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Guiding the Use of Secular Examples in Preaching Biblically

Preaching biblically involves drawing upon various forms of examples to illustrate and apply scriptural truths. The Bible itself provides numerous examples, including the life of Christ, the conduct of biblical figures, and the experiences of the Jewish people [2]. Beyond these, preachers may also consider the use of secular examples, which can serve to connect biblical principles with contemporary life.

The primary and most perfect example for Christian life and preaching is Jesus Christ. He is presented as an example of sincerity (1 Peter 2:22), meekness (Matthew 11:29; 1 Peter 2:21-23), intercessory prayer (Luke 22:32; John 17:9-24), diligence (Mark 1:35; Luke 2:49), and mercy (Luke 6:36) [1, 3, 4, 5, 6]. Ministers are called to be examples to their flocks (Philippians 3:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:9; 1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Peter 5:3) [2]. The prophets also serve as examples of enduring affliction (James 5:10), and the experiences of the Jews are presented as a warning (Hebrews 4:11) [2]. These biblical examples provide a foundational framework for understanding and communicating Christian doctrine.

When considering secular examples in preaching, it is important to understand the nature of preaching itself. Preaching is fundamentally about speaking "as the oracles of God" (1 Peter 4:11), meaning that the content should be derived from and consistent with Scripture [12]. John Gill, in his commentary on 1 Peter, emphasizes that this applies to the public ministry of the word, where the speaker is to address divine things [12]. The apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 2:1, states that he came declaring the "testimony of God, not with excellency of speech" [11]. Adam Clarke, commenting on this passage, notes that Paul's mission was to preach the Gospel, not with human eloquence or rhetorical arts, but with the supreme excellence of the testimony concerning Christ [11]. This suggests that while communication style is important, the substance of the message—the Gospel—is paramount.

The use of secular examples can be seen as a means to make the biblical message more accessible and relatable to a contemporary audience. However, this must be done carefully to ensure that the secular example genuinely illuminates biblical truth rather than overshadowing or distorting it. The goal of preaching is to bring people to a "professed subjection to the Gospel of Christ" (2 Corinthians 9:13), which is the doctrine of grace, life, and salvation [10]. Secular examples should serve this purpose, helping listeners to understand how biblical principles apply to their daily lives and the world around them.

The Bible itself uses various forms of communication to convey truth, including parables, metaphors, and historical narratives. While these are not "secular" in the modern sense, they often draw upon common human experiences and observations to illustrate spiritual realities. For instance, Ecclesiastes frequently reflects on the human condition and the cycles of life and death (Ecclesiastes 3:4, 12:7) [7, 8]. It speaks of the return of dust to the earth and the spirit to God (Ecclesiastes 12:7) [7]. Such observations, while rooted in a biblical worldview, resonate with universal human experiences.

The challenge lies in discerning appropriate secular examples. The apostle Paul, in his address on Mars Hill (Acts 17), quoted Greek poets to connect with his audience, demonstrating a willingness to engage with their cultural context. However, his ultimate aim was to point them to the unknown God and the resurrection of Christ. This approach suggests that secular examples can be used as a bridge, but the destination must always be biblical truth.

Preachers are called to be diligent in their study and application of Scripture. Hebrews 6:1 encourages believers to move beyond "elementary teaching about the Christ" and "press on to maturity" [9]. This implies a continuous deepening of understanding and application of biblical truths. John Gill, in his commentary on Hebrews 5:12, discusses those who "use milk" and are "unskilful in the word of righteousness," referring to those who remain at a basic level of understanding the Gospel [13]. Effective preaching, whether using secular examples or not, aims to move listeners toward a more profound grasp of the "pure, perfect, and everlasting righteousness of Christ" [13].

The use of secular examples should not detract from the authority of Scripture. The Bible is considered the "oracles of God" (1 Peter 4:11) [12]. Therefore, any example, whether biblical or secular, must be subservient to the biblical text and its intended meaning. The purpose is not to entertain or merely inform, but to persuade and transform through the power of God's word. As Matthew Henry notes in his introduction to 1 Corinthians 14, spiritual gifts, including preaching, should be used for the greatest good and edification of the church [14]. This means that clarity and understanding are paramount. If a secular example confuses or misleads, it defeats the purpose.

