Caleb Walker

https://www.youtube.com/embed/WJLvbogd2q4?si=6yZun3zAoXc_obmS

     We are not to superimpose “our take” on truth. We are not to hyper-project our 2025 cultural “two cents” onto Scripture. Rather, we are to come to the Scripture, read the text, study the cross references, consult scholarly resources, look at the original meaning of the passage, study the original word meaning, careful look at the context in which the text was written. The best Bible studies are inductive, searching and studying the text for the meaning as God intended. I am a huge proponent of Connect Group studies that are discussion-oriented. I am not a huge proponent of Bible studies that are discussion-based.

     Here’s what I mean: All discussion needs to be based in the Bible, not in the impressions, intuitions, or compulsions, or ideas, or personal feelings of the group participants. Rather than superimposing our take on the text, we need to submit ourselves to the text and let the text govern and direct the discussion and apply to our lives and change our  impressions, intuitions, compulsions, ideas, personal feelings, affections, and behaviors as a result of having genuinely sought God’s wisdom from His word. Hosea 4:6 says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.”

     The Bible teacher has a responsibility to guide the discussion to be Bible-centric, Bible-applicational, and to redirect to the Bible as needed when the discussion starts veering off the rails. How can a teacher/facilitator/Connect Group Leader guide discussion effectively for God to accomplish a greater work in hearts?

(1) Keep Discussion Bible-centric:

• In your own words, how would you summarize this passage/verse?
• In your own words, what are the principles/truths expressed in this passage?
• Could someone look up and read for us x, y, r z cross reference for us to gain a better understating of other relatable verses to this one?
• How does this verse impact our lives so that we are changed more into Christlikeness?

(2) Keep Discussion Bible-applicational:

• What questions does this Bible passage raise in your heart and mind?
• What was something new you see from this passage that you never knew before?
• What is one area of your life that this passage speaks into/calls for transformation in?
• How do you see that change happening in practical ways/in real life?
• How can we all pursue that type of change?
• How would you encourage another brother or sister in Christ to apply this passage this week?

What is one shared goal we can all do to apply this passage into our lives this week?

(3) Keep Discussion Bible-redirected: In the event the discussion goes into feelings-based, impression-based, idea-based, or away from the Bible, here are some helpful ways to steer the conversation back to God’s Word.

• Thank you for sharing that input. From what you have shared, what Biblical support are you basing those ideas on?
• Thank you for sharing that. Look at verse _____. How does this apply to what you’re sharing?
• Thank you for sharing that. You said something that God’s Word speaks to in ________ passage; let’s look at that and then I want us to discuss verse _____ from our passage.

How to deal with erroneous ideas expressed by a group member: *What should you do if someone is saying things that are doctrinally unsound, mystically impressionistic rather than biblically sound, or are off-in-left-field in some way? I’m glad you asked. You do not want to be unkind, but do need to be clear and point them to the Bible. Sometimes, these situations are blessings because as the person is sharing, others will be nodding and agreeing along. Chances are they would be just as easily swayed in a setting outside of your group, so the Lord has blessed you with being made aware of this individual’s error. Coming straight out with, “That’s not biblical” may not be the best way to respond in a way that will encourage a receptive listening response from the individual.

     While the person is sharing, if you hear the response and need to do some on-the-fly research on your laptop consulting with a commentary, Blue Letter Bible, or Got Questions.org, assure the individual you’re listening to them, but want to double check what they’re sharing with Scripture. This prepares them for your reponse, let’s them know you’re listening, reassures them that they can keep sharing, but also reminds them that all discussion and influence that comes from that discussion will be tested by Scripture, and you do this in a gentle way.  You don’t have to be unkind, but you do need to.

So here are some recommended response statements:

• I hear what you’re saying, Scripture gives us clarity on these thoughts from _______ passage explained by __________reliable scholarly source.
• I hear what you’re saying. Let’s all look at _________ passage that will shed some light on this topic.
• I appreciate you sharing your heart. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what I feel about this topic, but what God’s word says, and I’m thankful that we all are here to search for God’s truth on this matter. Please turn to ______ passage, which will give some clarity.

     As you get to know the people in your group in and outside of Connect Group you will be able to better disciple them and discuss any erroneous ideas they may have in those settings, as well. The leader needs to be asking himself as he or she approaches teaching a lesson, what are the potential false ideas this passage confronts? That way you’re prepared for the potential for the conversation getting off the rails, and you can steer it back. Some folks see the Bible through a hyper-grace (which is really no grace at all) lens vs. a legalistic lens, a passive lens vs. aggressive lens, a free will vs. a sovereign grace lens, and they need a leader is a prepared and prayed-up Biblicist.

     This can feel a little awkward, but if you have your redirecting statements prepared, you can be ready. You as the Bible teacher have the responsibility to guide and steer the discussion time as well as the study time. Another recommendation to keep your group Bible-centric:

• Have people bring their Bibles.
• Have some Bible copies on hand for visitors, as well as study guides.
• Use a solid curriculum to provide parameters and keep your group on course.
• Have extra copies of the Study Guide on hand for visitors to use.
• Have some spare pens available.
• Read the passage from your hard copy of the Bible, not off some device. That exemplary visual impact as people see you as the facilitator/leader reading the Bible will make an impact.