“The studious perusal of the Sacred Volume will make better citizens, better fathers, and better husbands” is a quote that has been attributed to Thomas Jefferson. That quote has come under attack by some as something someone heard him say, but not a direct quote of the former President. Whether Jefferson said it or not does not take away from the truth of the quote. Reading, studying and applying the Bible will always make mankind better! In giving the Revelation, Jesus reminded, “Blessed is he that readeth…” (Revelation 1:3). While Bible reading is often encouraged among religious folks, many times newcomers to the Bible have no idea where to start or how to start. May I offer some suggestions in the reading of your Bible?
Firstly, read regularly. To become a proficient Bible reader, one must make the necessary time to read. God’s Word is our spiritual food (1 Peter 2:2; Matthew 4:4; Job 23:12) that nourishes our thoughts, deeds and way of life. If we do not eat the proper food physically, our bodies suffer, and if we do not eat the proper food spiritually, our spirituality suffers. D.L. Moody was once told by a man that he just did not have time to read the Bible every day. Mr. Moody replied, “My friend, if you are too busy to read the Bible every day, then you are busier than Almighty God ever intended any human to be, and you had better let some things go, and make the time!”
Secondly, read slowly. Sometimes the goal to “get through the Bible in a year” prohibits us from really understanding what we read. There are no prizes awarded by God for the most times we read the Bible in a year! Someone correctly said, “It does not matter how much of the Word of God you go through, but how much of the Word of God that goes through you.”
Thirdly, read systematically. This may be the most common mistake made when it comes to reading the Bible. One day a person is in Genesis, the next day in Matthew, and the next day in Psalms. A good outline of the entire Bible will help in this process. For example, group the prophets together as to the time in which they wrote and to whom they wrote. Habakkuk, Zephaniah and Jeremiah all prophesied to Judah during the same time period; so, reading these three books together gives one the true picture of God’s Word. Many other examples could be given, but however you choose to read, to get the most out of the time spent, read systematically.
Fourthly, read inquiringly. As you read, keep three major questions in mind with a goal to answer those questions from your reading. “Who is the writer?” “To whom is he writing?” “What is the major reason for this writing?” For example, when one reads Colossians, if he or she comprehends certain elements, understanding will be much fuller. Paul was in prison while he wrote. The church at Colosse was being influenced by the world around it (e.g., idolatry, Judaism, et al.), and as such, Christ was taking a “back seat.” Thus, Paul wrote to magnify Christ and to show that in all things He must be first (Colossians 1:18). Seeking the answers to certain questions as one reads will make reading much more enjoyable and memorable.
Lastly, but certainly not least, read prayerfully. Spending time talking to God before He speaks to you will make your study much richer. Ask God for wisdom and understanding! A reverent talk with the Author will make the Book much sweeter!
Reading the Bible is such a daunting task if one seeks to understand what he reads. However, the blessings that come as a result from a serious study of God’s Word cannot be matched. Bible readers are dealing with eternal things. Anything else besides the Bible will one day be destroyed, but God’s Word lasts forever (Matthew 24:35). Read it to be wise, believe it to be saved, and practice it to be holy! Truly “Blessed is he that readeth…”!
