Avoiding Pitfalls in Using Extrabiblical Examples in Teaching
When teaching biblical concepts, it is important to exercise caution when incorporating extrabiblical examples. The Bible itself warns against being "carried about" by "teachings manifold and strange," emphasizing that the heart should be confirmed by grace rather than by external doctrines [6]. Similarly, Ecclesiastes cautions against the endless writing of books and excessive study, suggesting a limit to what is profitable beyond the core message [5].
One pitfall is the potential for distraction. While illustrations can clarify, they can also divert attention from the biblical text itself. The New Testament uses parables, which are comparisons or illustrations of one subject by another, sometimes even encompassing proverbs or dark prophetic utterances [3]. However, these are embedded within the biblical narrative and serve to illuminate its truths directly.
Another danger lies in introducing concepts that might lead to strife or foolish questions. The apostle Paul, through Titus, advises shunning "foolish and ignorant disputes" because they generate quarrels [9]. The Bible identifies strife as a "work of the flesh" and an "evidence of a carnal spirit," often excited by pride, wrath, or curious questions [2]. Teachers are warned against such contentiousness [2].
Furthermore, relying too heavily on extrabiblical examples can obscure the unique authority and sufficiency of Scripture. The goal of teaching should be to move beyond elementary instruction to maturity, building upon the foundation of faith toward God [8]. Introducing external examples might inadvertently lay new, unnecessary foundations or dilute the primary source of truth.
Finally, there is a risk of misrepresenting biblical concepts if extrabiblical examples are not carefully chosen and applied. For instance, while self-denial is a necessary aspect of following Christ and mortifying sinful lusts, Christ himself set the example for this [4]. Similarly, the Bible condemns flattery as a practice of the wicked and false prophets, and wisdom is presented as a preservative against it [1]. When using examples, the teacher must ensure they align precisely with biblical definitions and avoid introducing foreign ideas or interpretations. As James warns, those who teach will receive a "heavier judgment," underscoring the responsibility involved in conveying truth [7].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Flattery — Saints should not used -- Job 32:21,22. Ministers should not use -- 1Th 2:5. The wicked use, to Others. -- Ps 5:9; 12:2. Themselves. -- Ps 36:2. Hypocrites use, to God. -- Ps 78:36. Those in authority. -- Da 11:34. False prophets and teachers use -- Eze 12:24; Ro 16:18. Wisdom, a preservative against -- Pr 4:5. Worldly advantage obtained by -- Da 11:21,22. Seldom gains respect -- Pr 28:23. Avoid those given to -- Pr 20:19. Danger of -- Pr 7:21-23; 20:5. Punishment of -- Job 17:5; Ps 12:3. Exemplified Woman of Tekoah. -- 2Sa 14:17,20. Absalom. -- 2Sa 15:2-6”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Strife — Christ, an example of avoiding -- Isa 42:2; Mt 12:15-19; Lu 9:52-56; 1Pe 2:23. Forbidden -- Pr 3:30; 25:8. A work of the flesh -- Ga 5:20. An evidence of a carnal spirit -- 1Co 3:3. Existed in the church -- 1Co 1:11. Excited by Hatred. -- Pr 10:12. Pride. -- Pr 13:10; 28:25. Wrath. -- Pr 15:18; 30:33. Frowardness. -- Pr 16:28. A contentious disposition. -- Pr 26:21. Tale-bearing. -- Pr 26:20. Drunkenness. -- Pr 23:29,30. Lusts. -- Jas 4:1. Curious questions. -- 1Ti 6:4; 2Ti 2:23. Scorning. -- Pr 22:10. Difficulty of stopping, a reason for avoiding it -- Pr 1”
- 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 ”
- Ecclesiastes “Ecclesiastes 12:12 (LEB) — My son, be careful ⌞about anything beyond these things⌟. For the writing of books is endless, and too much study ⌞is wearisome⌟.”
- Hebrews “Hebrews 13:9 (YLT) — with teachings manifold and strange be not carried about, for <FI>it is<Fi> good that by grace the heart be confirmed, not with meats, in which they who were occupied were not profited;”
- James “Let not many of you be teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive heavier judgment. -- James 3:1”
- 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,”
- 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”