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Humility in Using Non-Scriptural Examples in Biblical Communication

Humility, a prominent Christian grace, is a state of mind that is pleasing to God and essential for serving Him [1, 3]. It is characterized by a modest view of oneself, recognizing one's dependence on God and acknowledging one's own sinfulness [3, 13]. The concept of humility is deeply rooted in biblical teachings, with Christ Himself serving as the ultimate example [1, 3, 4].

Biblical Foundations of Humility

The Old Testament frequently highlights humility as a virtue. Micah 6:8 states that God requires His people "to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God" [1]. The Psalms emphasize that God regards the humble (Psalm 138:6), hears their prayers (Psalm 9:12), enjoys their presence (Isaiah 57:15), delivers them (Job 22:29), and lifts them up (Psalm 147:6) [1, 3]. Proverbs also connects humility with honor and wisdom, noting that "before honour is humility" (Proverbs 15:33) and that "the fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility" (Proverbs 29:23) [1, 3].

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ explicitly teaches and embodies humility. He declares, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls" (Matthew 11:29) [1, 4]. His entire earthly life, from His birth in humble circumstances to His subjection to His parents and His choice of a modest station in life, exemplifies humility [4]. He refused worldly honors (John 5:41; 6:15) and even washed His disciples' feet, demonstrating servant leadership (John 13:5) [4]. The Apostle Paul further elaborates on Christ's humility in Philippians 2:5-8, stating that Christ, "being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" [1, 3, 4].

The New Testament epistles consistently commend humility as a core Christian virtue. Romans 12:3 warns against thinking of oneself more highly than one ought, while 1 Peter 5:5 exhorts believers to "be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble" [3]. James 4:6 echoes this sentiment, stating, "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble," and promises that those who humble themselves before the Lord will be lifted up (James 4:10) [1].

Humility in Using Non-Scriptural Examples

When communicating biblical truths, the principle of humility extends to the use of non-scriptural examples. This involves recognizing the inherent authority and sufficiency of Scripture while judiciously employing external illustrations to clarify or illuminate biblical concepts. The goal is not to elevate non-scriptural sources to the level of Scripture, but to serve the understanding and application of God's Word.

One aspect of humility in this context is sincerity [2]. Ministers and communicators should be examples of sincerity (Titus 2:7), ensuring that their use of non-scriptural examples is genuinely aimed at serving God and His truth, rather than seeking personal acclaim or intellectual display [2]. Sincerity in preaching the gospel means avoiding fleshly wisdom and ensuring that the message is delivered with purity and without deceit (2 Corinthians 1:12; 2:17; 1 Thessalonians 2:3-5) [2]. This implies that any external example should genuinely aid in understanding the biblical text, not distract from it or subtly replace its authority.

Another related concept is liberality [5]. While often associated with giving, liberality in communication can mean being generous in providing various avenues for understanding, including well-chosen non-scriptural examples. However, this liberality must be exercised "without grudging" or murmuring, and with "open-hearted sincerity" [12]. The purpose is to serve the audience, not to impress them.

The use of non-scriptural examples can be understood in light of the biblical concept of a parable. A parable, in its broadest sense, is a comparison, a similitude, or an illustration of one subject by another [6]. While biblical parables are divinely inspired, the underlying principle of using relatable stories or analogies to convey deeper truths is applicable. Jesus Himself frequently used parables drawn from everyday life to explain spiritual realities, such as the sower, the prodigal son, and the good Samaritan. These were not "scriptural" in the sense of being part of the Old Testament canon, but they were divinely inspired illustrations that made spiritual truths accessible.

However, humility dictates that communicators must be careful not to equate their chosen illustrations with the authority of Scripture itself. The "greatest promises are made to the humble" [3], and this includes the promise of God's blessing on communication that honors His Word above all else. When non-scriptural examples are used, they should always be clearly presented as illustrations, not as foundational truths. The ultimate source of truth and authority remains the Bible.

The danger of pride in communication lies in subtly shifting the focus from God's Word to human wisdom or cleverness. Paul warns against this in 1 Corinthians 3:5-7, reminding believers that ministers are merely servants through whom they believed, and that it is God who gives the increase [3]. In Christ, believers are claimed by God (1 Corinthians 3:23), and their communication should reflect this ultimate allegiance [11].

