Effective Uses of Non-Biblical Examples in Teaching and Preaching
Non-biblical examples can serve as effective tools in teaching and preaching by illustrating biblical principles and making them relatable to contemporary audiences. While the Bible itself provides numerous examples of conduct and character, drawing from outside sources can help bridge the gap between ancient texts and modern life.
The Bible frequently presents Christ as the ultimate example for believers in various aspects of life, such as self-denial, sincerity, liberality, intercessory prayer, and meekness [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. For instance, Christ's self-denial is seen in passages like Matthew 4:8-10 and Philippians 2:6-8, while his sincerity is highlighted in 1 Peter 2:22 [1, 2]. Similarly, Christ's liberality (2 Corinthians 8:9) and meekness (Matthew 11:29) are presented as models [3, 5]. Ministers are also encouraged to be examples in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity (1 Timothy 4:12) [6].
However, the application of these biblical examples can be enhanced by drawing parallels from everyday experiences or historical figures. For instance, when discussing self-denial, a preacher might use an example of an athlete's rigorous training regimen to illustrate the discipline required for spiritual growth, connecting it to biblical calls for self-control (1 Corinthians 9:25-27) [1]. Similarly, to explain liberality, one could reference modern philanthropic efforts or acts of generosity, linking them to the biblical command to give cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7) [3].
The use of non-biblical examples should always serve to illuminate, not overshadow, the biblical message. The primary standard for a Christian's conduct remains "the word of Christ" and "the example of Christ" [9]. As Adam Clarke notes, a minister should "divide rightly the word of truth, and give to all such portions as are suited to their capacities and states," which can include using relevant illustrations [11]. The goal is to make the "testimony concerning Christ and his salvation" supremely excellent, even when conveyed through various forms of language or illustration [10]. While the outward ministry of the word is essential, and knowledge should increase, non-biblical examples can help ensure that the message resonates with diverse listeners [7, 8].
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: 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: 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:”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Prayer, Intercessory — Christ set an example of -- Lu 22:32; 23:34; Joh 17:9-24. Commanded -- 1Ti 2:1; Jas 5:14,16. Should be offered up for Kings. -- 1Ti 2:2. All in authority. -- 1Ti 2:2. Ministers. -- 2Co 1:11; Php 1:19. The Church. -- Ps 122:6; Isa 62:6,7. All saints. -- Eph 6:18. All men. -- 1Ti 2:1. Masters. -- Ge 24:12-14. Servants. -- Lu 7:2,3. Children. -- Ge 17:18; Mt 15:22. Friends. -- Job 42:8. Fellow-countrymen. -- Ro 10:1. The sick. -- Jas 5:14. Persecutors. -- Mt 5:44. Enemies among whom we dwell. -- Jer 29:7. Those who envy us. -- Nu 12:13. Those who ”
- 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”
- I Timothy “I Timothy 4:12 (BSB) — Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”
- Jeremiah (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Jeremiah 31:34: And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother,.... Which is not to be understood of the outward ministry of the word; in heaven indeed there will be no need of it, nor in the New Jerusalem state; but in every period of time before it. In the first times of the Gospel, persons were appointed and qualified by Christ to be pastors and teachers; and in the latter day men shall run to and fro, and increase knowledge; besides, the saints in the present state stand in need of teaching; since they know but in part, and there is room for a ”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Isaiah, Vol. 1, section 8.8: an ardent desire to spread the doctrines of religion, that every one not satisfied with his own calling and his personal knowledge will desire to draw others along with him. And indeed nothing could be more inconsistent with the nature of faith than that deadness which would lead a man to disregard his brethren, and to keep the light of knowledge choked up within his own breast. The greater the eminence above others which any man has received from his calling so much the more diligently ought he to labor to enlighten others. This points out to”
- 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 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 2:1: When I came to you - Acting suitably to my mission, which was to preach the Gospel, but not with human eloquence, Co1 1:17. I declared to you the testimony, the Gospel, of God, not with excellency of speech, not with arts of rhetoric, used by your own philosophers, where the excellence of the speech recommends the matter, and compensates for the want of solidity and truth: on the contrary, the testimony concerning Christ and his salvation is so supremely excellent, as to dignify any kind of language by which it may be conveyed. See the Introduction, Section 2.”
- Luke (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Luke 9:16: Then he took the five loaves - A minister of the Gospel, who is employed to feed souls, should imitate this conduct of Christ: 1. He ought to exhort the people to hear with sedate and humble reverence. 2. He should first take the bread of life himself, that he may be strengthened to feed others. 3. He ought frequently to lift his soul to God, in order to draw down the Divine blessing on himself and his hearers. 4. He should break the loaves - divide rightly the word of truth, and give to all such portions as are suited to their capacities and states. 5. What he cannot”