Using Non-Biblical Examples in Teaching and Writing Effectively
Effective teaching and writing often involve the use of examples, and while biblical examples are foundational in Christian contexts, non-biblical illustrations can also serve to clarify and reinforce understanding. The Bible itself demonstrates the use of various illustrative methods, such as parables, which are comparisons or similitudes used to explain one subject by another [1]. Jesus, for instance, taught with authority and used parables extensively to convey spiritual truths [2, 1].
The apostle Paul also provided examples through his own conduct, demonstrating the value of teaching by example, a method highly regarded in the ancient world [7]. He worked for his own food, setting an example for others [7]. Similarly, Christ set an example of self-denial, which serves as a test of devotion for believers [3]. These biblical precedents suggest that illustrations, whether from sacred texts or everyday life, are valuable tools for instruction.
When employing non-biblical examples, the goal remains consistent with biblical teaching: to make complex ideas accessible and relatable. Just as the biblical authors used metaphors and proverbs to communicate profound truths, contemporary teachers can draw from a wide range of experiences and observations [1]. The effectiveness of such examples lies in their ability to connect with the audience's existing knowledge and experiences, thereby illuminating the subject matter.
However, it is crucial that any non-biblical example aligns with and supports biblical doctrine. The Scriptures are considered "God-breathed" and are profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness [8]. Therefore, non-biblical examples should always be subservient to the authority of Scripture and never contradict its teachings. For instance, when discussing sin, one might use a contemporary example of human failing, but the understanding of sin itself must be rooted in biblical definitions, such as rebellion against God or the indulgence of sinful nature [6, 4]. Augustine, for example, clarified that while one can become a child of the devil by imitating him, the devil does not "beget" anyone, distinguishing between spiritual generation and corruption [5].
Sources
- 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”
- Matthew “Matthew 7:29 (BSB) — because He taught as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.”
- 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 ”
- 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).”
- 1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 3:8: He that committeth sin is of the devil--in contrast to "He that doeth righteousness," Jo1 3:7. He is a son of the devil (Jo1 3:10; Joh 8:44). John does not, however, say, "born of the devil." as he does "born of God," for "the devil begets none, nor does he create any; but whoever imitates the devil becomes a child of the devil by imitating him, not by proper birth" [AUGUSTINE, Ten Homilies on the First Epistle of John, Homily 4.10]. From the devil there is not generation, but corruption [BENGEL]. sinneth from the beginning--from the time that any beg”
- 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).”
- 2 Thessalonians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Thessalonians 3:7: 3:7 Teaching by example was highly regarded in the ancient world. Paul himself provided an example by working for his own food (3:8; 1 Thes 2:9).”
- 2 Timothy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Timothy 3:16: 3:16-17 These verses elaborate on 3:15 by explaining Scripture’s effectiveness, its source, and the ways that it gives wisdom to live out our salvation. Paul was speaking of the Hebrew Scriptures (the Old Testament), but his statement can now apply to all Scripture, including the New Testament (see, e.g., 2 Pet 3:15-16). 3:16 The fact that Scripture is inspired by God (literally God-breathed, breathed out by God’s own speech; see also Heb 4:12-13; 2 Pet 1:20-21) does not negate the active involvement of the human authors. But it does affirm that God is fully re”