What does it take to understand Scripture?
Here’s a word picture that provides an answer: “Raking is easy, but you get only leaves; digging is hard, but you might find diamonds” (John Piper, Future Grace).
The same can be said about finding gems of truth in the Bible. It requires time and effort – digging rather than raking. Yes, some passages are self-explanatory, but others can be difficult to comprehend. It often necessitates disciplined study rather than superficial skimming to understand the Word.
This should not surprise us. Rather, it’s to be expected. Note how Peter describes Paul’s writings: “His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction” (2 Peter 3:16).
I take much comfort in this verse. If Peter says that Paul’s letters can be hard to understand, then it is likely that I may not “get” everything Paul (or any Bible writer) says immediately. It may take multiple readings and some serious study time. And that’s OK.
In light of Peter’s comments, the need to study the Word is self-evident. This raises the question: “How do we do that?” What does it take to not only read the Word but examine it more closely, to better understand it?
To that end, here’s a simple 3-step Bible study method:
1. Ask questions of the text.
2. Write down your answers to these questions.
3. Pray throughout your time in the Word.
STEP ONE
The following two questions can facilitate intimate, life-changing interaction with God and His Word.
Question #1: “What does this passage teach about God?”
What do you learn about who God is — His character and attributes? Look for His promises, His law (His “training in righteousness,” per 2 Timothy 3:16), and His sovereignty. We start with God because first and foremost, “The Bible is a book about God” (Jen Wilkin, Women of the Word). Jesus said so in John 5:39 – “These are the Scriptures that testify about me.” In other words, the Bible is God’s autobiography. “In any biblical narrative, God is the ultimate character, the supreme hero of the story” (Gordon Fee, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth). By “God” we mean God the Father, God the Son, and/or God the Holy Spirit.
Question #2: “In light of this teaching about God, what is my response?”
According to this passage, what does God require of people? Or, as Francis Schaeffer wrote, “How should we then live?” These divine expectations come in many forms: a command to obey, a promise to believe, an attitude to cultivate, an example to follow, a blunder to avoid, a sin to confess and forsake, a reason to worship, a truth about God for which praise and thanks are warranted.
This second question leads us to an essential component of God-honoring Bible study: self-examination. Be sure to ask yourself, “What is God teaching me about my attitudes and actions? In light of this passage, how do I need to change to become more like Christ?”
STEP TWO
It is beneficial that you write down your answers in a paper journal or electronic device. This exercise will enable you to articulate what you’ve learned and further impress God’s Word on your heart and mind. A year or two from now (or a decade), having a written record allows you to look back at what God has taught you – yet another source of joy.
Write as little or as much as you like, however you like. Grammar and punctuation do not matter. Write from your heart to the Lover of your soul. He would be delighted to read what you’ve learned about Him and how you are responding.
STEP THREE
Bathe the entire process in prayer – before, during, and after. Ask for His enlightenment: “Open my eyes and teach me, Lord! Give me understanding!” (Psalm 119:18, 26, 27). Plead for His transforming power: “Change me, Lord! Renew my mind and sanctify me! (Romans 12:2, John 17:17). Offer praise and gratitude to Him for His infallible Word and the lessons you glean from it: “Thank you, Lord, for the gift of your truth! (Psalm 119:62).
This is one way to better understand any passage, regardless of its genre. Don’t just read it. Ask probing questions; write down your answers; pray continuously — and you’ll go deeper into the meaning of God’s incomparable Word.
NOTE: The above comments are adapted from my book, 7 Deadly Sins of Bible Reading: Common Bible Reading Mistakes and How to Avoid Them, available on Amazon here:
https://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Sins-Bible-Reading-Mistakes-ebook/dp/B09KZGV1XY
Or for a free PDF of this book, visit:
https://payhip.com/b/9CetT
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