Using Examples in Biblical Teaching Without Undermining Authority
Biblical teaching frequently employs examples to illustrate and reinforce spiritual truths, a method that does not undermine authority but rather supports it. The New Testament Greek word parabole, often translated as "parable," signifies a comparison, similitude, or illustration of one subject by another [2]. This broad application includes short proverbs, prophetic utterances, enigmatic maxims, and expanded metaphors [2].
Jesus Christ himself set numerous examples for believers to follow. He exemplified liberality (2 Corinthians 8:9), self-denial (Matthew 4:8-10, John 6:38, Philippians 2:6-8), and intercessory prayer (Luke 22:32, John 17:9-24) [1, 3, 5]. These actions serve as models for Christian conduct. Similarly, the Apostle Paul presented himself as an example, stating, "Not that we do not have authority, but that we give ourselves as an example to you, for you to act like us" (2 Thessalonians 3:9 LITV) [7]. This demonstrates that leaders can model behavior without diminishing their inherent authority. Peter likewise exhorted elders not to "lord it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock" (1 Peter 5:3 BSB, NASB) [4, 6]. This suggests that leading by example is a proper exercise of authority, distinguishing it from oppressive control.
The use of examples in teaching is consistent with the purpose of authority given by God. Paul noted that the authority given to him was "for edification, and not for your destruction" (2 Corinthians 10:8 KJV) [9]. This means that authority is intended to build up and instruct, not to tear down [12, 13]. When teachers and leaders provide examples, they are using their authority constructively to guide others in righteous living. For instance, the afflictions experienced by believers can be made beneficial by exhibiting God's power and faithfulness, teaching His will, and turning individuals to Him [8]. These experiences, when shared as examples, can serve as powerful teaching tools.
The Bible also uses examples to illustrate negative consequences, such as the sin of the first pair, which was not merely eating an apple but a profound act of disobedience and ingratitude [10]. Such examples highlight the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance. The concept of universal sinfulness is taught through examples of both Gentiles and Jews, showing that all are "under sin’s power and cannot find favor with God by any action of their own" [11].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Liberality — Pleasing to God -- 2Co 9:7; Heb 13:16. God never forgets -- Heb 6:10. Christ set an example of -- 2Co 8:9. Characteristic of saints -- Ps 112:9; Isa 32:8. Unprofitable, without love -- 1Co 13:3. Should be exercised In the service of God. -- Ex 35:21-29. Toward saints. -- Ro 12:13; Ga 6:10. Toward servants. -- De 15:12-14. Toward the poor. -- De 15:11; Isa 58:7. Toward strangers. -- Le 25:35. Toward enemies. -- Pr 25:21. Toward all men. -- Ga 6:10. In leading to those in want. -- Mt 5:42. In giving alms. -- Lu 12:33. In relieving the destitute. -- Isa 58:”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Parable — (The word parable is in Greek parable (parabole) which signifies placing beside or together, a comparison, a parable is therefore literally a placing beside, a comparison, a similitude, an illustration of one subject by another.--McClintock and Strong. As used in the New Testament it had a very wide application, being applied sometimes to the shortest proverbs, (1 Samuel 10:12; 24:13; 2 Chronicles 7:20) sometimes to dark prophetic utterances, (Numbers 23:7,18; 24:3; Ezekiel 20:49) sometimes to enigmatic maxims, (Psalms 78:2; Proverbs 1:6) or metaphors expand”
- 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 ”
- I Peter “I Peter 5:3 (BSB) — not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Prayer, Intercessory — Christ set an example of -- Lu 22:32; 23:34; Joh 17:9-24. Commanded -- 1Ti 2:1; Jas 5:14,16. Should be offered up for Kings. -- 1Ti 2:2. All in authority. -- 1Ti 2:2. Ministers. -- 2Co 1:11; Php 1:19. The Church. -- Ps 122:6; Isa 62:6,7. All saints. -- Eph 6:18. All men. -- 1Ti 2:1. Masters. -- Ge 24:12-14. Servants. -- Lu 7:2,3. Children. -- Ge 17:18; Mt 15:22. Friends. -- Job 42:8. Fellow-countrymen. -- Ro 10:1. The sick. -- Jas 5:14. Persecutors. -- Mt 5:44. Enemies among whom we dwell. -- Jer 29:7. Those who envy us. -- Nu 12:13. Those who ”
- 1 Peter “1 Peter 5:3 (NASB) — nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.”
- II Thessalonians “II Thessalonians 3:9 (LITV) — Not that we do not have authority, but that we give ourselves as an example to you, for you to act like us.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Afflictions Made Beneficial — In promoting the glory of God -- Joh 9:1-3; 11:3,4; 21:18,19. In exhibiting the power and faithfulness of God -- Ps 34:19,20; 2Co 4:8-11. In teaching us the will of God -- Ps 119:71; Isa 26:9; Mic 6:9. In turning us to God -- De 4:30,31; Ne 1:8,9; Ps 78:34; Isa 10:20,21; Ho 2:6,7. In keeping us from again departing from God -- Job 34:31,32; Isa 10:20; Eze 14:10,11. In leading us to seek God in prayer -- Jdj 4:3; Jer 31:18; La 2:17-19; Ho 5:14,15; Jon 2:1. In convincing us of sin -- Job 36:8,9; Ps 119:67; Lu 15:16-18. In leading us to con”
- King James Version “[KJV] 2 Corinthians 10:8 — For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:”
- Genesis (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Genesis 3:13: beguiled--cajoled by flattering lies. This sin of the first pair was heinous and aggravated--it was not simply eating an apple, but a love of self, dishonor to God, ingratitude to a benefactor, disobedience to the best of Masters--a preference of the creature to the Creator.”
- Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 1:18: 1:18–3:20 Paul delays exploring the theme of righteousness through faith (see 3:21) until after he first teaches about universal sinfulness. Gentiles (1:18-32) and Jews (2:1–3:8) are equally under sin’s power and cannot find favor with God by any action of their own (3:9-20). 1:18 God’s anger is not a spontaneous emotional outburst, but the holy God’s necessary response to sin. The Old Testament often depicts God’s anger (Exod 32:10-12; Num 11:1; Jer 21:3-7) and predicts a decisive outpouring of God’s wrath on human sin at the end of history. While Paul usually de”
- 2 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Corinthians 10:8: For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority,.... Than as yet he had done, or used to do; or rather the sense is, should he boast of a greater authority than the false apostles, or even than the true ministers of the Gospel in common had, he should not exceed the bounds of truth and modesty; for as an apostle he not only had an authority from Christ to preach the Gospel, and administer ordinances, but also had an extraordinary power of punishing offenders, as before observed: which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for destruction; a”
- 2 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 2 Corinthians 10:8: For, though I should boast, etc. - I have a greater authority and spiritual power than I have yet shown, both to edify and to punish; but I employ this for your edification in righteousness, and not for the destruction of any delinquent. "This," says Calmet, "is the rule which the pastors of the Church ever propose to themselves in the exercise of their authority; whether to enjoin or forbid, to dispense or to oblige, to bind or to loose. They should use this power only as Jesus Christ used it - for the salvation, and not for the destruction, of souls."”