We know that salvation comes to us not from works or deeds, but through belief and acceptance of the mighty works of Jesus. Because of this, we might question the need to read our Bible regularly. If we already know the stories and know all about Jesus’s birth, death, and resurrection; what is the point of reading all the other stuff? There are actually several reason that we need to be reading our Bibles more regularly.
God desires to speak with us. His word is a love letter, written to generations of believers so that we will always know His goodness and love. The scripture is one of the ways that He speaks to us and brings us comfort and strength.
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
The Bible is the Living Word. Each time you read the Scripture, you are open to new understanding, revelation, and wisdom. The Bible is alive, which means that when you are meant to know certain things, God will allow you understand new parts of the mystery.
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Hebrews 4:12
Reading Scripture replaces old thinking with new thinking. Scripture confirms or corrects things that we hear or believe. We live our lives with certain mindsets and beliefs that may not truly be godly. The more time that we spend in the Truth, the more our mind is restored to the truth of God’s word.
But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. Ephesians 4:20-24
Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22
Reading God’s Word edifies us. Being in the Word of God purifies our hearts and minds.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Philippians 4:8
Reading the Bible isn’t meant to be a chore, but a passion.
The Bible is interactive- ask God questions, take notes, cross reference, highlight, and underline, try new versions of Scripture, apply what you read to real life.
Self-Reflection
How to Read the Bible-The S.O.A.P. Reading Method
This is intended for daily Bible reading in a certain chapter of the Bible.
S-Scripture. Choose a portion of the Bible to read, then focus on 3 or 4 verses a day. Write the selected verses of scripture in a notebook.
O-Observations. Write everything that comes to your mind as you work through the verses. Any thoughts or observations, scripture that pops into your mind, etc.
A-Application. Write out any ways this scripture could be applied to real life situations or your current life.
P-Prayer. Write a short prayer regarding what you have read and learned, and how it can be applied to your life.
If you do this daily, and only focus on a few verses a day, you will be amazed at how much you will understand that you never understood before!