Well, we're in the midst of this mini-series of blogs on being devoted, and we're chatting about Acts 2:42. In particular, we looked last time at being devoted to the Apostles' teaching/doctrine. In fact, I tried to supply some information about the doctrine of inspiration as well as suggest some vital resources that can certainly help you become a better student of the Scriputres.
Today, I'd like to offer some practical "how to" suggestions for when you read/study your Bible.
Assuming you wish to do more than simply "get through" a "read the Bible in a year" chart... here are some things I suggest you do. First, find a place to read/study. Yes, it can (and should) be comfortable, but not so comfortable that you'll fall asleep within the first 2 minutes of your reading. I like at least a table (I prefer a desk) where I can lay my Bible(s) open, have a notepad handy, as well as a pen or pencil. Assuming you believe the Bible is God's Word, wouldn't you want to take notes on something God Almighty--the Creator of heaven and earth--is about to say to you??? If God convicts of you something while studying, don't you think it might be wise to write that down? "But Jason," you say, "It's already written down in the Bible." Yes, I know--but I think you will see His command to you as more personal if you jot it down for your own benefit and application.
Second, if you can afford to have several translations available--get them (I suggest an NASB/ESV for a literal translation, an NIV for a dynamic equivalent, and the NLT for a more common/contemporary language translation). When you see great discrepancies, it is possible that there may be some translation/interpretation issues going on in that passage or text. What do I mean? I mean Greek and Hebrew can sometimes be challenging to translate into English, and when a few verses seem very different when you read them in various translations, you may need to scout out some help (commentaries, pastors, study Bible notes, etc.).
Third, and I should have said this first, BUT I am saying it loudly and boldly: BEFORE YOU READ AND STUDY YOUR BIBLE, PRAY. Ask God to help you understand His Word (Psalm 119:18; Luke 24:45; John 3:27, 16:13; Ephesians 1:17-19; 1 John 2:27).
Fourth, ask questions of the text you are reading... and let the TEXT answer them. The Bible says, "Jesus wept" (John 11:35). Ask the big six: who, what, when, where, why, and how? Who is being spoken of here? ANSWER: Jesus. What did Jesus do? ANSWER: He wept. Two answers to two questions... and guess what, there isn't a lot left in verse 35 to answer any other questions. Now, it's obviously not always that easy--but that's the process. If you were to ask where Jesus wept, verse 35 would not help you, but verses 34 and 38 would. So ask lots of questions, but let the Bible answer them... when you do, your theology will be based on the Bible and not your assumptions, presuppositions, preconceived ideas, personal opinions, etc.
Fifth, if you have questions that don't seem to be answered, jot them down on paper and keep them "close". As you ask questions on paper, ask God in prayer for answers too. You may be surprised that in a month or two you may find an answer when you're studying another passage or another book of the Bible. Some questions will always remain (Deuteronomy 29:29a), but you will be surpised how much you can learn after years of Bible study.
Sixth, when you study a passage of Scripture, re-read the text at least 10 times before jumping to any conclusions. The best thing you can do to understand the Bible is to read it over and over again. What's more, learn this process: 1) Read to observe (find out what the text says), 2) read to interpret (discern what the text means), and 3) read to apply (make sure you have some action steps from your study... you will either have a truth to believe, a promise to claim, a sin to avoid, a command to obey, an example to follow, etc.). Observation has to do with simply understanding and comprehending what the words mean in any given sentence, paragraph, passage, chapter, book, etc. Interpretation has to do with grasping what the original author intended for his original audience to understand. And application has to do with you drawing some practical conclusions from what the Bible says and means for your life.
Seventh, look for the main point of a passage. Try to discover how the other verses or sentences support that main idea. You may wish to try and outline the passage you are reading.
Eighth, and this should have been mentioned sooner too--but do some background research on the book you are studying. If you have a study Bible, read the introductory material. Who is the author, when was the book written, what were the circumstances surrounding the book, who were the original recipients, etc.???? (Commentaries are great for this purpose too). What type of literary genre is it? Is it poetry, historical narrative, a teaching letter, prophecy, etc??? If you don't know, resources are out there to help you ("How to Read the Bible Book by Book" By Gordan Fee & Douglas Stuart). You don't interpret a poem like you do a letter from the Apostle Paul.
Ninth, once you've done the hard work: 1) praying, 2) reading your background material, 3) reading and re-reading the text, 4) comparing translations, 5) asking questions of the text, 6) looking for the main point of the passage, 7) ensuring you know what certain words mean which you were unfamilar with, 8) outlining the passage, 9) jotting down ways this text can and should be applied to your life... thank God for His Word! God just spoke to you and His Word will change your life (John 8:32; 13:17).
Finally, be a doer of the Word (James 1:22). Don't just acquire Bible truth, apply Bible truth. Learning is for living when it comes to reading your Bible. And the blessing ONLY comes when you put into practice what you have learned.
My prayer is that we all will be devoted to the Scriptures (i.e. we will dedicate ourselves to the study of God's Word so that we might become more like Jesus, glorify God with our lives, and share God's truth and good news with others for their edification).
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