4 Ways to Approach the Bible
I realize I have so much more to share with you that will help you develop your Bible reading practice—hopefully, this has been a good start!
But in truth, there really is so much more!
We’ve started with some very basic principles, but there may be more you’re wondering about.
Can I trust the Bible? Is it still relevant today? Why can’t people agree on what various passages say? Why would I want to read something that’s so old? Or that endorses slavery, marginalizes women, or is anti-gay? (I’m not saying the Bible does this, but many think it does.) I haven’t been avoiding these topics. I merely wanted to get us started on some baby’s milk before we (at some point this next year?) get into some solid food. (1 Corinthians 3:2)
Today, I’d like to help you read the Bible.
Other names for the Bible are the Scriptures or the Word of God.
“Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” - 2 Peter 2:20,21
Now you could read this and immediately think this refers only to the passages that are formally named “prophecy," meaning: from the major and minor prophets. It doesn’t. It’s referring to all Scripture. The collective voices of men and women who were carried along (inspired) by God make up the Scriptures.
God’s Spirit spoke through those human agents, and God’s Spirit is still actively revealing Truth through the Scriptures, and is in, on, and around the reader today.
Here are 4 ways to approach the Word of God:
1. Pray. Ask God to help you understand what you’re about to read.
2. Stop. Don’t plow through the Scriptures. Stop when you have a question, feel angry/confused/deep sadness/excitement by what you’re experiencing in the text.
3. Engage. When you stop, ask God a question, or tell Him what you’re experiencing. Now you’re engaging with God! And He’s in it with you. I can often be found saying, “Lord, I have no idea what this means.” Or, “I don’t like this in here. What are you revealing to me about who you are in this verse?”
And that’s called prayer. Reading the Bible is a great jumping-off point for prayer, which is simply having a conversation with God. In fact, all through this next year, if this helps and is true to where you are, I challenge you to honestly engage in this way:
“God, I don’t want to read the Scripture. I keep skipping the time I set aside. I find it dull. I find it confusing, or complicated, or clear, but really crazy at times!”
He knows, and He can take it. I promise.
And finally,
4. Community. The Scriptures were always intended to be read in community. To learn from the Rabbi or Church leader who’s further along in their education, understanding, and experience of these holy texts. They were always intended to precipitate discussion. To challenge, grapple, and be poured into community as the God of the Scriptures becomes a living reality in the lives of people. It’s fine to read them alone, but my strong recommendation is to get in a group, preferably in a church where you’re not out there on your own trying to fumble around with something so unbelievably potent and valuable.
You’re doing it! Keep going!
~ Nancy
CALLING
If you’re still struggling just to get your butt in a seat to meet with God around the Scriptures, ask yourself, “Why?”. Reach out to me about this. I’d love to support you on this journey if I can!