist declares that God "established a testimony in Jacob" [16], and Isaiah commands, "Bind up the testimony and seal the law among my disciples" [10]. This binding and sealing imagery suggests Scripture's role as a closed canon against which all subsequent teaching is tested. When examining whether an example aligns with biblical teaching, several criteria emerge from the sources: Does it promote the virtues Scripture commends—truthfulness [6], control of the tongue [7], and the putting away of bitterness and wrath [9]? Does it resist "the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life" [8]? Does it encourage diligence in "seeking him," "obeying him," and "hearkening to him" [1]?

The Danger of Misalignment

Scripture warns against examples that contradict its testimony. The tongue, though small, "is a fire, a world of iniquity" when it spreads falsehood or stirs up strife [7]. Proverbs and prophetic literature repeatedly condemn lying, slander, and deceptive speech [6], establishing that any example—however compelling in human terms—that involves deception or manipulation fails the biblical test. Similarly, examples that appeal to covetousness or pride, even if they achieve worldly success, stand condemned by texts that warn against such desires [8].

The Scriptures are described as "righteous" and "very faithful," containing sayings that "are true and faithful" because "they are the sayings of God that cannot lie" [17]. This absolute truthfulness creates an uncompromising standard. An example may be culturally appropriate, rhetorically effective, or emotionally resonant, yet still fail if it contradicts Scripture's moral vision or theological claims. The test is not pragmatic success but fidelity to the revealed word.

Practical Application

Ensuring alignment requires what one commentary calls "self-examination" [1], a discipline Scripture repeatedly commends. The believer must "prove his own work" by examining himself "and his conduct by the words and example of Christ" rather than by comparing himself to others who "may be weaker, or less instructed than himself" [11]. This principle applies equally to the selection of examples: they must be measured against Christ and Scripture, not against prevailing cultural norms or the practices of other believers. When in doubt, the prayer should be "Teach me thy statutes; give me to know all my duty" [12], seeking divine instruction rather than human validation.

The race metaphor in Hebrews illustrates this discipline: just as a runner strips off "every weight" and the "sin" that "trips us up" [14], so the Christian must discard examples and illustrations that, however attractive, hinder faithfulness to Scripture's testimony. The "huge crowd of witnesses" from salvation history [14] provides a reservoir of biblically vetted examples, each one tested by its inclusion in the inspired text itself.

