Biblical Exegesis Master Assessment

EXEGESIS COMPETENCY: CONTENT

As I reflect on my journey in preaching and biblical exegesis, I can trace my influences back to childhood. Long car rides through Metro Vancouver traffic became formative moments as my family listened to preachers like Chuck Swindoll, John MacArthur, and David Jeremiah. These voices shaped how I think about Scripture, and how I learned to approach it with seriousness, clarity, and reverence.

Among the pastors I knew personally, Dr. Donald Anderson left a deep impression. His booming, resonant voice filled the sanctuary, but it wasn’t just about volume — it was about presence. What stood out more than his delivery was his humility. Like many of the men I respected, he embodied the heart of Philippians 2: someone not concerned with making himself the center, but who pointed people toward Jesus.

When I felt called to pastoral ministry, I prayed for a mentor like Paul was to Timothy. I believe God answered that prayer through my current head pastor, Dr. Jonathan Pettinger. Jon has mentored me not only through his preaching, but also through his example of patience, humility, and Spirit-led teaching. He doesn’t rely on theatrics to be heard; instead, he invites the congregation to lean in, to wrestle with the text, and to engage with Scripture deeply. Even when others disagree with him, Jon responds with calmness and openness. Watching him navigate these moments has shaped how I approach difficult conversations about Scripture and truth.

One of the most formative resources for me in learning how to preach was Communicating for a Change by Andy Stanley. Jon invited me to read it during my early years of preaching, and the "Me-We-God-You-We" framework has stuck with me ever since:

Me – Where do I struggle with this?

We – How do others commonly struggle with this?

God – What does God say about this in His Word?

You – Now that you know, what will you do?

We – How might we, as a church, live this out together?

In addition to Stanley, I return regularly to authors like Henri Nouwen, Charles Spurgeon, and Donald Hills — my wife’s great-grandfather. He was a preacher, and I’ve been blessed to inherit some of the books he wrote before he passed. Spending time with the words of someone who wrestled with Scripture in another era has been both grounding and enriching.

If there’s one consistent thread in the lives of those I admire, it’s this: they all spend quality time in the Word. That, more than any technique, defines exegesis that is faithful, fruitful, and Spirit-led. EXEGESIS COMPETENCY: CHARACTER

When I reflect on character, I often find myself feeling uncomfortable. It can feel like bragging to speak about one’s own virtues, and that tension has forced me to think deeply about what exegesis does to a person’s character — not how good I am, but how Scripture shapes me.

At its core, biblical exegesis calls us to empty ourselves of personal bias and preconceived notions as much as humanly possible. Of course, we never approach the Bible in a vacuum. We all bring assumptions, preferences, and cultural frameworks. But if we are to model ourselves after Christ as described in Philippians 2, we are called to a kind of self-emptying — setting aside our pre-biblical ideas so that the Holy Spirit can speak clearly through the Word.

And that’s the heart of it for me. Exegesis has formed my character by pressing me to let go of my self-righteousness and lean not on my own understanding. It’s humbling — not because I’ve mastered some virtue, but because I keep encountering the holiness of God in Scripture. When I open the Bible exegetically, I do so not just to prepare a sermon but to be corrected, challenged, rebuked, and comforted by God Himself.

This past year, I repeated one verse every Friday with the youth I work with, hoping it would sink deep into their hearts. I called it “the other 3:16 verse” — 2 Timothy 3:16:

2 Timothy 3:16 NASB95

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;

If we believe that verse is true, we don’t just preach it to others — we let it speak to us first. We allow it to shape us. We allow it to reveal where we are wrong. We allow it to point us back to the truth.

So, if exegesis has shaped my character in any way, it has done so by humbling me — not by my effort, but by the Spirit working through the Word. EXEGESIS COMPETENCY: CRAFT

How does one master exegesis? I honestly believe it’s an ongoing journey. If anything, the craft of exegesis is not something we “master” in the traditional sense, but something we continually grow into — step by Spirit-led step.

In my ministry with youth, especially during Bible studies, I’ve realized how essential it is to know the text well. Not just for teaching, but because their questions often carry deep emotional weight. For a youth, a question that might seem simple on the surface may actually be tied to a larger issue of identity or faith. When a young person looks at you with those big feelings behind their question, you’re being entrusted with something sacred. To step into that moment well, the Holy Spirit must be welcomed into every part of the process — from the first reading of the passage, to the final “amen” at youth group, and even beyond, when that youth and their parent ask for a coffee conversation to go deeper. Thank God the Holy Spirit is with us!

Because of my commitment to invite the Spirit into my study time, I’ve found myself prepared for moments I didn’t plan for. I’ve had parents, youth, and leaders ask how I can so often pull up relevant and accurate Scripture references in conversation. The truth is: I’m amazed too — not at myself, but at how the Holy Spirit equips me in advance.

Let me walk through a recent example. This week I prepared a Bible study called “Faith in the Fire,” based on Daniel 3 and the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. It started with an idea I thought was insightful — that the three men must have walked themselves into the furnace because the guards died approaching it. Before I even got into the Scripture, I mentioned this to Jon, and he quickly pointed out the flaw. Sure enough, when I read the text, it became clear: they didn’t walk in — they were bound and thrown in. The only walking they did was when they came out, unbound and untouched by the flames. That correction was only possible because I went to the text itself.

