Reading the Bible
Welcome to the next in our series on Spiritual Growth, as we begin August, we are going to look at written spiritual growth practices. We will return to the videos in September, hope you find these written offerings helpful and that they encourage you to delve deeper into your journey of faith.
Here’s are first written thought by Christine Bailey, on how we might read the bible and get the most we can out of this daily discipline.
Sharon Seal
Reading the bible
As you begin each time, come to the Bible with a prayer in your heart, even if it doesn't come out of your mouth every time! Ask the Holy Spirit to direct you in the passage, and speak to you through it; and to highlight the parts that are most helpful to you that day. Bible notes are helpful but don't be afraid to go off-track sometimes if you feel something pulling you in a different direction.
It’s important to use a translation of the Bible from the original texts (NIV, RSNV for example) and not an individual person's interpretation of another translation. The Message, is very accessible and user-friendly and might be helpful as additional reading, but it’s not the actual Bible text. Some texts are very difficult to understand, and you don't want to take one individual's interpretation and think that is the only one.
Please don’t start with Genesis and work through! If you are new to reading the Bible start with one of the Gospels. Mark's is the shortest, but a bit stark to begin. Luke is very interested in people's stories, and has some of the best stories to offer, as well.
Always start with Identifying what sort of writing you are looking at. Is it a story; songs; poetry; wise sayings; prophecy; letters. Don't read a story as if it was something that actually happened; it may be an analogy, to explain a deeper meaning. Another thing to remember is that it’s important to not read a letter without finding who it was sent to, and what the circumstances were, etc.
Do use a Bible commentary, or other book by a reputable scholar, to help you understand all the above, and guide you through the difficult parts.
Treasure the Gospels, they have a great deal of overlap, but are all different from one another. That is their strength. Enjoy the richness of the variety, and hear the different voices of the writers.
Try not to feel too constricted by the length of a whole passage. Better to really ponder over two sentences and get something from them, than finish a whole chapter.
The study of a text as a piece of writing, using all the learning tools available, is very important. But never forget that Christians see the Bible as God's Word. That means it is more than JUST a text. As we scrutinise the text, it scrutinises us in return! Expect God to give you a deeper understanding and spiritual encouragement, and challenge you, as you study. For me, study of the Bible is a form of prayer.
I also feel that memorising passages of the Bible is so valuable. Often it comes from hearing it frequently; sometimes from reading it aloud yourself. Some verses are so beautiful, or significant to you, personally, that they will stick in your mind. That's always valuable.
The Bible is referred to as the Word of God. Strictly it should be called the Written Word of God, because Jesus is the Living Word of God, as it says in the first chapter of John's Gospel. How we understand the Bible is subject to how we understand Jesus as Lord. The text should be understood in the light of Jesus’ character and teaching.
It’s so important that we study this written word of God and delve deep into its truth and meaning. It will shape and transform us if we do.