Using Non-Biblical Examples in Preaching and Teaching Biblically

Preaching and teaching biblically involves communicating the truths of Scripture in a manner that is faithful to its original intent and applicable to contemporary audiences. While the core message must always be Christ-centered and grounded in God's Word, the use of non-biblical examples can serve as a valuable tool for illustration and clarification, provided they are employed judiciously and do not overshadow the biblical text itself ^[11].

The Bible itself provides a precedent for using illustrative examples. Jesus frequently taught using parables, which were earthly stories with heavenly meanings ^[8]. The Greek word for parable, parabole, signifies "placing beside or together," indicating a comparison or illustration of one subject by another ^[2]. These parables drew from everyday life and common experiences to convey profound spiritual truths, such as the parable of the sower or the prodigal son. Similarly, the Old Testament contains numerous proverbs, dark prophetic utterances, and enigmatic maxims that function as illustrations ^[2].

When considering non-biblical examples, it is crucial to maintain the supremacy of Scripture. The apostle Paul emphasized that his mission was to "preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect" ^[9]. This suggests that while effective communication is important, it should not rely on human eloquence or extraneous wisdom to the detriment of the gospel's power ^[12]. The focus of preaching should always be on Christ Jesus as Lord ^[11].

Non-biblical examples can be particularly effective in several ways:

Clarifying complex concepts: Sometimes, a contemporary story or analogy can help an audience grasp a difficult theological idea. For instance, explaining the concept of self-denial, which Christ exemplified ^[3], might be aided by a modern story of sacrifice for a greater good.
Making abstract truths relatable: Biblical principles like sincerity ^[1] or liberality ^[5] can be illustrated through examples from current events, history, or personal anecdotes, making them more tangible for listeners. Christ himself set an example of sincerity ^[1], intercessory prayer ^[4], and liberality ^[5].
Engaging diverse audiences: Different cultural backgrounds and experiences mean that what resonates with one person may not with another. Thoughtfully chosen non-biblical examples can bridge these gaps, helping the message of the Bible connect with a wider range of listeners.

However, there are important caveats. Teachers are warned against teaching "other doctrine" or giving heed to "stories and endless genealogies" that lead to arguments rather than faith ^{[7, 10]}. This underscores the need for examples to support, not supplant, biblical teaching. The goal is to move beyond "milk" to "solid food," meaning a deeper understanding of God's Word, not a reliance on superficial illustrations ^[6].

The use of non-biblical examples should always be subservient to the biblical text. They should function as windows through which the light of Scripture can shine more clearly, rather than as opaque screens that obscure it. The ultimate aim is to teach what is in accordance with godliness and the sound words of Jesus Christ ^[7].

Sources

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; ”
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”
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: 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: 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 “Hebrews 5:12 (BSB) — Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to reteach you the basic principles of God’s word. You need milk, not solid food!”
I Timothy “I Timothy 6:3 (LEB) — If anyone teaches other doctrine and does not devote himself to the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that is in accordance with godliness,”
Matthew “Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they don’t see, and hearing, they don’t hear, neither do they understand. -- Matthew 13:13”
King James Version “[KJV] 1 Corinthians 1:17 — For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.”
I Timothy “I Timothy 1:4 (Rotherham) — Not to be teaching otherwise, nor yet to be giving heed to stories and endless genealogies,—the which, bring, arguings, rather than that stewardship of God which is with faith;—”
II Corinthians “II Corinthians 4:5 (BBE) — For our preaching is not about ourselves, but about Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants through Jesus.”
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.”

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