J.C. Ryle, the 19th century Anglican Bishop of Liverpool, once said, “Next to praying there is nothing so important in practical religion as Bible reading.” Reading the Bible helps us grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). The Holy Spirit works powerfully in our lives when we devote ourselves to regular Bible reading. We do not live on bread alone, but we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord (Deuteronomy 8:3). But how can we read the Bible for our spiritual benefit? What are the practical things we can do to make sure we are making diligent use of this important means of grace?
The first thing to emphasize is that we must read the Bible daily. Skipping time in God’s Word is like skipping a meal. If we do not feed on Scripture, we will languish in our spiritual lives. We should have a set time, a set place, and set plan. Don’t miss your precious appointments with God! Reading the Word in the morning is the best way to start your day, and there is no better way to close your day than with an open Bible.
Having a Bible-reading plan ensures no time is wasted on wondering where to begin. There are many excellent Bible-reading plans, and it’s not necessary to use the same one each year. A well-loved approach comes from Robert Murray M’Cheyne. His plan has daily readings in the Old and New Testaments along with suggested readings for individuals and families. M’Cheyne’s reading schedule covers the entire Bible. If you get behind in your reading, don’t be discouraged! There is no need to insist on reading through the whole Bible every year. That may be too much reading each day. Take your time but stick to a disciplined plan of reading Scripture over time. The Bible is best read slowly so that you can digest what you are reading.
Another useful approach is to read the Bible repetitively. In my experience, this really aids my memory and reinforces the truth of God’s Word. I will slowly read through a single book of the Bible over months. For example, let’s say I’m reading through the Gospel of John. I’ll read the first chapter every day for a week. Then, I’ll read the second chapter of the book every day for the next week. Over time, I learn the passage better, and I make fresh discoveries in the text.
Since it’s easy to check out mentally while reading the Bible, I encourage you to become an active reader of the Bible. Highlight key verses. Underline important words. Make notes in the margin of your Bible or on a notepad. Write down questions about verses you don’t understand. Reading the Bible to check a box for the day will not have much benefit, but taking the time to read it well is sure to make all the difference in the world.
The Bible can be difficult to understand in places. Don’t be afraid of using resources that explain difficult passages. I highly recommend investing in a quality Study Bible. Ligonier Ministries has a good one called, The Reformation Study Bible. Familiarize yourself with how to use the Study Bible’s notes, cross-references, concordance, and topical articles. When reading the Bible, you may come across a verse that leads you to an in-depth study of a larger theme in God’s Word. Feed your appetite for more of God’s Word by going deeper with further study.
Far more important than the mechanics of daily Bible reading is our need to approach our daily Bible reading in a spiritual manner. Above all else, we should read the Bible prayerfully. Before we open our Bibles, we should pray, “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Your law” (Psalm 119:18). We should pray without ceasing as we are going through our daily reading. “Incline my heart to Your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!” (Psalm 119:36). After we close our Bibles, we should ask the Lord to empower us to respond in faith, love, and obedience. Remember: mere reading of the Bible is only self-deception; we must do what it says (James 1:22)!
We should read the Bible with tender hearts. Are we willing to put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word which can save our souls (James 1:21)? King Josiah tore his robes when he heard God’s Law (2 Kings 22). Ezra did not merely study and teach the Word, but he sought to do it (Ezra 7:10). Receiving biblical truth should always have an impact on us. This means that we should be spiritually sensitive to the Word.
We should strive to be humble readers of the Bible. Instead of leaning on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5), we must always assume the Bible is correct even when it does not seem like it. R.C. Sproul once said, “When there’s something in the Word of God that I don’t like, the problem is not with the Word of God, it’s with me.” Be willing to admit that you don’t have all the answers. Open your heart to God’s answers. Jesus said, “If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority” (John 7:17). We will understand the Word better if we come to it with a humble desire to do God’s will. We don’t come as skeptics and scoffers, but we should come with a willingness to be transformed by what we read.
Finally, let me encourage you to read the Bible with expectancy. God’s Word is powerful. Come to your daily Bible reading with faith, trusting God to give you what you need for the day. Is there a promise to believe? Is there is warning to heed? Is there an example to follow? Does God have comfort for you? How is God seeking to correct your thinking? Most important of all, always be looking for Jesus. The whole Bible is about Him (John 5:39-40), and if we do not find Jesus as we are searching the Scriptures, we are missing the whole point of our daily readings.
Pastor Logan Almy
Christ Presbyterian Church
Olive Branch, MS
https://cpcms.org