Ensuring Accuracy of Extrabiblical Examples in Preaching

Preachers are called to deliver God's message, not merely their own opinions or interpretations, and this includes ensuring the accuracy of any extrabiblical examples used to illustrate biblical truths ^[9]. The Preacher in Ecclesiastes "sought to find out acceptable words, and that which was written uprightly, even words of truth" ^[7]. This pursuit of truth extends beyond the biblical text itself to any supplementary material employed in preaching.

The Apostle Paul warns against "different teaching, not in agreement with the true words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the teaching which is in agreement with true religion" ^[5]. While this primarily refers to doctrinal accuracy, it underscores a broader principle of truthfulness in all aspects of ministry. Adam Clarke emphasizes that every preacher "should take heed that it is God's message he delivers to the people," cautioning against assuming that a message is God's word simply because it aligns with a personal creed or confession ^[9]. Instead, the creed itself should first be brought to the Word of God and scrupulously tested ^[9].

When incorporating extrabiblical examples, preachers should consider several factors to maintain integrity and effectiveness:

Relevance to Biblical Teaching: Extrabiblical examples should serve to illuminate or apply biblical principles, not overshadow them. The primary focus of preaching remains the "testimony, the Gospel, of God" ^[8]. For instance, Christ is presented as the ultimate example in various aspects: sincerity (1 Peter 2:22), diligence (Mark 1:35), self-denial (Matthew 4:8-10), and humility (Philippians 2:5-7) ^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 6]}. Any extrabiblical example should resonate with such biblical models.
Verifiability and Accuracy: While not every illustration needs to be a historical fact, if an example is presented as factual, its accuracy should be confirmed. Misrepresenting facts, even unintentionally, can undermine a preacher's credibility and distract from the message. The Ephesian Christians, for example, were commended for their ability to "tell what is true and what is false" ^[11].
Avoiding Misleading Narratives: Stories or anecdotes, even if not strictly factual, should not convey a false impression or lead listeners to incorrect conclusions about God, humanity, or the world. The Apostle Paul, when preaching, did so "not with excellency of speech, not with arts of rhetoric," but with the power of the Gospel itself ^[8]. The content of the message should be paramount, not merely its packaging.
Ethical Considerations: Preachers are called to be examples themselves, in sincerity and in their whole conduct (2 Corinthians 1:12) ^[1]. This includes the ethical use of illustrations. Using examples that are exaggerated, fabricated, or borrowed without proper attribution can compromise this ethical standard. Ministers are specifically called to exercise self-denial and guard against defilement ^[4].
Purpose of the Example: The goal of an extrabiblical example is to enhance understanding, foster connection, or motivate action in line with biblical truth. Matthew Henry notes that the apostle's method often involves "doctrine, reason, and use," applying truths through exhortation and argument ^[10]. Extrabiblical examples can serve this "use" or application, but they must remain subservient to the doctrine and reason derived from scripture.

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; ”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Diligence — Christ, an example -- Mr 1:35; Lu 2:49. Required by God in Seeking him. -- 1Ch 22:19; Heb 11:6. Obeying him. -- De 6:17; 11:13. Hearkening to him. -- Isa 55:2. Striving after perfection. -- Php 3:13,14. Cultivating Christian graces. -- 2Pe 1:5. Keeping the souls. -- De 4:9. Keeping the heart. -- Pr 4:23. Labours of love. -- Heb 6:10-12. Following every good work. -- 1Ti 5:10. Guarding against defilement. -- Heb 12:15. Seeking to be found spotless. -- 2Pe 3:14. Making our call, &c, sure. -- 2Pe 1:10. Self-examination. -- Ps 77:6. Lawful business. -- Pr 27:”
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).”
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 ”
I Timothy “I Timothy 6:3 (BBE) — If any man gives different teaching, not in agreement with the true words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the teaching which is in agreement with true religion,”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Example of Christ, The — Is perfect -- Heb 7:26. Conformity to, required in Holiness. -- 1Pe 1:15,16; Ro 1:6. Righteousness. -- 1Jo 2:6. Purity. -- 1Jo 3:3. Love. -- Joh 13:34; Eph 5:2; 1Jo 3:16. Humility. -- Lu 22:27; Php 2:5,7. Meekness. -- Mt 11:29. Obedience. -- Joh 15:10. Self-denial. -- Mt 16:24; Ro 15:3. Ministering to others. -- Mt 20:28; Joh 13:14,15. Benevolence. -- Ac 20:35; 2Co 8:7,9. Forgiving injuries. -- Col 3:13. Overcoming the world. -- Joh 16:33; 1Jo 5:4. Being not of the world. -- Joh 17:16. Being guileless. -- 1Pe 2:21-22. Suffering wrongfully. --”
Ecclesiastes “Ecclesiastes 12:10 (ASV) — The Preacher sought to find out acceptable words, and that which was written uprightly, even words of truth.”
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.”
Ezekiel (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Ezekiel 2:4: Thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord - Let them know that what thou hast to declare is the message of the Lord, that they may receive it with reverence. Every preacher of God's word should take heed that it is God's message he delivers to the people. Let him not suppose, because it is according to his own creed or confession of faith, that therefore it is God's word. False doctrines and fallacies without end are foisted on the world in this way. Bring the creed first to the Word of God, and scrupulously try whether it be right; and when this is done, leave ”
Hebrews (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Hebrews 2:1: The apostle proceeds in the plain profitable method of doctrine, reason, and use, through this epistle. Here we have the application of the truths before asserted and proved; this is brought in by the illative particle therefore, with which this chapter begins, and which shows its connection with the former, where the apostle having proved Christ to be superior to the angels by whose ministry the law was given, and therefore that the gospel dispensation must be more excellent than the legal, he now comes to apply this doctrine both by way of exhortation and argume”
Revelation (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Revelation 2:2: 2:2-3 I know: This repeated refrain (2:9, 13, 19; 3:1, 8, 15) shows Christ’s total knowledge of his people, their activities, and their circumstances. • The Ephesian Christians had a correct theology marked by perseverance and faithfulness. They had examined various claims, exercised discipline on evil people, could tell what is true and what is false, and had patiently suffered for their faith in Christ.”

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