How to read the Book

People often think that to be ‘saved’ means your ticket has been punched and no matter what happens, you are on your way to heaven. How does one convince the saved that it is very important to be in close touch with Jesus through Scripture?

 

It is easy to give some general rules on how to read and study the Bible, like they do in the world system. For example, ‘5 tips on how to lose weight.’ The problem is that people might be like us. We know the tips, but we do not manage to do them. In the same way you can exhort believers to read the Bible. You can give them rules and regulations. Yet it doesn’t always work.

 

There is only one foolproof answer to the question of how to read the Bible: ask the Holy Spirit for help. It is one strategy that never fails. The Holy Spirit will not only give the inner motivation, but also direct you how to read. He will even lead you to extra material you need for your studies. People differ and there is no standard ‘recipe.’ Even when it comes to which Bible translation to use, we believe it is wrong to prescribe. Ask the Holy Spirit which one will suit you best.

 

When asked what the greatest commandment was, Jesus answered: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ ¹ How are we supposed to love Someone we cannot see?

• Usually you spend time with a person you love. You get to know him/her and you cultivate the friendship.
• With people we have not met, or seen, we can do the same: we read their biographies or autobiographies. We come to understand how they think, plan, and do things.
• The Bible has a massive amount of information about God. As we read it, we get to know Him better.  The more we know Him, the more we will trust and love Him.
• Don’t think church, Christian TV, or fellowship with other Christians can substitute your personal Bible reading time in the presence of the Holy Spirit who teaches you. Your love for God is nurtured and built up, not only through obedience, but also through knowledge, found in the Scriptures.

 

Derek Prince said: ²

• Your attitude towards God’s Word is your attitude towards God Himself.
• You do not love God more than you love His Word.
• You do not obey God more than you obey His Word.
• You do not have more room in your heart and life for God than you have for His Word.

 

References

1. Matthew 22:37
2. D Prince, Foundations for righteous living, Derick Prince Ministries, 1993. p36-37