How To Read The Bible: Part 1
Today’s Passage: Romans 12:1-2
“How” you go about doing something, anything, should start first with your goal
Consider an example. How should I go about cooking food? It depends. Are you cooking for a basic utilitarian function, such as fueling your body? Or, are you cooking to tantalize your taste buds? I assume the answer to those questions will greatly affect how you go about cooking.
Here I shared why I read the Bible—to know and be known by God.
In Romans 12:1-2 we are encouraged to be so completely connected to God, that we offer our entire being to God. Further, that we do this by renewing our mind. When we have so completely renewed our mind—we will be able to test and discern the perfect will of God for our lives—daily!
Wow! That is a big vision for how to live our lives. That sets a huge goal for Bible reading.
To know God so well, that we know His perfect will.
This knowing, by my way of thinking, is not merely “head knowledge”. I know all sorts of things that I do not put into practice. Romans 12:1 tells us to offer our bodies—this is an action which is a result of what we read in Romans 12:2.
To be clear, when the Scripture says “body”, it is referring to more than our physical bodies. Jesus talks about whether our “bodies” are full of light or darkness (Matthew 6:22-23)
Quite simply, how can we engage Scripture in a way where the result is transformation? Can you see how this is a very specific goal?
We are not reading Scripture to simply learn. We are reading to be changed by God.
“Head knowledge”, understanding what the text says, is certainly a necessary step. Yet it is insufficient in the process of transformation by itself.
Here is How to Read the Bible
1. Set a Plan. Your Plan ought to include “what” you are going to read, if you are going to have some “help” and should be “reasonable”.
a. By “what” I mean either choose to read a Book of the Bible or study a Topic.
b. By “help” I mean a guide or devotional that is either emailed to you, or you have a hard copy by your bedside.
c. By “reasonable” I mean achievable.
i. I read each day, BUT every other day I am actually re-reading. My plan has me reading new material about 3 times a week. In between, I re-read the text. This allows me to take-in the Scripture AND on those days when I blow it and don’t read, it keeps me from feeling like I am falling behind. If you like this idea, sign-up here. People who have been reading with me have read 12 books of the Bible.
ii. Other people read a verse a day. They take it in slowly. If you like this idea, sign-up here.
2. Set a Time Aside. Some folks say do it in the morning, others say to read at night.
a. Set a time that works for you. I know some moms that do it right after their kids go off to school. I know some working moms and dads that do it at their lunch—it is their only non-kid and non-work quiet time (although they confess they have to fight to make it non-work).
b. Expect that as your life changes, the best time will change.
3. Pray first, then Read AND finally Reflect. Two common mistakes:
a. First, people jump right in because they feel pressed for time. Take a moment and pray. You are engaging the Living God and praying to hear from Him.
b. Second, don’t skip the Scripture. Some folks think, I know what these verses say, I’ve read it before. Avoid going straight to the “help” or “devotional”.
c. Third, figure out the best way for you to “engage Scripture”—figure out your “how” you best reflect and engage. In the Part 2 I will unpack that idea and give you some links to help.
In the meantime, don’t give up. Make a plan and begin thinking about “when” is best for you during your day/week. Expect that Satan doesn’t want you to read Scripture (gee, what a surprise).