The Exegetical Assessment Tool 3.0.

Years ago led a Bible study and a visitor sat in.  She had many questions about eschatology and questioned my pre-millennial handling of various texts that came up.  Basically, she didn't like that I was teaching that Jesus would come and snatch up his Church before all hell broke loose.

Looking back, I confess that I spent too much time debating texts and chasing rabbits down fox holes.  At one point, I felt like I was taken back to 1998 when I was in Bible College arguing with a dorm room full of 18 year olds.  I was so, "over it."  And she never came back to fellowship with us either.  I think the enemy looked at that situation and said, "yes!  I got them to argue theology and nobody had time to confess and repent from any sin!  That's another win for me!  muahahahahahaha."  Something like that.

I'm getting ready to discuss a very difficult topic with a Bible study group.  They want to discuss some of the most debated passages in the history of the Church; one of which is James 2:14.  A passage so "difficult" that Martin Luther considered James the epistle of straw and tossed it out.  But it didn't have to end that way,  in my opinion.

Here's my approach and suggestion for discussing passages that have typically resulted in splits, divisions, and in worst cases anger and bitterness.  Approach the study using an Exegetical Assessment Tool.  It's simple.  It's objective.  And whoever is mishandling the text will either admit it and be silenced, or they will violate their conscience and there's nothing one can do in response.

I suggest beginning the study in prayer and supplication asking God to reveal himself and to give clarity to his Word using the context of Scripture in the surrounding verses, chapters, genres, and totality of Scripture.  Everyone must realize that when Iron sharpens Iron sparks fly, but we must also be aware of how the enemy might capitalize on that situation.

For every passage where one side cannot explain the text in its context (i.e. Who, Why, What, When, Where, How), then that passage must be put on a "visit next time" list.  What may happen is that there are only a few passages that will be taken into consideration.  John 3:16 may be a place to start and end.  It's simple, straight to the point, and it's Jesus speaking!

I would end the study in prayer and going around the group asking where hearts lay.  This is a time to be honest and not give the Devil a foothold.  Sin ALWAYS levels the playing field.  I will start off by exposing what needs to die in me.  And I will confess a specific stronghold that I am battling with. I will know it is "real" if I am reluctant to share.  God always answers my prayer when I ask, "Lord, what is my sin and what needs to be exposed and killed today."  I have no doubt he will deliver.

In the round table of confessions, there will be those who participate because they know their struggle is not with flesh and blood and they will be all in for the sake of killing their sin and glorifying God.  The others will choose shame, guilt, and condemnation as well as self-defense; making excuses as to why they don't need to confess sins.  At that point, they cannot be helped. If they say they are without sin, they lie and the truth is not in them.  They call God a liar and the situation is, as they say, "doneskis!"

All in all, the truth must be spoken in love.

Now go forth bravely into battle knowing that HE has won the war.  It is finished.