How To Read the Bible

Author: Michael Gott

God’s Book has a very important place in the life of any person who wants to know Him. The Bible says of itself, “Thy word is truth.” The Bible is a book, and the book we can trust when all else fails. Submission to the authority of God through submission to the authority of Scripture remains the major hallmark of authentic Christianity.

The Bible was the book of yesterday, it will be the book to guide us through all our tomorrows, and it must be the book for today.

I do not hesitate to say that the Bible is indispensable to the growth and spiritual health of every Christian. No one can neglect the Bible and mature in faith and grow in Christ.

Because God expects us to take His word seriously, we should:

Read God’s Word Regularly— That means set aside a time each day to read with the attitude, “Lord, speak to my heart.” Think of it the way you think of food. How many meals do we miss? In the same way read the Bible for spiritual nourishment.

Read God’s Word Reverently— This is the book God has protected and preserved through the ages. It is “God breathed;” it is as if God is speaking to us as we read. We listen, and we latch on to every truth. This is amazing—God is speaking, and Jesus is talking! We must listen. As we read Scripture listening to His voice, He is communicating. Make sure you are of a mind to hear. These are eternal words.

Read Carefully— Open God’s book and forget about how many pages are in it or how many pages you will read. Take time to be careful and prayerful. Look at truth like a jeweler looks at a diamond. Focus and think! Read and ponder!

Read God’s Word Thoughtfully— Ask questions and let God answer them from His own word. Be an honest reader and read with a spirit of inquiry. Ask for a Christian mind and let God’s word soak into you, into your heart and mind.

Read God’s Word Purposefully— Remember, God is speaking to you for a purpose. What does He say about your situations and problems? How does He offer you direction? Read on purposely and with purpose. Paul called the Bible “useful” or practical.

Read God’s Word Expectantly— God loves to surprise us with insights into life. He loves to bless us with revelations of His love and care. He loves to teach us new truth. Expect Him to do that each time you open God’s word.

To neglect the word of God is to neglect Him and, thus, to listen to what is said is the same as listening to God. Think of Bible reading that way.

To live a Christian life, we all have to have a Christian mind so “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16 ) .

Let the Bible forever be your foundation for belief and your fountain for obedience and your feast for nourishment.

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