Preparing Sermons, Part 08

How to Study Difficult/Controversial Passages

Time: 101 Minutes
Date: 2011-06-27
Logos Version: 4 (compatible with all versions of Logos)

Exodus 12:40-42 Early/Late Date of the Exodus
Step 0: BEGIN WITH PRAYER
Step 1: Have good chronological resources
Step 2: Determine the date type: Calendar Date or Calculated Date
Step 3: Establish a Biblical & Secular preliminary timeline
Step 4: Discover the chain of events with key Cross References
Step 5: Determine if you are dealing with Approximate Numbers or Precise Numbers
Step 6: Utilize Genealogies, Reigns of Kings, Census, Births/Deaths & other time events to close gaps
Step 7: Is there accurate archeological data that is undisputed? (Historical Background Studies)
Step 8: Establish additional cross references in the Bible
Step 9: Align the Biblical Dates with Modern Dates (if possible)
Step 10: Create a pro/con argument
Step 11: Consult exegetical commentaries, theology books, scholarly journals, history, and other well-argued positions
Step 12: Weigh the evidence
Step 13: Arrive at a studied conclusion