Four Questions To Consider When Reading Your Bible

There are several different reports that show how few American Christians read their Bible consistently. Many Christians never open their Bible outside of a worship service. Since a family can attend church 3 out of 8 weeks and be considered a "regular attender", I think we have some work to do. A faith that is hungry for God begins with reading God's Word.

Here are four questions to consider when you sit down with God's Word.

Do I believe this passage is true?

A 2018 Barna report said 66% of Adult Americans do not believe there is absolute truth. The same report indicated that only 24% of Americans believe the Bible is the actual Word of God.

In April 2019, The New York Times published a report that said 47% of Americans have trouble relaxing because there is too much noise in their lives. We are saturated with noise, words and messages that can distract us from discerning the truth. Is it an important self-check to ask if we authentically believe what we just read in our Bible.

I'll finish this question by reminding us that there is an overload of evidence that supports the historical accuracy of the Bible. If we don't believe what we read, the Bible didn't change -- WE DID!

Why is this passage important?

For this question, let's look at two verses. 

2 Timothy 3:16-17 - ¹⁶ All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; ¹⁷ so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. (NASB)

Focus on adequate and equipped. This verse does not give us permission to settle for mediocrity, rather quite the opposite is true. The words signify a process that will completely qualify us with all capability and proficiency within the kingdom of God.

That's what the Word of God is meant to do in our lives; deepen our spiritual maturity for the purpose of God's kingdom.

What does this passage communicate?

Some parts of the Bible are commands. Some parts include promises. Some parts are narratives. Some parts are historical. Some parts are poetry. Some parts tell us about the goodness and grace of God that is poured into our lives every day. Some parts tell us how sinful we are and remind us how much we need Jesus Christ in our lives.

When we read our Bible, we ought to look at what the passage communicates and how it aligns with the rest of the Bible. We ought to look for God's grace and love in the passage. We ought to look for what God requires from us in the passage.

Why should I listen to this passage?

We should always listen to the passage we are reading because Jesus Christ has our best interest in mind. We designed us for an amazing reason. 

We should listen to the passage because our joy is made complete through the Word of God. In 1 John, the author writes his letter because he wants the reader to have deeper fellowship with Jesus Christ so that our joy may be made complete.

We should listen to the passage because Jesus Christ has more for us than we currently pursue. Reading our Bible pushes us to walk with Jesus Christ better. Reading our Bible offers fellowship with the creator of all that exists.

We should listen to the passage because we live in a world that constantly fights a battle of words and messages.

Whose words will you allow to keep your attention?