Reframed, Part 8: Reframing Deconstruction

Josh Lease, Student Ministries Pastor

“I really feel torn to pieces by the lack of reality, the lack of seeing the results the Bible talks about, which should be seen in the Lord’s people. I’m not only talking about people I’m working with… I’m not satisfied with myself. It seems that the only honest thing to do is rethink, reexamine the whole matter of Christianity. Is it true?” – Francis Shaeffer

I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me. When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands, and I would not be comforted. Psalm 77:1–2

“How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” Psalm 13:1

My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest. Psalm 22:2

Deconstruction is the critical dismantling of tradition and
traditional modes of thought.

Why do people deconstruct? 

1. Disappointment with God
2. Christians misrepresenting God
3. Intellectual doubt
4. Loneliness or exclusion
5. Disillusionment with Christian culture
6. Sinful nature

Jesus deconstructed the and religious norms of his day. 

“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” John 14:15–21

“Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” John 14:23

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26

“I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.” John 14:29

If we attempt to examine Jesus apart from a relationship with him, all he
will ever be to us is an or a .

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers.” John 15:5–6

“All this I have told you so that you will not fall away.” John 16:1

“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” John 16:13

“You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:32–33

Who is Jesus to you?

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13

Small Group Questions

1. What has been your experience with deconstruction? Is this a term you’re familiar with? What’s your understanding of it?
2. Have you ever experienced a time when you deconstructed all or part of your faith? What was it like? 
3. What do you think about the idea that Jesus deconstructed the religious norms of his day? How might we deconstruct like Jesus? 
4. Why do you think Jesus repeatedly told his disciples the Holy Spirit would be coming to them on the night of his arrest? How would this help them in their coming deconstruction? 
5. What are some questions about God and your faith that you’re wrestling with?
6. Who is Jesus to you?
7. How can we pray for you right now and throughout the week?