Ensuring Examples and Illustrations Are Grounded in Scripture
Ensuring Examples and Illustrations Are Grounded in Scripture
The use of examples and illustrations is a crucial aspect of Christian teaching and preaching. To ensure that these examples are grounded in Scripture, one must first understand the importance of Scripture as a source of authority and guidance. According to 2 Timothy 3:16, "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness" [5]. This verse highlights the divine origin and purpose of Scripture, establishing it as the foundation for Christian doctrine and practice.
In Christian tradition, the example of Christ is often cited as a primary source of guidance and inspiration. Torrey's Topical Textbook notes that Christ is an example of diligence, mercy, and good works [1, 2, 4]. For instance, Christ's diligence is demonstrated in his early rising to pray and his commitment to doing the will of God [3]. Similarly, his mercy is exemplified in his teachings and actions, such as the parable of the Good Samaritan [4]. By following Christ's example, Christians can cultivate these virtues and live a life that is pleasing to God.
The importance of grounding examples and illustrations in Scripture is also emphasized in the writings of various Christian commentators. Adam Clarke, a Methodist/Wesleyan commentator, notes that Christians should examine their conduct by the words and example of Christ, rather than comparing themselves to others [6]. This emphasis on Christ's example is echoed in the writings of other commentators, such as Matthew Henry, who highlights the importance of following Christ's example in the context of Christian living [7].
In addition to Christ's example, the Bible provides numerous other examples and illustrations that can be used to teach and inspire Christians. Torrey's Topical Textbook cites various biblical examples, such as Abraham's diligence and David's trust in God [3]. These examples can be used to illustrate key Christian doctrines and principles, such as the importance of faith, obedience, and perseverance.
To ensure that examples and illustrations are grounded in Scripture, Christians can follow several guidelines. First, they should be familiar with the biblical text and its teachings. This involves not only reading and studying Scripture but also understanding its historical and cultural context. Second, they should be cautious about using extrabiblical sources or anecdotes that may not be grounded in Scripture. As Matthew Henry notes, the Scripture is designed to lead us to good works, and it is the primary source of guidance for Christian living [2].
The historical development of Christian thought and practice also underscores the importance of grounding examples and illustrations in Scripture. The Protestant Reformation, for example, emphasized the authority of Scripture and the importance of interpreting it in its historical and cultural context. This emphasis on Scripture helped to shape Christian doctrine and practice, including the use of examples and illustrations in teaching and preaching.
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:”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Works, Good — Christ, an example of -- Joh 10:32; Ac 10:38. Called Good fruits. -- Jas 3:17. Fruits meet for repentance. -- Mt 3:8. Fruits of righteousness. -- Php 1:11. Works and labours of love. -- Heb 6:10. Are by Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God -- Php 1:11. They alone, who abide in Christ can perform -- Joh 15:4,5. Wrought by God in us -- Isa 26:12; Php 2:13. The Scripture designed to lead us to -- 2Ti 3:16,17; Jas 1:25. To be performed in Christ's name -- Col 3:17. Heavenly wisdom is full of -- Jas 3:17. Justification unattainable by -- Ro 3:20; Ga 2”
- 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: Mercy — After the example of God -- Lu 6:36. Enjoined -- 2Ki 6:21-23; Ho 12:6; Ro 12:20,21; Col 3:12. To be engraved on the heart -- Pr 3:3. Characteristic of saints -- Ps 37:26; Isa 57:1. Should be shown With cheerfulness. -- Ro 12:8. To our brethren. -- Zec 7:9. to those that are in distress. -- Lu 10:37. To the poor. -- Pr 14:31; Da 4:27. To backsliders. -- Lu 15:18-20; 2Co 2:6-8. To animals. -- Pr 12:10. Upholds the throne of kings -- Pr 20:28. Beneficial to those who exercise -- Pr 11:17. Blessedness of showing -- Pr 14:21; Mt 5:7. Hypocrites devoid of -- Mt 23:”
- 2 Timothy “2 Timothy 3:16 (NASB) — All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;”
- 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 ”
- Romans (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Romans 12 (introduction): The apostle, having at large cleared and confirmed the prime fundamental doctrines of Christianity, comes in the next place to press the principal duties. We mistake our religion if we look upon it only as a system of notions and a guide to speculation. No, it is a practical religion, that tends to the right ordering of the conversation. It is designed not only to inform our judgments, but to reform our hearts and lives. From the method of the apostle's writing in this, as in some other of the epistles (as from the management of the principal minister”