In recognizing the critical truth God has revealed to us in the Scriptures, we realize that – from its origination to its propagation to others – it must be
self-authenticating, authoritative, and accessible to everyone of any culture at any time.
The Bible itself guides us on how it is to be read and understood as a progressive unity with an intentional trajectory.
It must also be realized that Jesus Christ, the Living Word, has a relationship or a connection to every part of the Bible.
And finally, a lifetime of studying and obeying the Scripture will prove to be engaging, enlightening, and encouraging… but never exhaustive!
Is there a secret to reading Scripture?
Where do you start?
What happens if comprehension is not immediate?
Let’s clarify a couple of concepts….
All believers will have the inner drive of the Holy Spirit toward the Word. This often sprouts as some kind of duty or discipline. Do not be discouraged if there’s no deep satisfaction found in this practice. It will not be long before this discipline grows into desire and delight for the Word.
Also be aware that there is no single method of scriptural study that is good for everyone at all times. Every plan for reading and studying Scripture will eventually evolve into one’s personal, Spirit-nudged study. Note: hold loosely to those ‘read-the-Bible-in-a-year’ plans. Falling behind often causes guilt and frustration, and this is not helpful.
Let’s begin with a few principles that enable one to engage in a study of Scripture with the intention of, over time, finding a personal pathway of reading and obeying and responding to adjustments in your study-practices as you mature in your relationship with God’s Word.
Critical Principles…
Find a place of entry. This may come as a result of listening to others talk or discuss the Bible with a sense of passion and intelligence. Someone or something will be a catapult for you to explore the Word for yourself. The key is to act on it when you recognize it.
Keep reading even if there’s little or incomplete comprehension initially. There is no quota of chapters that have to be read. Just establish some regularity.
Pick up some nuggets. Every now and then you’ll find a verse or a chapter that really touches you (whether or not it’s in context). Savor it, cherish and mark it in your Bible or notes. But keep moving. This process of finding treasures will continue throughout your lifetime of study.
Chase some rabbits. Don’t linger to the point of obsession, but you will feel the spark to follow through Scripture some idea or concept with passion and curiosity.
Get some history. You’ll be surprised how much this will enhance your study of Scripture. Aspects of history will shine a light that will often open up a new area of comprehension for you. Remember that the Bible is a Jewish book written in an Eastern culture.
Learn to wrestle and become comfortable with it. Ask questions and have conversations. Be aware of those passages of Scripture that may appear to be contradictions. Part of praying is actually wrestling with God while seeking his clarity.
You jump in, then let God out. This interplay is the intersection between heaven and earth. You’ll begin to recognize that all of God’s intentions for you can be found in a lifelong study of and obedience to His Word.
Tips & Cautions…
Choose a Bible for yourself. Gather some thoughts on the different translations of Scripture that are available. You may decide on one translation for carrying with you and a study Bible for your research. And don’t be afraid to write or highlight in your Bible.
Establish a place and a time for studying. This is necessary more so when you begin. It establishes the pattern and pace for you. Respond to the desire to find additional times to chase rabbits, as your curiosity or needs are prompted by the Spirit. Incorporate prayer into your study.
Avoid obsession with certain sections of Scripture. For example, don’t scare people away with your newfound exploration of Bible prophecy.
Avoid being dependent on marketed and mechanistic methods or plans of study. The newest and the next best thing often have a limited shelf-life.
Learn to use a concordance. This will help you discover the actual meaning of Greek and Hebrew words.
Eventually, you’ll want to get through the entirety of Scripture for the first time. In a very real sense, this is a right of passage for a believer. From this point forward, the Spirit often explodes our comprehension and fascination exponentially!
Many adhere to the belief that the Bible is the Word of God, but they have never actually read it or had an encounter with the God who revealed it. But, when you read as the Scriptures intend for you to read them, your confidence in them will be progressively and experientially expanded. You may truly say and believe that this book, though scribed by man, is indeed the very words of God.
NEXT TIME:
What do we do with those pesky apparent contradictions?
THEN…
the conclusion of our study on “The Volume of a Book”