Humility also involves recognizing the universal sinfulness of humanity (Romans 1:18-32; 3:9-20) [9]. All human beings are born sinners (Psalm 58:3), and even after conversion, individuals continue to commit sins (1 John 1:10) [7, 10]. This awareness should temper any tendency to rely excessively on human reason or experience apart from divine revelation. The "great sin is rebellion" against God [8], and this rebellion can manifest in intellectual arrogance that prioritizes human thought over God's revealed Word.

Therefore, when employing non-scriptural examples, a humble communicator will:

Sources

  1. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Humility — Necessary to the service of God -- Mic 6:8. Christ an example of -- Mt 11:29; Joh 13:14,15; Php 2:5-8. A characteristic of saints -- Ps 34:2. The who have Regarded by God. -- Ps 138:6; Isa 66:2. Heard by God. -- Ps 9:12; Isa 10:17. Enjoy the presence of God. -- Isa 57:15. Delivered by God. -- Job 22:29. Lifted up by God. -- Jas 4:10. Exalted by God. -- Lu 14:11; 18:14. Are greatest in Christ's kingdom. -- Mt 18:4; 20:26-28. Receive more grace. -- Pr 3:34; Jas 4:6. Upheld by honour. -- Pr 18:12; 29:23. Is before honour -- Pr 15:33. Leads to riches, honour, ”
  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. Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Humility — A prominent Christian grace (Rom. 12:3; 15:17, 18; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; 2 Cor. 3:5; Phil. 4:11-13). It is a state of mind well pleasing to God (1 Pet. 3:4); it preserves the soul in tranquillity (Ps. 69:32, 33), and makes us patient under trials (Job 1:22). Christ has set us an example of humility (Phil. 2:6-8). We should be led thereto by a remembrance of our sins (Lam. 3:39), and by the thought that it is the way to honour (Prov. 16:18), and that the greatest promises are made to the humble (Ps. 147:6; Isa. 57:15; 66:2; 1 Pet. 5:5). It is a "great paradox in Ch”
  4. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Humility of Christ, The — Declared by himself -- Mt 11:29. Exhibited in his Taking our nature. -- Php 2:7; Heb 2:16. Birth. -- Lu 2:4-7. Subjection to his parents. -- Lu 2:51. Station in life. -- Mt 13:55; Joh 9:29. Poverty. -- Lu 9:58; 2Co 8:9. Partaking of our infirmities. -- Heb 4:15; 5:7. Submitting to ordinances. -- Mt 3:13-15. Becoming a servant. -- Mt 20:28; Lu 22:27; Php 2:7. Associating with the despised. -- Mt 9:10,11; Lu 15:1,2. Refusing honours. -- Joh 5:41; 6:15. Entry into Jerusalem. -- Zec 9:9; Mt 21:5,7. Washing his disciples' feet. -- Joh 13:5. Obedi”
  5. 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:”
  6. Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Parable — (The word parable is in Greek parable (parabole) which signifies placing beside or together, a comparison, a parable is therefore literally a placing beside, a comparison, a similitude, an illustration of one subject by another.--McClintock and Strong. As used in the New Testament it had a very wide application, being applied sometimes to the shortest proverbs, (1 Samuel 10:12; 24:13; 2 Chronicles 7:20) sometimes to dark prophetic utterances, (Numbers 23:7,18; 24:3; Ezekiel 20:49) sometimes to enigmatic maxims, (Psalms 78:2; Proverbs 1:6) or metaphors expand”
  7. 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).”
  8. 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).”
  9. 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”
  10. 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”
  11. 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 3:23: 3:23 Just as they may now claim everything as their own, so Christ has claimed them for himself (see Rom 14:7-9), and in Christ they are ultimately claimed by God (see 1 Cor 6:19-20; 7:23).”
  12. 1 Peter (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Peter 4:9: (Rom 12:13; Heb 13:2.) Not the spurious hospitality which passes current in the world, but the entertaining of those needing it, especially those exiled for the faith, as the representatives of Christ, and all hospitality to whomsoever exercised from genuine Christian love. without grudging--Greek, "murmuring." "He that giveth, let him do it with simplicity," that is open-hearted sincerity; with cordiality. Not secretly speaking against the person whom we entertain, or upbraiding him with the favor we have conferred in him.”
  13. Titus (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Titus 3:3: 3:3 Humility (3:2) is fitting, considering our state when God’s kindness and love came to us (3:4; see Eph 2:1-4; 5:8; Col 3:7; 1 Pet 4:3).”
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