An effective way to approach Bible study is to teach within the context of the unknown. This may seem like a strange statement, but it can be a simple approach.
A number of years ago, notable child development theorist, Jean Piaget, explained a learning theory he called, “cognitive disequilibrium.” Cognitive disequilibrium is a state of imbalance. “We experience such a state of imbalance when encountering information that requires us to develop new schema or modify existing schema.”1 New information—especially information that doesn’t fit the way we normally think—produces discomfort. We naturally seek to make adjustments quickly to return to a state of equilibrium.
In Bible study, a word we never noticed before, an unfamiliar tone in a passage, or an odd aspect to a familiar passage stretches our existing “schema” (patterns of thinking). We naturally focus our mental energy on adapting the schema or, if needs be, developing a new way of thinking.
As you prepare to teach this week, read the passage multiple times. Make notes of interesting words or concepts. Look for elements of the text that might introduce cognitive disequilibrium. Your learners may be familiar with the passage, but what are those phrases, tones, or implications in a passage of scripture the students have never noticed, paid attention to, or thought about before? (If you have never thought about them, it is likely your class members haven’t either.) Research the meaning of these concepts in commentaries and teaching aids. And prepare for rich discussion.
Our goal in teaching is to see learners experience spiritual transformation. Spiritual transformation is “God’s work of changing a person into the likeness of Jesus by creating a new identity in Christ and by empowering a lifelong relationship that is based on love, trust, and obedience to the glory of God.” Of course, spiritual transformation is God’s work. He is the One responsible for conviction. But the Spirit often works in the life of a believer when they face cognitive disequilibrium.
God told Jeremiah, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3). Allow the Spirit to bring the cognitive disequilibrium to your teaching. Then help your class align their lives with a deeper understanding of Scripture.
1 Kibler J. (2011) Cognitive Disequilibrium. In: Goldstein S., Naglieri J.A. (eds) Encyclopedia of Child Behavior and Development. Springer, Boston, MA.
Read More
Excerpt – John Piper, Calvinism, and Missions: A Way Forward
Read this section of Dr. Hopkins’ new book on the theology of John Piper.
Owning Up to the Failures of our Theological Heroes
What can be done when you discover the sins of historical figures who have shaped your theology?
Listen
Revelation Chapters 19-20
Dr. Stewart and Tyler discuss the millennial debate. They cover different interpretations of the millennium, the strengths and weaknesses of each. They also describe the return of Christ and the final battle.
Revelation Chapters 17-18
Dr. Stewart and Tyler discuss Revelation 17 and 18, focusing on the symbolic representation of Babylon. They explore the chiasm structure, highlighting the introduction and judgment of key adversaries like the dragon, the beast, and Babylon.
Watch
Jonathan Edwards and the Asbury Revival
Chris Chun and Chris Woznicki discuss the signs of true revival, signs of the work of the Holy Spirit, and why it is important to critically assess the characteristics of revival in a spirit of charity.
Jonathan Edwards and the Baptists | Douglas Sweeney, Nathan Finn and Chris Chun
Dr. Douglas Sweeney and Dr. Nathan Finn joined Dr. Chris Chun for a panel discussion on Jonathan Edwards, recorded live at the SBC Annual Meeting in Anaheim.