My process is fairly intuitive. I began engaging with the text on Friday. Once I’ve read a passage a few times, it gets “stuck” in my mind — I find myself thinking about it, dreaming about it, and chewing on it in the background of life. Sometimes that’s while I sit in prayer; sometimes it’s while I’m watching my kids at swimming lessons. By Tuesday, I usually open a commentary — in this case, A.R. Millard — and supplement that with trusted video resources like Spoken Gospel and David Bowden’s visual presentation on Daniel 3. I also re-read the text, reflect, and begin to write.

While I do use other sources, I don’t overly rely on them. I believe others can give helpful context, historical background, or theological insight — but the primary voice in biblical study should always be Scripture itself, read with a heart postured to receive from the Holy Spirit. Other voices are welcome — but they must always be weighed against the Word of God.

Ultimately, the craft of exegesis must begin by seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and it must end in reliance on that same Spirit. That process — when done faithfully — takes the proud soul and brings it to a place of humility. Exegesis Devotional: Faith in the Fire

Opening Lately, one of the topics that’s been on my mind has been the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, because as I was reflecting on their story, I couldn’t help but admire their bravery.

I also couldn’t help but think about how their bravery came in the face of immense persecution from the ruler they were serving.

This devotional is titled: Faith in the Fire. And during this devotional, we are going to explore what it means to stand firm in what we believe, even when the world demands that we bow down. Big Idea

Here’s our BIG IDEA for today:

When we refuse to bow to the world's idols—even in the face of fire—Jesus meets us there. Earthly powers may rage and threaten us, but in the end God's kingdom stands forever.

More Than a Story

The truth of the matter is this isn’t just a story of three men and a furnace. It is really about the kind of faith that remains strong under pressure.

It’s about surrounding yourself with friends who share your faith and will willingly stand with you “even if.”

And ultimately, it’s about the God who walks with us in the fire. Daniel 2 Sets the Stage

To really understand the context of Daniel 3, we need to look back at Daniel 2.

In verses 31–49, King Nebuchadnezzar has a dream. He doesn’t tell anyone what it is, but God reveals it to Daniel.

In the dream, Nebuchadnezzar sees a statue that is struck down by a stone (v.34). Daniel explains that this dream means that kingdom after kingdom will fall—but one kingdom will never fall: the kingdom of God (v.44).

The king is amazed. In verse 46, he falls on his face and worships God.

And in verse 49, we see Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego enter the scene because Daniel requests that they be appointed over the province of Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar's Ego

But as we get into Daniel 3, we find out that the king’s reverence for God only lasts so long.

In his vanity, Nebuchadnezzar erects a large, expensive gold statue of himself.

In verses 4–6, he demands that everyone worship the image.

This is a bold rejection of what God told him in the dream. Nebuchadnezzar basically says, “This is my kingdom. I’m in charge. My kingdom will never fall.” Statues in History and Today

Historically, statues weren’t just decoration. In ancient times, kings would place statues in towns they conquered or at the borders of their kingdom to mark their territory.

If you saw a statue, you knew:

“This is who’s in charge here.”

Kind of like how King Charles’ face is already on our money here in Canada. People know: he’s the king.

Question for reflection (pause): What kinds of statues do people build today to declare their power or identity? I already gave you one example. The Problem with Our Three Friends

Here’s the problem with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego:

They were foreigners, in a foreign land, and they got put into pretty sweet jobs.

That didn’t create friends among the locals—who probably felt they deserved those jobs.

In fact, in verse 8, we see the Chaldeans were more than happy to report that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had blatantly refused to bow to the statue.

Question for discussion (pause): Why do you think being faithful to God sometimes makes people uncomfortable? Even If He Does Not…

“Even if He does not…”

I love those five words.

On their own, they might not seem like much, but in context, they’re iconic.

Even more iconic than that photo of American soldiers planting their flag on a mound in WWII. Even more powerful than a last-minute Grey Cup play that wins the underdog team the cup.

We read in verses 13–21 that Nebuchadnezzar is furious. He demands the three men be brought before him and gives them a second chance.

He even mocks God, forgetting what Daniel had done earlier. He says in v.15:

“What god is there who can deliver you out of my hands?”

But Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stand firm together in faith.

In v.17 they say:

“Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire.”

And here’s the kicker — they continue in v.18:

“But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”

That’s faith that trusts God even if the outcome isn’t rescue. Seven Times Hotter

Verses 19–22. The story escalates.

Nebuchadnezzar’s rage boils over. It says his facial expression changed toward the men.

He orders the furnace to be heated seven times hotter than usual.

Maybe that was meant as an insult to the God of Israel, since seven is seen as holy and perfect in Jewish culture.

Then he commands valiant soldiers — the kind of soldiers who are loyal by nature — to bind them and throw them into the fire.

