Distinguishing Between Biblical Teaching and Non-Biblical Examples
Distinguishing Between Biblical Teaching and Non-Biblical Examples
The Bible contains various literary forms, including parables, fables, and examples, which serve to convey moral and spiritual truths. Distinguishing between biblical teaching and non-biblical examples is crucial for understanding the message of the Scripture.
A parable is a narrative that illustrates a moral or spiritual truth by comparing it to a real-life situation. In contrast, a fable is a fictional story that uses irrational or inanimate objects to convey a moral lesson [1]. The Bible contains parables, such as those told by Jesus, which are grounded in reality and aim to teach heavenly truths. Fables, on the other hand, are not characteristic of biblical teaching, with only two examples found in the Bible [1].
The Bible also provides examples of righteous living, such as Christ's self-denial (Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8) and liberality (2Co 8:9) [2, 4]. These examples serve as a model for Christian behavior and are considered essential for spiritual growth. The importance of following Christ's example is emphasized in 1 Peter 2:21 and John 13:15 [3].
To distinguish between biblical teaching and non-biblical examples, one must examine the content and context of the narrative. Biblical teaching is characterized by its consistency with the overall message of Scripture and its focus on spiritual truths. In contrast, non-biblical examples may be identified by their lack of connection to the broader biblical narrative or their emphasis on earthly moralities rather than spiritual truths [1].
The early Christian community faced challenges in distinguishing between orthodox and heterodox teachings. The apostle Paul warned against being "carried about with divers and strange doctrines" (Hebrews 13:9) [6]. The writer of Hebrews emphasized the importance of being established with grace, rather than with "meats" or other external observances (Hebrews 13:9) [5]. This warning highlights the need for discernment in evaluating teachings and examples.
Sources
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Fable — A fable is a narrative in which being irrational, and sometimes inanimate, are, for the purpose of moral instruction, feigned to act and speak with human interests and passions.--Encyc. Brit. The fable differs from the parable in that-- + The parable always relates what actually takes place, and is true to fact, which the fable is not; and + The parable teaches the higher heavenly and spiritual truths, but the fable only earthly moralities. Of the fable, as distinguished from the parable [[510]Parable], we have but two examples in the Bible: + That of the tree”
- 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 ”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Example — Of Christ (1 Pet. 2:21; John 13:15); of pastors to their flocks (Phil. 3:17; 2 Thess. 3:9; 1 Tim. 4:12; 1 Pet. 5:3); of the Jews as a warning (Heb. 4:11); of the prophets as suffering affliction (James 5:10).”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Liberality — Pleasing to God -- 2Co 9:7; Heb 13:16. God never forgets -- Heb 6:10. Christ set an example of -- 2Co 8:9. Characteristic of saints -- Ps 112:9; Isa 32:8. Unprofitable, without love -- 1Co 13:3. Should be exercised In the service of God. -- Ex 35:21-29. Toward saints. -- Ro 12:13; Ga 6:10. Toward servants. -- De 15:12-14. Toward the poor. -- De 15:11; Isa 58:7. Toward strangers. -- Le 25:35. Toward enemies. -- Pr 25:21. Toward all men. -- Ga 6:10. In leading to those in want. -- Mt 5:42. In giving alms. -- Lu 12:33. In relieving the destitute. -- Isa 58:”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 13:9: about--rather, as oldest manuscripts read, "carried aside"; namely, compare Eph 4:14. divers--differing from the one faith in the one and the same Jesus Christ, as taught by them who had the rule over you (Heb 13:7). strange--foreign to the truth. doctrines--"teachings." established with grace; not with meats--not with observances of Jewish distinctions between clean and unclean meats, to which ascetic Judaizers added in Christian times the rejection of some meats, and the use of others: noticed also by Paul in Co1 8:8, Co1 8:13; Co1 6:13; Rom”
- 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”