Using Extrabiblical Examples to Engage and Motivate Listeners

Using extrabiblical examples can be an effective method for engaging and motivating listeners, drawing parallels between everyday experiences or well-known narratives and biblical truths. This approach aligns with ancient wisdom traditions, such as the psalmist's declaration, "I will put my teaching into a story; I will make my dark sayings clear with music" (Psalm 49:4 BBE) and "Hear my teaching, my people. Turn your ears to the words of my mouth" (Psalm 78:1). Jesus himself frequently employed parables, speaking "the word to them, as they were able to hear it" (Mark 4:33).

One common application of extrabiblical examples is to illustrate virtues or actions that are encouraged in scripture. For instance, the concept of "early rising" is exemplified by figures like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joshua, Gideon, Samuel, and David in the Old Testament, and by Mary in the New Testament, with Christ himself setting an example (Mark 1:35; Luke 21:38; John 8:2) ^[3]. These historical figures serve as tangible models for devotion, executing God's commands, and discharging daily duties ^[3]. Similarly, "self-denial" is shown through Christ's example (Matthew 4:8-10; John 6:38; Philippians 2:6-8) and is presented as a test of devotion and necessary for spiritual warfare and triumph ^[2].

Extrabiblical examples can also highlight the importance of communal practices. "Public prayer," for example, is shown to be acceptable to God and promised to be heard and blessed (Isaiah 56:7; 2 Chronicles 7:14, 16) ^[5]. The Bible provides examples of individuals like Joshua, David, Solomon, Jehoshaphat, and Jeshua engaging in public prayer, demonstrating its significance ^[5]. Christ's presence sanctifies such gatherings, and he attended them himself (Matthew 18:20; Luke 4:16) ^[5].

Furthermore, these examples can motivate listeners by demonstrating the benefits of certain actions or the consequences of others. "Afflictions," though difficult, are shown to be beneficial in promoting God's glory, exhibiting His power, teaching His will, turning people to Him, and leading to prayer (John 9:1-3; Psalm 119:71; Hosea 2:6-7; Jonah 2:1) ^[1]. The "zeal of idolaters" or "hypocrites" can even serve as a provocative example to stir Christians to greater missionary effort, emphasizing that all Christians, regardless of age or gender, are called to be like missionaries (Jeremiah 7:18; Matthew 23:15; Acts 10:38) ^[4].

The use of extrabiblical examples can also clarify complex theological concepts. For instance, when discussing God's justice, the parable of the unjust judge (Luke 18:6) serves as an extrabiblical illustration within the biblical text itself. John Gill, commenting on this passage, notes that if an unjust judge can be swayed by importunity, "how much more will not God, who is a just judge, the judge of widows, and of the oppressed, a God of great mercy and compassion, who delights in the prayers of his people, knows their cases, and is able to help them" ^[6]. This comparison helps listeners grasp God's character and encourages persistent prayer ^[6].

In the context of Christian living, the "huge crowd of witnesses" mentioned in Hebrews 12:1, referring to the faithful individuals of chapter 11, serves as an extrabiblical example (within the biblical narrative) to challenge hearers to endure in following Jesus ^[7]. This host of faithful followers bears witness to God's blessing on a life of faith ^[7]. The metaphor of a race, common in Greco-Roman literature, is used to illustrate the need for endurance, where "sin . . . trips us up" just as extra weight hinders a runner ^[7].

The effectiveness of using such examples lies in their ability to make abstract principles relatable and memorable, providing concrete illustrations that resonate with listeners' experiences and understanding. This method aligns with the broader biblical pattern of teaching through narrative and example, making spiritual truths accessible and compelling.