And those soldiers — loyal to the wrong thing — die from the intensity of the heat. Firefighter Story: Facing the Flames

Here’s a question for us:

What does “Even if He does not” faith look like in your life right now?

(Pause)

As I was thinking about how to help you understand the intensity of that fire, I couldn’t help but think about my experience as a firefighter.

Back in 2017, I was a firefighter in 100 Mile House, BC. A wildfire was raging near our community.

The winds shifted, and the fire started racing toward the town.

We were ordered to evacuate.

We rushed in our firetrucks. Flames towered above the trees. The sky turned black with smoke. It was daylight — but everything glowed red.

I could feel the heat through the truck window. It was surreal.

We crested the hill. The fire commissioner was waving at us:

“Turn around! Hold the fire back! They need time!”

We turned around. Each truck had two of us — a driver and a hose man (me).

We got out, got the pumps running, stretched the lines, and fought the fire.

The heat was so intense it made me shiver. Smoke filled my lungs. My eyes burned. I coughed so hard I could hardly stand.

Then we ran out of water.

I shouted, “What’s going on?!” My partner yelled, “We’re out!”

Trees started exploding. Flaming chunks were flying at us. I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t see. The radio was silent.

I cried out to Jesus.

My partner shouted,

“Face it, Jesse! We’re done. Your God can’t help.”

And then — through the smoke — a fire truck backed up toward us.

It was my father-in-law, with a water supply line. He grinned and shouted:

“Did anyone call for water?”

He spent the whole night resupplying us. We fought the fire back until 2 a.m.

We saved the town.

And I’ll never forget collapsing in the lobby of a building, 60 of us, dirty, sore, coughing, just grateful to be alive.

That heat was real.

So when I read about those guards who got too close to Nebuchadnezzar’s furnace and died— I get it. Four in the Fire

Verses 24–25 — Nebuchadnezzar suddenly sees something incredible.

“I see four men, loose, walking around in the midst of the fire without harm. And the fourth looks like a son of the gods!”

Most scholars believe this is a theophany — a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus.

And I personally agree.

John 1:30 says:

“He who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me.”

Hebrews 1:3 says:

“He is the radiance of God’s glory.”

But even if it wasn’t Jesus, we can still say this:

God was with them in the fire.

Even Nebuchadnezzar admits it in v.28 — calling Him an angel sent from God. The Only Thing That Burned

In verse 27, Nebuchadnezzar calls the men out.

And everyone gathers around them. What do they see?

Not a hair singed.

Not a piece of clothing burned.

They don’t even smell like smoke.

(How many of us smell like campfire after five minutes?)

The only thing that burned was the ropes.

Sometimes, God uses the fire not to punish us — but to release us.

Question for reflection: Have you ever gone through something hard that actually set you free in some way? Changed by Fire

Because of their faith, Nebuchadnezzar — and all his officials — witnessed the power of the one true God.

In verse 29, he makes a decree that no one is to speak against their God.

And in verse 30, the king promotes them.

And if you keep reading in Daniel 4, you’ll see Nebuchadnezzar testifying about God.

In verse 37, he declares:

“Now I praise, exalt, and honor the King of heaven, For all His works are true and His ways are just, And He is able to humble those who walk in pride.”

Final Reflection

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego humbled themselves before God in defiance to a prideful king.

And through their faithful humility, they were saved in the fire— and a prideful king was led to the one true God.

It makes you wonder…

If we were faithful “even if He does not…”, how much of a testimony would that be to the people around us?

Take heart:

Jesus will walk with us through the fire.

Isaiah 43:2 says

Isaiah 43:2 NASB95

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.

2 Timothy 4:17 says

2 Timothy 4:17

2 Timothy 4:17 NASB95

But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth.

Prayer

Let’s pray:

Our Father in Heaven, Thank you for being the one who meets us in the fire that life sometimes sends our way. Give us courage like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Help us reflect You, O God, in our actions and words. Help us not to be prideful in our own image. Amen.

Take-Home Questions

What “fire” are you facing right now?

How can you trust Jesus to walk through the fire with you?

What might God want to burn off from your life so you can walk free?

Remember: Faith is not about avoiding the fire — It’s about who you rely on to walk with you through it.

Final Reflection: It's Not About Me

Biblical exegesis, when practiced rightly, should reflect the very heart of Jesus — as described in Philippians 2:5–7:

“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus… He emptied Himself...” (Philippians 2:5–7, NASB95)

True exegesis begins with humility — a willingness to be corrected, shaped, and led by God’s Word. As 2 Timothy 3:16 reminds us:

“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness...” (NASB95)

St. Augustine once said:

“If your interpretation of the Bible does not lead to a deeper love for God and for others, then your interpretation is flawed.”

That love — both for God and for the people we serve — is the true aim of our study.

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31, NIV)

Personal Note

Ultimately, I couldn’t care less about proving my proficiency in methods, vocabulary, or historical frameworks. What matters is that I point to God — while faithfully honouring His good and perfect Word.

If the people I minister to know that I love them, and if they come to see that God is worthy of all glory, then I’ve done what matters.

It’s not about me. It never was.