In answering a question about how to train teenagers to study the Bible, John Piper highlights a critical goal:
…the goal of this teaching is a lifelong habit of mind and heart to approach the Scriptures in a certain way. In other words, being able to do a particular technique is not the goal. Trying to reproduce Piper lab experiences is not the goal. But the habits of mind and the habits of heart that you inculcate, or that you build into your children while working through those techniques — that’s the goal.
I would explain that goal to my children. I’d say, “That’s what we’re after here. I’m not trying to make a little John Piper out of you (or a little whatever out of you). I just want to build into you certain habits of mind and habits of heart so that you will approach the Scriptures fruitfully for the rest of your life.”
Piper describes the importance of creating a cultural setting where you can develop habitual skills with your teens. Then he proposes 7 skills to focus on:
- Define the terms.
- Find the propositions.
- Clarify the relationships.
- Determine the main point.
- Compare texts.
- Face reality.
- Apply the text.
The OIA method provides a simple way to package such skills so they sink in and are memorable. Then Piper concludes:
Keep in mind the aim is not to master a technique like arcing or lab with John Piper. That’s not the aim. The aim is lifelong habits of mind and heart that humbly and eagerly ask and answer questions from the Bible.
Agreed. Agreed. Agreed. May the Lord give us and our teens grace to pursue and acquire such lifelong habits.
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