Avoiding Extrabiblical Examples in Teaching and Preaching
Avoiding Extrabiblical Examples in Teaching and Preaching
The biblical basis for avoiding extrabiblical examples in teaching and preaching is rooted in the apostolic warnings against speculative and unprofitable discussions. The apostle Paul cautions Timothy against "stories and endless genealogies" that foster "arguings, rather than that stewardship of God which is with faith" [1]. This warning is echoed in other New Testament passages, such as Colossians 2:8, which advises believers to beware of "philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ" [3].
The use of extrabiblical examples can lead to a diversion from the central message of the Gospel. Paul instructs Titus to avoid "foolish controversies" and "genealogies" that are unprofitable and vain [6]. Similarly, the writer of Hebrews exhorts believers to "leave the elementary teaching about the Christ, and press on to maturity" [2]. These warnings suggest that the use of extrabiblical examples can hinder spiritual growth and maturity.
The dangers of using extrabiblical examples in teaching and preaching are multifaceted. Firstly, it can lead to a focus on human wisdom rather than divine revelation. Paul warns against "profane and vain babblings" that are characteristic of false teachers [7]. Secondly, it can result in the promotion of "strange doctrines" that are not grounded in Scripture [10]. The Baptist/Reformed tradition, as represented by John Gill, interprets Paul's warnings as a call to reject "Jewish fables" and "Gnostic doctrines" that are not supported by Scripture [9].
In contrast, the Presbyterian tradition, as represented by Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, emphasizes the importance of avoiding the society of those who promote unprofitable and worldly wisdom [8]. This is in line with the biblical warning against forming alliances with those who are enemies of God [4].
The biblical principle of self-denial is also relevant to the issue of avoiding extrabiblical examples. Believers are called to deny themselves and follow Christ, rather than being swayed by worldly wisdom and human traditions [5]. This requires a commitment to biblical fidelity and a willingness to reject unprofitable and vain discussions.
Sources
- I Timothy “I Timothy 1:4 (Rotherham) — Not to be teaching otherwise, nor yet to be giving heed to stories and endless genealogies,—the which, bring, arguings, rather than that stewardship of God which is with faith;—”
- Hebrews “Hebrews 6:1 (NASB) — Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,”
- Colossians “Colossians 2:8 (BSB) — See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Alliance and Society With the Enemies of God — Forbidden -- Ex 23:32; 34:12; De 7:2,3; 13:6,8; Jos 23:6,7; Jdj 2:2; Ezr 9:12; Pr 1:10,15; 2Co 6:14-17; Eph 5:11. Lead to idolatry -- Ex 34:15,16; Nu 25:1-8; De 7:4; Jdj 3:5-7; Re 2:20. Have led to murder and human sacrifice -- Ps 106:37,38. Provoke the anger of God -- De 7:4; 31:16,17; 2Ch 19:2; Ezr 9:13,14; Ps 106:29,40; Isa 2:6. Provoke God to leave mean to reap the fruits of them -- Jos 23:12,13; Jdj 2:1-3. Are ensnaring -- Ex 23:33; Nu 25:18; De 12:30; 13:6; Ps 106:36. Are enslaved -- 2Pe 2:18,19. Are defiling -- Ez”
- 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 ”
- Titus (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Titus 3:9: Here is the fifth and last thing in the matter of the epistle: what Titus should avoid in teaching; how he should deal with a heretic; with some other directions. Observe, I. That the apostle's meaning might be more clear and full, and especially fitted to the time and state of things in Crete, and the many judaizers among them, he tells Titus what, in teaching, he should shun, Tit 3:9. There are needful questions to be discussed and cleared, such as make for improvement in useful knowledge; but idle and foolish enquiries, tending neither to God's glory nor the edif”
- 2 Timothy (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Timothy 2:16: But shun profane and vain babblings,.... The ministry of false teachers is mere babbling; a voice, and nothing else, as the man said of his nightingale; a sound of words, but no solid matter in them; great swelling words of vanity, like large bubbles of water, look big, and make a great noise, but have nothing in them; contain nothing but vain, empty, idle, and trifling stuff; what is unprofitable and unedifying, yea, what is profane, contrary to the nature and perfections of God, and not agreeable to the doctrine which is according to godliness; and being palmed u”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 14:7: Avoid the society of those who cannot teach you.”
- 1 Timothy (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Timothy 4:7: But refuse profane and old wives' fables,.... Either Jewish ones, the traditions of the elders; or those of the Gnostics, concerning God, angels, and the creation of the world; or those doctrines of demons, and which forbad marriage, and commanded abstinence from meats before mentioned; which are called profane, because impious and ungodly, and old wives' fables, because foolish and impertinent; and which were to be rejected with abhorrence and contempt, in comparison of the words of faith and good doctrine. And exercise thyself rather unto godliness; either to th”
- Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 13:9: Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines,.... The word "divers" may denote the variety and multitude of other doctrines; referring either to the various rites and ceremonies of the law, or to the traditions of the elders, or to the several doctrines of men, whether Jews or Gentiles; whereas the doctrine of the Scriptures, of Christ, and his apostles, is but one; it is uniform, and all of a piece; and so may likewise denote the disagreement of other doctrines with the perfections of God, the person and offices of Christ, the Scriptures of truth, the anal”