IDEA: Biblical characters are examples, but not necessarily good examples.

PURPOSE: To help listeners see the limits of looking for examples in biblical characters.

What do you mean when you say that someone is a good example? Do you mean that the person is an example of good behavior or do you mean that the person is an excellent illustration of the principle? What do you mean?

I. Consider some examples in the Bible.

Do you think David was a good example that we ought to follow? Do you think that polygamy is wrong? David had 7 wives and his son Solomon had 700.

Is it wrong to lie?

Rahab lied to her countrymen about the Israelite spies hiding in her house. It saved the life of the spies. Can you assume from that that it is all right to lie?

Do you think that it's wrong to consult a witch?

Saul is a good example of someone who consulted a witch in order to talk to Samuel. Do you think that's an acceptable means of determining God's will today?

II. Stories in the Bible often are given without comment as to whether the action of the people involved was good or bad.

We have to make judgments about behaviors from other parts of the Bible that tell us clearly what is right or wrong.