Biblical Doctrine and Non-Biblical Examples in Preaching
Biblical Doctrine and Non-Biblical Examples in Preaching
The use of non-biblical examples in preaching is a topic of debate among Christian traditions. The biblical doctrine emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine and the example set by Christ and other biblical figures. According to 1 Timothy 6:3, sound doctrine is crucial, and teaching "other doctrine" is considered a deviation from the truth [3, 5].
The Bible provides numerous examples of using biblical figures and Christ as models for Christian behavior. Christ is presented as the ultimate example for Christians, as seen in his self-denial (Matthew 4:8-10; Philippians 2:6-8) [6]. The apostle Paul also exhorts believers to follow his example, as he follows Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). The use of biblical examples is encouraged in various contexts, such as sincerity (1 Peter 2:22), prayer (Luke 22:32; John 17:9-24), and self-denial (Matthew 4:8-10; John 6:38) [1, 4, 6].
Some Christian traditions interpret the biblical emphasis on sound doctrine as a warning against introducing non-biblical examples or teachings into preaching. John Gill, a Baptist/Reformed commentator, notes that the apostle Paul warns against being "carried about with divers and strange doctrines" (Hebrews 13:9) [7]. Similarly, Calvin, one theologian, emphasizes the importance of the outward preaching of doctrine, where Christ acts through ministers, making their mouth "his mouth" [9].
However, the Bible does not explicitly prohibit the use of non-biblical examples in preaching. In fact, the apostle Paul uses non-biblical analogies, such as athletic competition (1 Corinthians 9:24-27), to illustrate Christian principles. Adam Clarke, a Methodist/Wesleyan commentator, notes that Paul's preaching was characterized by simplicity and a lack of "excellency of speech" (1 Corinthians 2:1), yet he effectively used various means to convey the Gospel [8].
The key consideration is whether the use of non-biblical examples supports or undermines sound doctrine. As long as these examples are used to illustrate biblical principles and do not introduce contrary teachings, they can be a valuable tool in preaching. The biblical emphasis remains on sound doctrine and the example set by Christ and other biblical figures [1, 2].
The early Christian preachers and fathers provide examples of using biblical and, occasionally, non-biblical illustrations to convey Christian teachings. The critical factor is the context and purpose of using such examples. When used judiciously, non-biblical examples can help to make the Gospel more relatable and accessible to a broader audience.
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; ”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Example — Of Christ (1 Pet. 2:21; John 13:15); of pastors to their flocks (Phil. 3:17; 2 Thess. 3:9; 1 Tim. 4:12; 1 Pet. 5:3); of the Jews as a warning (Heb. 4:11); of the prophets as suffering affliction (James 5:10).”
- 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,”
- 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 ”
- 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”
- 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 ”
- Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 13:9: Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines,.... The word "divers" may denote the variety and multitude of other doctrines; referring either to the various rites and ceremonies of the law, or to the traditions of the elders, or to the several doctrines of men, whether Jews or Gentiles; whereas the doctrine of the Scriptures, of Christ, and his apostles, is but one; it is uniform, and all of a piece; and so may likewise denote the disagreement of other doctrines with the perfections of God, the person and offices of Christ, the Scriptures of truth, the anal”
- 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.”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Isaiah, Vol. 1, section 17.13: no other method. When the Prophet says, by the breath of his lips , this must not be limited to the person of Christ; for it refers to the word which is preached by his ministers. Christ acts by them in such a manner that he wishes their mouth to be reckoned as his mouth , and their lips as his lips ; that is, when they speak from his mouth, and faithfully declare his word. ( Luke 10:16 .) The Prophet does not now send us to secret revelations, that Christ may reign in us, but openly recommends the outward preaching of doctrine, and shows th”