Sources

  1. 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:”
  2. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Scriptures, The — Given by inspiration of God -- 2Ti 3:16. Given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit -- Ac 1:16; Heb 3:7; 2Pe 1:21. Christ sanctioned, by appealing to them -- Mt 4:4; Mr 12:10; Joh 7:42. Christ taught out of -- Lu 24:27. Are called the Word. -- Jas 1:21-23; 1Pe 2:2. Word of God. -- Lu 11:28; Heb 4:12. Word of Christ. -- Col 3:16. Word of truth. -- Jas 1:18. Holy Scriptures. -- Ro 1:2; 2Ti 3:15. Scripture of truth. -- Da 10:21. Book. -- Ps 40:7; Re 22:19. Book of the Lord. -- Isa 34:16. Book of the law. -- Ne 8:3; Ga 3:10. Law of the Lord. -- Ps 1:2; Isa”
  3. 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. --”
  4. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Denial — Christ set an example of -- Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8. A test of devotedness to Christ -- Mt 10:37,38; Lu 9:23,24. Necessary In following Christ. -- Lu 14:27-33. In the warfare of saints. -- 2Ti 2:4. To the triumph of saints. -- 1Co 9:25-27. Ministers especially called to exercise -- 2Co 6:4,5. Should be exercised in Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. -- Ro 6:12; Tit 2:12. Controlling the appetite. -- Pr 23:2. Abstaining from fleshly lusts. -- 1Pe 2:11. No longer living to lusts of men. -- 1Pe 4:2. Mortifying sinful lusts. -- Mr ”
  5. I Timothy “I Timothy 6:3 (BBE) — If any man gives different teaching, not in agreement with the true words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the teaching which is in agreement with true religion,”
  6. Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Ephesians 4:25 cross-references: Leviticus 19:11, Judges 16:11, 1 Kings 13:18, Psalms 52:3, Psalms 119:29, Proverbs 6:17, Proverbs 8:7, Proverbs 12:17, Proverbs 12:19, Proverbs 12:22, Proverbs 21:6, Isaiah 9:15, Isaiah 59:3, Isaiah 63:8, Jeremiah 9:3, Hosea 4:2, Zechariah 8:16, Zechariah 8:19, John 8:44, Acts 5:3, Romans 12:5, 1 Corinthians 10:17, 1 Corinthians 12:12, 2 Corinthians 7:14, Ephesians 4:15, Ephesians 5:30, Colossians 3:9, 1 Timothy 1:10, 1 Timothy 4:2, Titus 1:2, Titus 1:12, Revelation 21:8, Revelation 22:15”
  7. Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “James 3:6 cross-references: Genesis 3:4, Leviticus 24:11, Numbers 25:2, Numbers 31:16, Deuteronomy 13:6, Judges 12:4, Judges 16:15, 1 Samuel 22:9, 2 Samuel 13:26, 2 Samuel 15:2, 2 Samuel 16:20, 2 Samuel 19:43, 1 Kings 21:5, 2 Chronicles 10:13, 2 Chronicles 13:17, Psalms 64:3, Psalms 120:2, Psalms 140:3, Proverbs 1:10, Proverbs 6:19, Proverbs 7:5, Proverbs 7:21, Proverbs 15:1, Proverbs 16:27, Proverbs 26:20, Isaiah 30:27, Jeremiah 20:10, Jeremiah 28:16, Matthew 5:22, Matthew 12:24, Matthew 12:32, Matthew 15:11, Mark 7:15, Mark 7:20, Mark 14:55, Luke 16:24, Acts 5:3, Acts 6:13, Acts 20:30, Roman”
  8. Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “1 John 2:16 cross-references: Genesis 3:6, Genesis 6:2, Numbers 11:4, Numbers 11:34, Joshua 7:21, Esther 1:3, Job 31:1, Psalms 73:6, Psalms 78:18, Psalms 78:30, Psalms 119:36, Proverbs 6:25, Proverbs 27:20, Ecclesiastes 5:10, Daniel 4:30, Matthew 4:8, Matthew 5:28, Luke 4:5, Romans 13:14, 1 Corinthians 10:6, Galatians 5:17, Galatians 5:24, Ephesians 2:3, Titus 2:12, Titus 3:3, James 3:15, 1 Peter 1:14, 1 Peter 2:11, 1 Peter 4:2, 2 Peter 2:10, 2 Peter 2:18, Jude 1:16, Revelation 18:11”
  9. Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Ephesians 4:31 cross-references: Genesis 4:8, Genesis 27:41, Genesis 37:4, Genesis 37:21, Leviticus 19:16, 2 Samuel 13:22, 2 Samuel 19:27, 2 Samuel 19:43, Psalms 15:3, Psalms 50:20, Psalms 64:3, Psalms 101:5, Psalms 140:11, Proverbs 6:19, Proverbs 10:12, Proverbs 10:18, Proverbs 14:17, Proverbs 18:8, Proverbs 19:12, Proverbs 25:23, Proverbs 26:20, Proverbs 26:24, Proverbs 29:9, Proverbs 29:22, Ecclesiastes 7:9, Jeremiah 6:28, Jeremiah 9:4, Acts 19:28, Acts 21:30, Acts 22:22, Romans 1:29, Romans 3:14, 1 Corinthians 5:8, 1 Corinthians 14:20, 2 Corinthians 12:20, Galatians 5:20, Ephesians 4:26, C”
  10. Isaiah “Isaiah 8:16 (BSB) — Bind up the testimony and seal the law among my disciples.”
  11. 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 ”
  12. Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 119:124: Here is, 1. David's petition for divine instruction: "Teach me thy statutes; give me to know all my duty; when I am in doubt, and know not for certain what is my duty, direct me, and make it plain to me; now that I am afflicted, oppressed, and my eyes are ready to fail for thy salvation, let me know what my duty is in this condition." In difficult times we should desire more to be told what we must do than what we may expect, and should pray more to be led into the knowledge of scripture-precepts than of scripture-prophecies. If God, who gave us his statutes, d”
  13. Philippians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Philippians 3:17: followers--Greek, "imitators together." of me--as I am an imitator of Christ (Co1 11:1): Imitate me no farther than as I imitate Christ. Or as BENGEL "My fellow imitators of God" or "Christ"; "imitators of Christ together with me" (see on Phi 2:22; Eph 5:1). mark--for imitation. which walk so as ye have us for an ensample--In English Version of the former clause, the translation of this clause is, "those who are walking so as ye have an example in us." But in BENGEL'S translation, "inasmuch as," or "since," instead of "as."”
  14. Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 12:1: 12:1-17 The author challenges his hearers to endure in following Jesus, the supreme example of faithfulness, by imitating him in his suffering (12:1-4), by enduring under God’s discipline (12:5-13), and by living in peace with others (12:14-17). 12:1 huge crowd of witnesses: The host of faithful followers of God (ch 11) bear witness to the truth that God blesses the life of faith. • let us strip off every weight: In Greco-Roman literature, a race is a metaphor for the need for endurance in life. Just as extra weight hinders a runner, sin . . . trips us up. It ent”
  15. 2 Timothy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Timothy 3:16: 3:16-17 These verses elaborate on 3:15 by explaining Scripture’s effectiveness, its source, and the ways that it gives wisdom to live out our salvation. Paul was speaking of the Hebrew Scriptures (the Old Testament), but his statement can now apply to all Scripture, including the New Testament (see, e.g., 2 Pet 3:15-16). 3:16 The fact that Scripture is inspired by God (literally God-breathed, breathed out by God’s own speech; see also Heb 4:12-13; 2 Pet 1:20-21) does not negate the active involvement of the human authors. But it does affirm that God is fully re”
  16. Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 78:5: For he established a testimony in Jacob,.... So the law is called, being a testification of the divine will, Exo 25:16 and the Scriptures, the writings of the Old Testament, which testify of Christ, his person, office, sufferings, and death, Isa 8:20 and particularly the Gospel, which is the testimony of God, of our Lord Jesus Christ, and of his apostles, Ti2 1:8 which bears witness to the love and grace of God in the salvation of men by Christ; to the dignity of Christ's person, to the fulness of his grace, to each of the offices and relations he bears and stands in ”
  17. Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 119:134: Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous,.... The Scriptures are holy, just, and good; and what is contained in them are according to godliness; are for instruction in righteousness, and teach men to live soberly, righteously, and godly; and very faithful; or "true" (u): all the sayings in them are true and faithful sayings; for they are the sayings of God that cannot lie; the promises in them are faithfully performed by him that made them; they are all yea and amen in Christ. The words may be rendered, "thou hast commanded righteousness in thy test”
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