We begin our deep dive on the ten practices of following Jesus, and we begin with Scripture because it’s impossible to know Jesus, and follow the way of Jesus, apart from knowing his Word. It is through his Word that we know his person, his work, his will, and his ways.
Before we get into four main ways of reading the Bible, consider for a moment what the Bible is. It’s more than a collection of stories, rules, poems, and prophecies. And it’s certainly not an anthology of myths, legends, and good advice. The Bible is the inspired Word of God. 2 Timothy 3:16 says every verse was “breathed out by God.” And 2 Peter 1:21 says that those who recorded these words were not speaking their own opinions, but were “carried along by the Holy Spirit.”
So we come to this book eager to see how God reveals his own wisdom, authority, power, and grace.
Our big idea for this practice is this: To know God and the will of God, you must be a student of the Word of God. Studying the Bible is at the heart of apprenticeship to Jesus.
With that in mind, here are four ways to read the Bible. You can think of these as four things you’re looking for or four things you’re asking God to show you as you read and study his Word.
1. Read for knowledge.
The Bible rebukes the simpleton and the fool, but commends those who seek true knowledge and understanding. So read the Word to discover God’s truth – what is sometimes referred to as “sound doctrine,” or healthy teaching, that leads to flourishing.
Come to the Bible with your questions about God, human nature, the purpose of life, sin, salvation, his will for your future, or anything else, and let God be your master teacher.
2. Read for communion.
Do you ever read Scripture just to focus on being present with God? This is the idea of communion. It’s the sharing or exchange of intimate connection and communication. In contrast to reading for knowledge, this isn’t about getting new information from God; it’s about enjoying close fellowship with him.
3. Read for guidance.
We’re all guided by someone or something. We all have a voice or voices that we listen to – people whom we’ve chosen to follow. And the loudest, clearest, most authoritative voice of all should be that of our Lord and Savior.
From the first chapter of Genesis and “The Cultural Mandate,” the Bible is filled with God’s wisdom and instruction for life. His word is “a lamp to [our] feet and a light to [our] path,” as Psalm 119:105 says. In his light, we see the path of true life. We don’t have to walk in darkness or guess what his will is. Jesus gladly leads us through his Word.
The guidance of God’s Word isn’t arbitrary or burdensome. The yoke of Jesus is light.
4. Read for transformation.
James reminds us how foolish it is to look into the mirror of God’s Word, see something that needs corrected, and go away unchanged. The whole point of the Bible is to change us from one degree of glory to another into the image and likeness of our Rabbi, Jesus.
Life transformation is the point of Scripture – according to the timeless, universal pattern of 2 Timothy 3:16-17, where we’re told every part of the Bible offers “teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.” In other words, 1) the Bible shows us the pattern of what’s true and right; 2) the Bible demonstrates where we’re wrong and reproves us; 3) the Bible restores and reforms our desires, thoughts, and actions; and 4) the Bible trains us to walk in the habits of Jesus.
As you skim these four ways of reading Scripture, what’s your default? Is anything missing? What would a more balanced and robust approach to Scripture look like for you?
Here’s one final, practical method or pattern that might be helpful to you. It’s just one of many ways to read and study God’s Word. Learn to HEAR from the Word.
- Highlight: share something that stands out to you.
- Explain: what the text means.
- Apply: what the text means to you right now.
- Respond: what you will do because of this text.
Get a group of 2-4 friends together and share what you’re reading, what you’re learning, how Jesus is drawing you closer to himself. Talk with each other. Support, challenge, and equip one another. And watch the Word come alive in you and prosper your ways.
Notes and Questions for Life Application