Using Non-Biblical Examples in Preaching and Teaching Safely
Using Non-Biblical Examples in Preaching and Teaching Safely
Preachers and teachers often face the challenge of using non-biblical examples to illustrate biblical truths. While the Bible remains the primary source of authority, extra-biblical illustrations can be effective in communicating complex ideas. However, using such examples requires caution to avoid confusing or misleading the audience.
The Bible itself provides examples of using non-biblical sources. In 1 Timothy 4:12, Paul exhorts Timothy to "set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity" [4]. This instruction implies that Timothy's life and behavior could serve as a model for others, much like non-biblical examples can be used to illustrate biblical principles.
The use of non-biblical examples is not without risks. Paul warns against "otherwise teach[ing]" and not adhering to "healthful discourses" in 1 Timothy 6:3 [2, 3]. This caution suggests that preachers and teachers must be careful not to introduce unbiblical ideas or compromise the integrity of the gospel message.
One tradition interprets the Bible as emphasizing the importance of sincerity in teaching and preaching. According to Torrey's Topical Textbook, sincerity should characterize not only the message but also the messenger [1]. This emphasis on sincerity implies that preachers and teachers should be mindful of the examples they use, ensuring they are truthful and not misleading.
When using non-biblical examples, preachers and teachers must consider their audience and the potential for misinterpretation. one commentary tradition on James 3:1 warns against the dangers of eagerness to teach and the importance of bridling the tongue [6]. This caution highlights the need for careful consideration when introducing non-biblical examples into teaching and preaching.
The Protestant academic tradition notes that the Bible often uses everyday examples to illustrate spiritual truths. For instance, Psalm 58:3 discusses the universal human condition of being born sinners, a concept echoed in Romans 7:19-23 and James 4:1-10 [5]. This use of everyday examples can be a model for preachers and teachers to follow when using non-biblical illustrations.
To use non-biblical examples safely, preachers and teachers should ensure that such examples are grounded in biblical truth and do not compromise the gospel message. The Baptist/Reformed commentary on James 3:1 emphasizes the importance of being mindful of one's words and actions as a teacher, lest they lead others astray [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; ”
- I Timothy “I Timothy 6:3 (Rotherham) — If anyone doth otherwise teach, and doth not adhere to healthful discourses—those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the teaching that is, according to godliness,”
- 1 Timothy “If anyone teaches a different doctrine, and doesn’t consent to sound words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness, -- 1 Timothy 6:3”
- 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.”
- 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).”
- James (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on James 3 (introduction): DANGER OF EAGERNESS TO TEACH, AND OF AN UNBRIDLED TONGUE: TRUE WISDOM SHOWN BY UNCONTENTIOUS MEEKNESS. (Jam. 3:1-18) be not--literally, "become not": taking the office too hastily, and of your own accord. many--The office is a noble one; but few are fit for it. Few govern the tongue well (Jam 3:2), and only such as can govern it are fit for the office; therefore, "teachers" ought not to be many. masters--rather, "teachers." The Jews were especially prone to this presumption. The idea that faith (so called) without works (Jam 2:14-26) wa”
- James (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on James 3:1: My brethren, be not many masters,.... The apostle having dispatched the subject of faith and good works, which constitute the pure and undefiled religion mentioned in Jam 1:27 which gave rise to this discourse, he proceeds to consider the evidence of a religious man, suggested in Jam 1:26 who is one that bridles the tongue; and enters into an account of the use and abuse of the tongue: and which is introduced by this exhortation; and which seems to be opposed to an affectation among the Jews, to whom James writes, of being called "Rabbi, Rabbi", or "Mori, Mori", master,”