what to look for when reading your Bible

Reading the Bible this week? What are you looking for as you read? What's your method for reading and interpreting (for understanding) the words of God?

Give this a shot- The goal of good and true interpreting is to understand 3 things: 1) What did it mean? 2) What does it mean for me? 3) How do I share it with others?

Of these 3, which are the ways that you have been traditionally taught in Church? Which of these ways do you most often study the Bible? What happens if you leave out one of these methods?

Remember that our goal is to find the text's basic meaning, rather than bring meaning to the text. It's always important to recognize the genre of what you are reading, and read it accordingly. Are you reading narrative or poetry, law or hymns, history or personal letters, prophecy or gospels? This is important, because if you read a genre in the wrong way, you might not catch the irony (sarcasm) of Amos, and believe that he was actually intructing God's people to increase their sins (Amos 4:4)!

Below is my personal map for studying the Bible, I hope it is helpful! *printable version HERE.

Full printable version at this link: HERE

becoming people of the Word

There is no simple pathway to spiritual maturity, but there are disciplines that will help us along the way. If we are going to be deeply formed by Christ, we must become people of the Word.

Let me suggest a structure that might help you grow deeper in God’s Word:

1) Begin with a moment of prayer. Ask God to meet you as you study His Word. Ask for your heart to be tender, open, humble, and repentant.

2) Don’t try to read a great deal. The goal is not to cover a whole lot of the Bible, but to take a portion and go very deep. Or better yet, to let it go deeply into you.

3) Take one thought or verse and live with it. Make it yours for the day, a few days, or even for a week. Remember the words of Psalm 1:1-2: God blesses those people who refuse evil advice and won't follow sinners or join in sneering at God… who instead thrill to GOD's Word, and chew on Scripture day and night.

4) Respond to the desire that grows within you from the Word of God. When the truth of God’s Word takes root in our hearts, we will long to be the people He wants us to be. Our desires will change to be His desires. We need to then follow these Spirit-inspired, Word-directed desires, and we will experience transformation in ourselves and in those around us.