Furthermore, the preacher's own conduct and sincerity are crucial. The preaching of the Gospel should be characterized by sincerity (2 Corinthians 2:17; 1 Thessalonians 2:3-5) [1]. This sincerity extends to how examples are chosen and presented. The goal is not to appear clever or worldly, but to faithfully communicate God's message.

Sources

  1. 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; ”
  2. 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).”
  3. 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”
  4. 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 ”
  5. 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:”
  6. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Mercy — After the example of God -- Lu 6:36. Enjoined -- 2Ki 6:21-23; Ho 12:6; Ro 12:20,21; Col 3:12. To be engraved on the heart -- Pr 3:3. Characteristic of saints -- Ps 37:26; Isa 57:1. Should be shown With cheerfulness. -- Ro 12:8. To our brethren. -- Zec 7:9. to those that are in distress. -- Lu 10:37. To the poor. -- Pr 14:31; Da 4:27. To backsliders. -- Lu 15:18-20; 2Co 2:6-8. To animals. -- Pr 12:10. Upholds the throne of kings -- Pr 20:28. Beneficial to those who exercise -- Pr 11:17. Blessedness of showing -- Pr 14:21; Mt 5:7. Hypocrites devoid of -- Mt 23:”
  7. Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Ecclesiastes 12:7 cross-references: Genesis 2:7, Genesis 3:19, Genesis 18:27, Numbers 16:22, Numbers 27:16, Job 4:19, Job 7:21, Job 20:11, Job 34:14, Job 34:15, Psalms 31:6, Psalms 90:3, Psalms 146:4, Ecclesiastes 3:20, Isaiah 57:16, Jeremiah 38:16, Daniel 12:2, Zechariah 12:1, Hebrews 12:9, Hebrews 12:23”
  8. Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Ecclesiastes 3:4 cross-references: Genesis 21:6, Exodus 15:20, 2 Samuel 6:16, Nehemiah 8:9, Nehemiah 9:1, Psalms 30:5, Psalms 126:1, Psalms 126:5, Ecclesiastes 7:14, Isaiah 22:12, Isaiah 40:1, Isaiah 40:2, Matthew 9:15, Matthew 11:17, Luke 1:13, Luke 1:58, Luke 6:21, John 16:20, Romans 12:15, 2 Corinthians 7:10, James 4:9”
  9. 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,”
  10. 2 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Corinthians 9:13: Whiles by the experiment of this ministration,.... That is, the poor saints at Jerusalem having a specimen, a proof, an experience of the liberality of the Gentile churches ministered to them by the apostles, first, they glorify God; by giving thanks unto him, acknowledging him to be the author of all the grace and goodness which they, and others, were partakers of; particularly for your professed subjection to the Gospel of Christ. The Gospel of Christ is the doctrine of grace, life, and salvation by Christ, of which he is the author, as God, the subject m”
  11. 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.”
  12. 1 Peter (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Peter 4:11: If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God,.... This is an application of the above general rule to a particular case, the public ministry of the word, for that is here meant: "if any man speak"; not in any manner, or on any subject; not in a private way, or about things natural and civil; but in public, and concerning divine things: "let him speak": this is rightly supplied in our translation; and in which it is supported and confirmed by the Syriac and Arabic versions, who both supply the same way: "as the oracles of God"; by which are meant the writings”
  13. Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 5:12: For everyone that useth milk,.... And sits down contented with the first principles of the Gospel, such as are easily taken in and digested; or makes use of the ceremonial law, as a schoolmaster to teach him the Gospel: is unskilful in the word of righteousness; the Gospel, which is a doctrine of righteousness; not of works of righteousness done by men, and of justification by them, or of a man's own righteousness; but of the pure, perfect, and everlasting righteousness of Christ: and it is called so, because it is the means of stripping a man of his own righteousn”
  14. 1 Corinthians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Corinthians 14 (introduction): In this chapter the apostle directs them about the use of their spiritual gifts, preferring those that are best and fitted to do the greatest good. I. He begins with advising them of all spiritual gifts to prefer prophesying, and shows that this is much better than speaking with tongues (Co1 14:1-5). II. He goes on to show them how unprofitable the speaking of foreign languages is, and useless to the church; it is like piping in one tone, like sounding a trumpet without any certain note, like talking gibberish; whereas gifts should be used for ”
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