Balancing Non-Biblical Examples with Christ's Sufficiency in Teaching
Balancing Non-Biblical Examples with Christ's Sufficiency in Teaching
Christ's example is a central theme in Christian teaching, and the New Testament emphasizes its importance in guiding believers' lives. The Gospels portray Jesus as setting an example in various aspects, such as self-denial [1], diligence [2], forgiveness [3], and meekness [6]. These examples are not merely historical records but are meant to instruct and inspire Christians to follow in Jesus' footsteps.
The apostle Paul underscores the significance of Christ's example in his letters. In 1 Corinthians, Paul highlights that his preaching centers on "Christ crucified" (1Co 2:1-2) [7]. This focus on Christ's example is not limited to his teachings but encompasses his entire life, including his suffering and death. The writer of Hebrews encourages believers to "consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession" (Heb 3:1), emphasizing the importance of looking to Christ as a model for faith and endurance.
While Christ's example is paramount, the question arises whether non-biblical examples can be used in teaching. Some Christian traditions caution against relying on external examples, emphasizing that Christ's teaching and example are sufficient for guiding believers. The apostle Paul warns against "anyone who teaches a different doctrine" and does not "consent to sound words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1Ti 6:3) [4, 9]. This warning suggests that Christian teaching should be grounded in Scripture and centered on Christ's teachings.
However, other sources suggest that non-biblical examples can be used in a way that complements Christ's teaching. For instance, Adam Clarke notes that believers should examine themselves by the "words and example of Christ" and not derive their consolation from comparing themselves with others [8]. This implies that while Christ's example is the primary standard, other examples can be used in a secondary capacity to illustrate Christian principles.
The key is to ensure that non-biblical examples do not supplant or compromise Christ's teaching. The Bible warns against "teaching another doctrine" (1Ti 6:3) [11] and emphasizes the importance of abiding in Christ's teaching (2Jo 1:9) [5]. Therefore, any use of non-biblical examples in teaching must be carefully balanced with a commitment to Christ's sufficiency.
In practice, this means that Christian teachers and preachers should prioritize Christ's example and teachings while being mindful of the potential benefits of using other examples to illustrate Christian principles. As John Gill notes, the Gospel is "the doctrine of Christ," and believers should not leave the "principles of the doctrine of Christ" (Heb 6:1) [10]. By maintaining this balance, Christian teaching can remain centered on Christ while still engaging with the broader cultural and historical context.
Sources
- 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 ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Diligence — Christ, an example -- Mr 1:35; Lu 2:49. Required by God in Seeking him. -- 1Ch 22:19; Heb 11:6. Obeying him. -- De 6:17; 11:13. Hearkening to him. -- Isa 55:2. Striving after perfection. -- Php 3:13,14. Cultivating Christian graces. -- 2Pe 1:5. Keeping the souls. -- De 4:9. Keeping the heart. -- Pr 4:23. Labours of love. -- Heb 6:10-12. Following every good work. -- 1Ti 5:10. Guarding against defilement. -- Heb 12:15. Seeking to be found spotless. -- 2Pe 3:14. Making our call, &c, sure. -- 2Pe 1:10. Self-examination. -- Ps 77:6. Lawful business. -- Pr 27:”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Forgiveness of Injuries — Christ set an example of -- Lu 23:34. Commanded -- Mr 11:25; Ro 12:19. To be unlimited -- Mt 18:22; Lu 17:4. A characteristic of saints -- Ps 7:4. Motives to The mercy of God. -- Lu 6:36. Our need of forgiveness. -- Mr 11:25. God's forgiveness of us. -- Eph 4:32. Christ's forgiveness of us. -- Col 3:13. A glory to saints -- Pr 19:11. Should be accompanied by Forbearance. -- Col 3:13. Kindness. -- Ge 45:5-11; Ro 12:20. Blessing and prayer. -- Mt 5:44. Promises to -- Mt 6:14; Lu 6:37. No forgiveness without -- Mt 6:15; Jas 2:13. Illustrated --”
- 1 Timothy “If anyone teaches a different doctrine, and doesn’t consent to sound words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness, -- 1 Timothy 6:3”
- 2 John “2 John 1:9 (NASB) — Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Meekness — Christ set an example of -- Ps 45:4; Isa 53:7; Mt 11:29; 21:5; 2Co 10:1; 1Pe 2:21-23. His teaching -- Mt 5:38-45. A fruit of the Spirit -- Ga 5:22,23. Saints should Seek. -- Zep 2:3. Put on. -- Col 3:12-13. Receive the word of God with. -- Jas 1:21. Exhibit, in conduct, &c. -- Jas 3:13. Answer for their hope with. -- 1Pe 3:15. Show to all men. -- Tit 3:2. Restore the erring with. -- Ga 6:1. Precious in the sight of God -- 1Pe 3:4. Ministers should Follow after. -- 1Ti 6:11. Instruct opposers with. -- 2Ti 2:24,25. Urge, on their people. -- Tit 3:1,2. A char”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 2 (introduction): PAUL'S SUBJECT OF PREACHING, CHRIST CRUCIFIED, NOT IN WORLDLY, BUT IN HEAVENLY, WISDOM AMONG THE PERFECT. (1Co. 2:1-16) And I--"So I" [CONYBEARE] as one of the "foolish, weak, and despised" instruments employed by God (Co1 1:27-28); "glorying in the Lord," not in man's wisdom (Co1 1:31). Compare Co1 1:23, "We." when I came-- (Act 18:1, &c.). Paul might, had he pleased, have used an ornate style, having studied secular learning at Tarsus of Cilicia, which STRABO preferred as a school of learning to Athens or Alexandria; here, doubt”
- Galatians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Galatians 6:4: Prove his own work - Let him examine himself and his conduct by the words and example of Christ; and if he find that they bear this touchstone, then he shall have rejoicing in himself alone, feeling that he resembles his Lord and Master, and not in another - not derive his consolation from comparing himself with another who may be weaker, or less instructed than himself. The only rule for a Christian is the word of Christ; the only pattern for his imitation is the example of Christ. He should not compare himself with others; they are not his standard. Christ hath ”
- 1 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Timothy 6:3: teach otherwise--than I desire thee to "teach" (Ti1 6:2). The Greek indicative implies, he puts not a merely supposed case, but one actually existing, Ti1 1:3, "Every one who teaches otherwise," that is, who teaches heterodoxy. consent not--Greek, "accede not to." wholesome--"sound" (Ti1 1:10): opposed to the false teachers' words, unsound through profitless science and immorality. words of our Lord Jesus Christ--Paul's inspired words are not merely his own, but are also Christ's words.”
- Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 6:1: Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ,.... The Gospel is the doctrine of Christ, and is so called, because Christ, as God, is the author of it; as Mediator, he received it from his Father; as man, he was the preacher of it; and he is also the sum and substance of it: the principles of this doctrine are either the easier parts of the Gospel, called milk in the latter part of the preceding chapter; which are not to be left with dislike and contempt, nor so as to be forgotten, nor so as not to be recurred to at proper times; but so as not to abide in”
- 1 Timothy (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Timothy 6:3: If any man teach otherwise,.... Or another doctrine, as the Syriac version renders it; a doctrine different from what the apostle had now taught, concerning the duty of servants to their masters; as did the false teachers, who despised dominion or government; not only civil government, and so spoke evil of rulers and magistrates; and church government, and therefore reviled the apostles, elders, and pastors of churches; but family government, and encouraged disobedience to parents and masters; see Pe2 2:10 or teach another doctrine, from that of the Bible, of Chris”