Balancing Extrabiblical Examples with Biblical Centrality in Sermons
Scripture remains the irreplaceable foundation of Christian preaching. The biblical text itself presents Christ as the supreme exemplar across multiple offices: as mediator between God and humanity [1], as the embodiment of sincerity [2], and as the pattern of humility [3]. When the author of Hebrews urges believers to "think carefully about this Jesus" [7], the imperative centers attention on Christ as revealed in Scripture, not on supplementary illustrations drawn from outside the canon.
The Primacy of Biblical Examples
The biblical writers consistently direct readers to scriptural figures and events as teaching models. Hebrews transitions from Christ's exalted divinity to his humanity by expounding Psalm 8, demonstrating how "Christ is the consummate human being" who fulfills what fallen humanity could not [5]. This method—interpreting Scripture with Scripture—establishes a pattern where biblical examples carry inherent authority. The epistle's comparison of Jesus to Moses, "setting Jesus forward as the supreme example of faithfulness" [7], shows how the text itself provides sufficient comparative material without requiring external validation.
Paul's use of Old Testament typology in arguing for Christ's superior sacrifice (Hebrews 10:5–8, citing Psalm 40:6–8) illustrates how biblical examples function with theological weight that extrabiblical illustrations cannot match [6]. The quotation carries force precisely because it is regarded as authoritative Scripture, not merely as an apt analogy.
The Function of Extrabiblical Material
Extrabiblical examples serve legitimate but subordinate roles. They may clarify cultural context, illustrate application, or connect abstract doctrine to concrete experience. Yet their function differs categorically from biblical examples. Where Scripture interprets itself and bears divine authority, extrabiblical material remains illustrative—helpful for understanding but never determinative for doctrine.
The danger lies in proportion. When contemporary stories, historical anecdotes, or cultural references dominate sermon time, the biblical text recedes from its central position. The preacher's task, as modeled in Hebrews, involves sustained exposition of Scripture's own examples and arguments. The epistle devotes extended attention to Old Testament figures and texts, allowing the biblical narrative to shape theological understanding [4].
Faithful preaching maintains this hierarchy: Scripture provides the content, structure, and examples that carry theological authority, while extrabiblical material serves only to illuminate what the text already establishes. The biblical examples are not merely older illustrations; they are the inspired record of God's self-revelation, uniquely suited to instruct in righteousness.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Christ, the Mediator — In virtue of his atonement -- Eph 2:13-18; Heb 9:15; 12:24. The only one between God and man -- 1Ti 2:5. Of the gospel covenant -- Heb 8:6; 12:24. Typified Moses. -- De 5:5; Ga 3:19. Aaron. -- Nu 16:48.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Sincerity — Christ was an example of -- 1Pe 2:22. Ministers should be examples of -- Tit 2:7. Opposed to fleshly wisdom -- 2Co 1:12. Should characterise Our love to God. -- 2Co 8:8,24. Our love to Christ. -- Eph 6:24. Our service to God. -- Jos 24:14; Joh 4:23,24. Our faith. -- 1Ti 1:5. Our love to one another. -- Ro 12:9; 1Pe 1:22; 1Jo 3:18. Our whole conduct. -- 2Co 1:12. The preaching of the gospel. -- 2Co 2:17; 1Th 2:3-5. A characteristic of the doctrines of the gospel -- 1Pe 2:2. The gospel sometimes preached without -- Php 1:16. The wicked devoid of -- Ps 5:9; ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Humility — Necessary to the service of God -- Mic 6:8. Christ an example of -- Mt 11:29; Joh 13:14,15; Php 2:5-8. A characteristic of saints -- Ps 34:2. The who have Regarded by God. -- Ps 138:6; Isa 66:2. Heard by God. -- Ps 9:12; Isa 10:17. Enjoy the presence of God. -- Isa 57:15. Delivered by God. -- Job 22:29. Lifted up by God. -- Jas 4:10. Exalted by God. -- Lu 14:11; 18:14. Are greatest in Christ's kingdom. -- Mt 18:4; 20:26-28. Receive more grace. -- Pr 3:34; Jas 4:6. Upheld by honour. -- Pr 18:12; 29:23. Is before honour -- Pr 15:33. Leads to riches, honour, ”
- Hebrews (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Hebrews 1 (introduction): In this chapter we have a twofold comparison stated: I. Between the evangelical and legal dispensation; and the excellency of the gospel above that of the law is asserted and proved (Heb 1:1-3). II. Between the glory of Christ and that of the highest creatures, the angels; where the pre-eminence is justly given to the Lord Jesus Christ, and clearly demonstrated to belong to him (Heb 1:4 to the end).”
- Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 2:5: 2:5-9 The author of Hebrews uses Ps 8:4-6 to transition from the discussion of Christ’s exalted divinity (Heb 1:5-14) to the discussion of his humanity (2:10-18). Psalm 8 is often presented with Ps 110:1 (see Heb 1:13) to speak of the submission of created things to Christ (see 1 Cor 15:25-27; Eph 1:20-23). Christ is the consummate human being. In his exaltation, he fulfills what fallen humanity could not: true dominion over the created order. 2:5 it is not angels: Cp. 1:13.”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 40 (introduction): In this Psalm a celebration of God's deliverance is followed by a profession of devotion to His service. Then follows a prayer for relief from imminent dangers, involving the overthrow of enemies and the rejoicing of sympathizing friends. In Heb 10:5, &c., Paul quotes Psa 40:6-8 as the words of Christ, offering Himself as a better sacrifice. Some suppose Paul thus accommodated David's words to express Christ's sentiments. But the value of his quotation would be thus destroyed, as it would have no force in his argument, unless regarded by h”
- Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 3:1: 3:1-6 The author compares Jesus to Moses, setting Jesus forward as the supreme example of faithfulness. The great status of Moses, a revered figure in Judaism, is used to show the incomparable greatness of Jesus. 3:1 dear brothers and sisters who belong to God: Literally holy brothers. Speakers and writers of the ancient world often addressed religious gatherings as “brothers” (Greek adelphoi), referring to both men and women. • think carefully about this Jesus: Focusing on Jesus is a primary means of persevering in the faith (2:9; 12:1-2). • God’s messenger (lite”