The Bible is the most important book in the world. It is God’s revelation of himself to us, his creation. It tells us who God is, what he has done, what he is doing, and what he will do. It also tells us who we are, why we are here, how we should live, and where we are going.
But reading the Bible is not always easy. It is a collection of 66 books, written by different authors in different genres, over a span of about 1500 years. It contains stories, laws, poems, prophecies, letters, and more. It reflects the culture and context of its original audience, which may be very different from ours.
So how can we read the Bible in a way that helps us grow spiritually and be transformed by its message? Here are some tips to help you read the Bible for all it’s worth.
1. Pray before you read. The Bible is not just a human book but a divine one. It is inspired by the Holy Spirit, who also helps us understand it. Before you read the Bible, ask God to open your eyes to see his truth, your ears to hear his voice, and your heart to receive his grace. Pray that he will speak to you through his word and show you how to apply it to your life.
2. Read in context. The Bible is not a collection of isolated verses but a coherent story of God’s plan for the world. To understand any part of the Bible, you need to understand how it fits into the whole. That means paying attention to the literary context (the genre, structure, and purpose of the book), the historical context (the time, place, and situation of the author and audience), and the theological context (the main themes and messages of the book). A good study Bible or commentary can help you with this.
3. Read with Christ in mind. The Bible is ultimately about Jesus Christ. He is the center and goal of God’s revelation. He is the fulfillment of all the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament. He is the Lord and Savior of all who believe in him. He is the head and source of life for his church. He is the judge and king of all creation. As you read the Bible, look for how it points to Christ or prepares for his coming. Ask yourself how it reveals his character, work, or will.
4. Read with reverence. The Bible is not just a book, but God’s word. It is authoritative, infallible, and sufficient for our faith and practice. It is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). It has the power to convict us of our sin, comfort us in our sorrow, correct us in our errors, and conform us to Christ’s image. As you read the Bible, treat it with respect and awe. Don’t twist it to suit your preferences or opinions, but submit to its claims and commands.
5. Read with others. The Bible is not just for individuals but for the community of God’s people. It was written by and for the church to instruct, edify, and unify us in Christ. We need each other to help us interpret and apply the Bible correctly and faithfully. We can learn from each other’s insights, questions, experiences, and testimonies. We can also encourage each other to obey and follow God’s word in our daily lives.
6. Read repeatedly. The Bible is not just for one-time reading but for lifelong learning. It is inexhaustible in its depth and richness. We can never fully grasp all that it contains or implies. We need to read it over and over again, with fresh eyes and open hearts, to discover new treasures of wisdom and grace. We also need to meditate on it day and night (Psalm 1:2), memorize it (Psalm 119:11), and share it with others (2 Timothy 4:2).
Reading the Bible is one of the best ways to grow spiritually and be transformed by God’s grace. But it takes time, effort, and discipline to do it well. We must ask the Holy Spirit to help us read and meditate on the scriptures. He can guide us to understand and apply the teachings of God’s word in our lives.
By seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we can gain deeper insights and revelations from the Bible, allowing us to experience a more profound spiritual transformation. Additionally, the Holy Spirit can illuminate the meaning behind the scriptures and help us internalize their truths, enabling us to live out God’s word with greater conviction and purpose.
May God help us to love his word more than gold or honey (Psalm 19:10) and to live by every word that comes from his mouth (Matthew 4:4).
