How Should We Read The Bible?

Sometimes you may wonder how should I read the Bible? First, we should come expectantly. The Bible is not just another book. It is the Word of God, given to us by God to help us and instruct us.

Psalms 119:105 your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

Therefore, when we come to the Bible we should except God to teach us and show us new truths about Himself and His will for our lives. That is one reason why we should always pray when we open the Bible and ask the Holy Spirit to make clear its meaning for our lives. It means we also should read carefully, not just hurrying through a passage or reading it without understanding.

Second, we should read the Bible systematically, not just at random. Begin regular reading of the bible from beginning to end in your morning Bible reading time and concentrate on a specific book in your evening time. Like I’ve mentioned it before, I would start with the Gospel of John and then the Book of Romans.

We must study prayerfully, relying upon God to enlighten our mind and enable us to understand what we read. We must also pray frequently as we read and we will discover a fellowship with God that is intimate and satisfying. When we read the bible, we need to make sure we are learning the Bible and not the views of some individual. We may be in perfect agreement, but there is a blessing in knowing we got it from God.

We should also read the bible obediently and ready to obey the truth that God has for us. The Bible can change our lives as we read it and obey its teachings every day.

2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness

No book ever takes the place of the Bible. It is its own best commentary. As I’m trying to help, I would make a few simple suggestions. I can only plant the seeds for you. But you must do the rest to keep that plant growing strong.

Here are a few things how you should read the bible.

Be open-minded

If you begin with a prejudice, you will be blind, or else you will read into the Bible what is not really there.

Take action step on the basis of what you discover.

As I mentioned before 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.

The bible is a guidebook and leading us to God in a personal faith. Like a map, it will show us the way. But, most importantly, we must take it one step at a time. Psalms 119:105 your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

Read the Bible prayerfully

Ask God to open your mind. The sound of the words will not help, for we must understand what we read. God will provides enlightenment for those who wish it.

Luke 11:10 for everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

Continue your study

When you read the bible, be patient, for the knowledge of God comes gradually and slowly. We need to remember when we study of His word; it’s a lifetime occupation. Remember Matthew 4? Jesus said `Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' So, please be aware when you read, the bible is to our soul what bread is to our body. We need it daily. One good meal does not filled up stomach for a lifetime.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.  

Personal Spiritual Growth and Commitment Chart

Prayer is a spiritual discipline usually relegated by the women in our lives. Yet, historically there have been a significant number of men of faith well connected to God through prayer.

In filling out this chart, please be as honest as you can. Keep it and retake it in a few months to chart your progress. If you are part of a small group, encourage them to take it and share the results as a group.