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Choosing Non-Biblical Examples in Christian Teaching

Christian teaching often draws upon various examples to illustrate theological concepts and ethical principles. While biblical narratives and figures are primary sources, the use of non-biblical examples can also serve to clarify or reinforce these teachings, provided they align with "sound words" and "the teaching that is in accordance with godliness" [3, 6]. The Apostle Paul, for instance, warned against teaching "other doctrine" or giving heed to "stories and endless genealogies" that lead to "arguings, rather than that stewardship of God which is with faith" [5]. This suggests a discernment in the types of examples and narratives that are appropriate for instruction.

The Bible itself frequently uses examples to convey moral and spiritual lessons. Christ is presented as the ultimate example in various virtues: self-denial (Matthew 4:8-10; John 6:38; Philippians 2:6-8) [1], sincerity (1 Peter 2:22) [2], meekness (Matthew 11:29; 1 Peter 2:21-23) [4], diligence (Mark 1:35; Luke 2:49) [9], and avoiding strife (Matthew 12:15-19; 1 Peter 2:23) [10]. Ministers are also called to be examples to the flock (1 Peter 5:3) [8]. These biblical examples serve as foundational models for conduct and character within Christian life.

When considering non-biblical examples, the core concern is whether they uphold or detract from the "doctrine of Christ" [18]. John Gill, in his commentary on 1 Timothy 6:3, explains that "other doctrine" refers to teaching that deviates from what the apostle had taught, including principles of conduct [17]. This implies that any example used in teaching should be consistent with biblical doctrine and not introduce conflicting ideas. The "principles of the doctrine of Christ" are the foundational elements of the Gospel [18]. While these elementary teachings are not to be abandoned, believers are encouraged to "press on to maturity" (Hebrews 6:1) [7]. This progression to maturity involves a deeper understanding and application of biblical truths, which non-biblical examples might sometimes help to illuminate, provided they are carefully chosen.

The nature of sin, for example, is a fundamental biblical concept. All human beings are born sinners (Psalm 51:5), and while the wicked indulge their sinful nature, the godly strive against it (Romans 7:19-23; James 4:1-10) [11]. Sin is understood as a love of self, dishonor to God, ingratitude, and disobedience [12]. Deliberate sins are committed with an insolent or arrogant attitude, and rebellion is considered a "great sin" (Psalm 19:13, 32:1) [13]. God's anger is a necessary response to sin (Romans 1:18) [14]. The concept of sin is not merely about committing "actual sins" but also about the "corrupt old nature still adhering to us" [15]. Non-biblical narratives or historical accounts that illustrate the consequences of pride, disobedience, or self-centeredness could be used to reinforce these biblical teachings on sin, as long as they do not introduce alternative explanations for sin's origin or nature that contradict scripture.

Similarly, the concept of righteousness by faith is central to Christian teaching (Romans 3:21). Paul emphasizes universal sinfulness before exploring this theme, highlighting that both Gentiles and Jews are "under sin’s power and cannot find favor with God by any action of their own" (Romans 1:18–3:20) [14]. Any non-biblical example used to illustrate human inability to achieve righteousness through works would need to align with this understanding, rather than promoting a different path to divine favor.

The Apostle Paul's own approach to teaching, as described in 1 Corinthians, focused on "Christ crucified" rather than "man's wisdom" [16]. This suggests a priority for biblical content and a caution against relying on human philosophy or worldly wisdom as the primary source of instruction. However, this does not necessarily preclude the use of non-biblical illustrations that serve to clarify or apply biblical truths. The key is that such examples should be subservient to, and consistent with, the "sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ" [3].

The use of non-biblical examples can be particularly helpful in making abstract theological concepts more relatable or in demonstrating their practical implications in diverse contexts. For instance, a story from secular history illustrating courage in the face of adversity might be used to encourage believers to "put on" meekness and patience (Colossians 3:12-13) [4], or to demonstrate diligence in "following every good work" (1 Timothy 5:10) [9]. However, the teacher must ensure that the example genuinely reflects the biblical virtue and does not subtly introduce conflicting values or motivations.

Sources

  1. 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 ”
  2. 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; ”
  3. I Timothy “I Timothy 6:3 (LEB) — If anyone teaches other doctrine and does not devote himself to the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that is in accordance with godliness,”
  4. 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”
  5. 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;—”
  6. 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”
  7. 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,”
  8. I Peter “I Peter 5:3 (Webster) — Neither as being lords over [God's] heritage, but being examples to the flock.”
  9. 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:”
  10. 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”
  11. Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 58:3: 58:3 All human beings are born sinners (see 51:5); however, whereas the wicked indulge their sinful nature, the godly fight against it (Rom 7:19-23; Jas 4:1-10).”
  12. Genesis (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Genesis 3:13: beguiled--cajoled by flattering lies. This sin of the first pair was heinous and aggravated--it was not simply eating an apple, but a love of self, dishonor to God, ingratitude to a benefactor, disobedience to the best of Masters--a preference of the creature to the Creator.”
  13. Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 19:13: 19:13 An individual who commits deliberate sins does so with an insolent (86:14) or arrogant (119:21, 69) attitude. • The great sin is rebellion (see 32:1).”
  14. Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 1:18: 1:18–3:20 Paul delays exploring the theme of righteousness through faith (see 3:21) until after he first teaches about universal sinfulness. Gentiles (1:18-32) and Jews (2:1–3:8) are equally under sin’s power and cannot find favor with God by any action of their own (3:9-20). 1:18 God’s anger is not a spontaneous emotional outburst, but the holy God’s necessary response to sin. The Old Testament often depicts God’s anger (Exod 32:10-12; Num 11:1; Jer 21:3-7) and predicts a decisive outpouring of God’s wrath on human sin at the end of history. While Paul usually de”
  15. 1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 1:10: Parallel to Jo1 1:8. we have not sinned--referring to the commission of actual sins, even after regeneration and conversion; whereas in Jo1 1:8, "we have no sin," refers to the present GUILT remaining (until cleansed) from the actual sins committed, and to the SIN of our corrupt old nature still adhering to us. The perfect "have . . . sinned" brings down the commission of sins to the present time, not merely sins committed before, but since, conversion. we make him a liar--a gradation; Jo1 1:6, "we lie"; Jo1 1:8, "we deceive ourselves"; worst of al”
  16. 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”
  17. 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”
  18. 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”
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