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Using Non-Biblical Examples to Apply Biblical Principles Effectively

Applying biblical principles effectively often involves drawing upon non-biblical examples to illustrate and reinforce their meaning. While the Scriptures are the inspired word of God and the ultimate authority [4], understanding how these principles manifest in various contexts can deepen comprehension and facilitate practical application.

One such principle is sincerity. The Bible presents Christ as an example of sincerity (1 Peter 2:22) and calls for ministers to embody this quality (Titus 2:7). Sincerity should characterize believers' love for God (2 Corinthians 8:8, 24), love for Christ (Ephesians 6:24), service to God (Joshua 24:14; John 4:23-24), faith (1 Timothy 1:5), and love for one another (Romans 12:9; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:18). It should also mark one's entire conduct (2 Corinthians 1:12) and the preaching of the gospel (2 Corinthians 2:17; 1 Thessalonians 2:3-5) [1]. While these biblical injunctions are clear, observing sincerity in secular leadership, ethical business practices, or even personal relationships outside of explicitly religious contexts can provide tangible, non-biblical examples that resonate with these scriptural commands.

Self-denial is another principle exemplified in Scripture. Christ himself set the ultimate example of self-denial (Matthew 4:8-10; 8:20; John 6:38; Romans 15:3; Philippians 2:6-8). It serves as a test of devotion to Christ (Matthew 10:37-38; Luke 9:23-24) and is necessary for following Christ (Luke 14:27-33), for the spiritual warfare of saints (2 Timothy 2:4), and for their ultimate triumph (1 Corinthians 9:25-27) [2]. Ministers are particularly called to exercise self-denial (2 Corinthians 6:4-5). This principle involves denying ungodliness and worldly lusts (Romans 6:12; Titus 2:12), controlling appetite (Proverbs 23:2), abstaining from fleshly lusts (1 Peter 2:11), and mortifying sinful desires [2]. Non-biblical examples of self-denial might include athletes foregoing immediate gratification for long-term goals, artists dedicating themselves to their craft despite hardship, or individuals making personal sacrifices for the well-being of their community. These instances, while not explicitly Christian, reflect the underlying principle of prioritizing a greater good over personal comfort or desire.

Liberality, or generosity, is also a biblical principle. It is pleasing to God (2 Corinthians 9:7; Hebrews 13:16) and God never forgets it (Hebrews 6:10). Christ is presented as an example of liberality (2 Corinthians 8:9), and it is a characteristic of saints (Psalm 112:9; Isaiah 32:8). However, liberality is unprofitable without love (1 Corinthians 13:3) [3]. It should be exercised in the service of God (Exodus 35:21-29), toward fellow saints (Romans 12:13; Galatians 6:10), servants (Deuteronomy 15:12-14), the poor (Deuteronomy 15:11; Isaiah 58:7), strangers (Leviticus 25:35), and even enemies (Proverbs 25:21), extending to all people (Galatians 6:10) [3]. Examples of liberality can be seen in philanthropic endeavors, community service initiatives, or even simple acts of kindness in daily life, regardless of the motivations behind them. These actions, when observed, can serve as illustrations of the outward expression of the biblical principle of generosity.

The concept of "parable" itself, as used in the New Testament, signifies "placing beside or together, a comparison, a similitude, an illustration of one subject by another" [6]. This suggests that the biblical authors themselves understood the value of using relatable, often non-literal, examples to convey profound truths. While biblical parables draw from specific cultural and historical contexts, the underlying method of using an accessible narrative to explain a deeper principle is a model for drawing on contemporary non-biblical examples.

Even the practice of early rising, while seemingly mundane, is presented in Scripture with Christ as an example (Mark 1:35; Luke 21:38; John 8:2) and is requisite for devotion (Psalm 5:3; 59:16; 63:1; 88:13; Isaiah 26:9) and the discharge of daily duties (Proverbs 31:15) [7]. Observing the discipline of early rising in successful individuals, whether in business, academia, or other fields, can provide a non-biblical parallel to the biblical emphasis on diligence and intentionality.

The use of non-biblical examples is not meant to supplant the authority of Scripture but to provide accessible illustrations that help individuals grasp and apply biblical principles in their daily lives, moving from foundational doctrines to greater perfection [5, 8]. This approach aligns with the understanding that God's truth can be reflected in various aspects of creation and human experience, even if imperfectly.

Sources

  1. 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; ”
  2. 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 ”
  3. 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:”
  4. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Scriptures, The — Given by inspiration of God -- 2Ti 3:16. Given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit -- Ac 1:16; Heb 3:7; 2Pe 1:21. Christ sanctioned, by appealing to them -- Mt 4:4; Mr 12:10; Joh 7:42. Christ taught out of -- Lu 24:27. Are called the Word. -- Jas 1:21-23; 1Pe 2:2. Word of God. -- Lu 11:28; Heb 4:12. Word of Christ. -- Col 3:16. Word of truth. -- Jas 1:18. Holy Scriptures. -- Ro 1:2; 2Ti 3:15. Scripture of truth. -- Da 10:21. Book. -- Ps 40:7; Re 22:19. Book of the Lord. -- Isa 34:16. Book of the law. -- Ne 8:3; Ga 3:10. Law of the Lord. -- Ps 1:2; Isa”
  5. King James Version “[KJV] Hebrews 6:1 — Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,”
  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. 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 ”
  8. Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 6:1: Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ,.... The Gospel is the doctrine of Christ, and is so called, because Christ, as God, is the author of it; as Mediator, he received it from his Father; as man, he was the preacher of it; and he is also the sum and substance of it: the principles of this doctrine are either the easier parts of the Gospel, called milk in the latter part of the preceding chapter; which are not to be left with dislike and contempt, nor so as to be forgotten, nor so as not to be recurred to at proper times; but so as not to abide in”
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