Exegesis vs. Eisegesis: The Difference between Biblical and Biblical-ish (Copy)
Is relying on the Holy Spirit an excuse for poor preparation? In this episode, Lindsey and Kelly tackle the tension between spiritual dependence and the "hard labor" of developing biblical teaching skills, showing why excellence in communication is actually a form of selfless service.
Many Bible teachers feel a strange guilt about "over-preparing." There is a common misconception that if we focus too much on transitions, "sticky" phrases, or rhyming outlines, we are somehow crowding out the Holy Spirit. Kelly and Lindsay pull back the curtain on this false dichotomy, arguing that spiritual empowerment and the development of communication skills are not in competition—they are partners.
The conversation centers on 1 Timothy 4:13–16, where Paul instructs Timothy to "take pains" and "be absorbed" in his teaching. They point out that while Timothy had a genuine spiritual gift, he was still commanded to work hard so that his progress would be evident to all. They challenge listeners to consider whether "relying on the Spirit" is sometimes just a spiritual-sounding label for laziness or a desire to avoid the difficult work of editing and refining.
Finally, Lindsay and Kelly discuss the heart behind building these skills: love for the audience. Just as Jesus humbled His language using simple metaphors like fig trees and farming to reach His listeners, modern teachers should labor for clarity and retention. When we work hard to make a message sticky, we aren't performing for ourselves; we are giving the Word of God "longer legs" so it can walk home with the listener and continue to bear fruit long after the session ends.
Key Takeaways
The "Laziness" Trap: "Winging it" and calling it "relying on the Spirit" often ignores the biblical call to take great pains and persevere in the work of teaching.
Preparation is Worship: Meeting with God in the hidden moments of study is just as spiritual as the "adrenaline" felt while standing on a stage.
Clarity is Kindness: Developing communication skills (like sticky points and clear transitions) is a way to serve your audience and prioritize their learning over your own comfort.
True vs. New: The Spirit’s most powerful work is usually found in the "old" truths of Scripture rather than a "fresh" spontaneous word that lacks depth.
Other references:
Scripture References: 1 Timothy 4:13–16 & Philippians 2 (Considering others' needs)
Join us Monday, February 2, 2026 for a live Zoom class featuring Class 3 from the program: Exegesis vs. Eisegesis: The Difference Between Being Biblical and Biblical-ish. Register Now!
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