Sources

Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Afflictions Made Beneficial — In promoting the glory of God -- Joh 9:1-3; 11:3,4; 21:18,19. In exhibiting the power and faithfulness of God -- Ps 34:19,20; 2Co 4:8-11. In teaching us the will of God -- Ps 119:71; Isa 26:9; Mic 6:9. In turning us to God -- De 4:30,31; Ne 1:8,9; Ps 78:34; Isa 10:20,21; Ho 2:6,7. In keeping us from again departing from God -- Job 34:31,32; Isa 10:20; Eze 14:10,11. In leading us to seek God in prayer -- Jdj 4:3; Jer 31:18; La 2:17-19; Ho 5:14,15; Jon 2:1. In convincing us of sin -- Job 36:8,9; Ps 119:67; Lu 15:16-18. In leading us to con”
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: Early Rising — Christ set an example of -- Mr 1:35; Lu 21:38; Joh 8:2. Requisite for Devotion. -- Ps 5:3; 59:16; 63:1; 88:13; Isa 26:9. Executing God's commands. -- Ge 22:3. Discharge of daily duties. -- Pr 31:15. Neglect of, leads to poverty -- Pr 6:9-11. Practised by the wicked, for Deceit. -- Pr 27:14. Executing plans of evil. -- Mic 2:1. Illustrates spiritual diligence -- Ro 13:11,12. Exemplified Abraham. -- Ge 19:27. Isaac, &c. -- Ge 26:31. Jacob. -- Ge 28:18. Joshua &c. -- Jos 3:1. Gideon. -- Jdj 6:38. Samuel. -- 1Sa 15:12. David. -- 1Sa 17:20. Mary, &c. -- Mr ”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Missionaries, All Christians Should Be As — After the example of Christ -- Ac 10:38. Women and children as well as men -- Ps 8:2; Pr 31:26; Mt 21:15,16; Php 4:3; 1Ti 5:10; Tit 2:3-5; 1Pe 3:1. The zeal of idolaters should provoke to -- Jer 7:18. The zeal of hypocrites should provoke to -- Mt 23:15. An imperative duty -- Jdj 5:23; Lu 19:40. The principle on which -- 2Co 5:14,15. However weak they may be -- 1Co 1:27. From their calling as saints -- Ex 19:6; 1Pe 2:9. As faithful stewards -- 1Pe 4:10,11. In youth -- Ps 71:17; 148:12,13. In old age -- De 32:7; Ps 71:18. In”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Prayer, Public — Acceptable to God -- Isa 56:7. God promises to hear -- 2Ch 7:14,16. God promises to bless in -- Ex 20:24. Christ Sanctifies by his presence. -- Mt 18:20. Attended. -- Mt 12:9; Lu 4:16. Promises answers to. -- Mt 18:19. Instituted form of -- Lu 11:2. Should not be made in an unknown language -- 1Co 14:14-16. Saints delight in -- Ps 42:4; 122:1. Exhortation to -- Heb 10:25. Urge others to join in -- Ps 95:6; Zec 8:21. Exemplified Joshua. -- Jos 7:6-9. David. -- 1Ch 29:10-19. Solomon. -- 2Ch 6:1-42. Jehoshaphat. -- 2Ch 20:5-13. Jeshua. -- Ne 9:1-38. Jew”
Luke (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Luke 18:6: And the Lord said,.... The Lord Jesus Christ, who delivered out this parable to his disciples: hear what the unjust judge saith; and take encouragement from hence to be frequent and importunate in prayer with God; for if such a cruel, merciless, and unjust judge is to be wrought upon by importunity to do justice, who has no principle to influence him, how much more will not God, who is a just judge, the judge of widows, and of the oppressed, a God of great mercy and compassion, who delights in the prayers of his people, knows their cases, and is able to help them, and”
Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 12:1: 12:1-17 The author challenges his hearers to endure in following Jesus, the supreme example of faithfulness, by imitating him in his suffering (12:1-4), by enduring under God’s discipline (12:5-13), and by living in peace with others (12:14-17). 12:1 huge crowd of witnesses: The host of faithful followers of God (ch 11) bear witness to the truth that God blesses the life of faith. • let us strip off every weight: In Greco-Roman literature, a race is a metaphor for the need for endurance in life. Just as extra weight hinders a runner, sin . . . trips us up. It ent”

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