The Transforming Power of Bible Intake
When it comes to the Christian life, few things are more essential than engaging with the Word of God. Yet, for many believers, this foundational practice often becomes neglected or approached half-heartedly. Why does this happen, and what can we do to cultivate a vibrant relationship with Scripture? Let’s explore the importance of Bible intake and how it shapes our walk with Christ.
The Priority of Bible Intake
The Bible is not just another book; it is God’s Word, divinely inspired to teach, correct, and guide us (2 Timothy 3:16). If our spiritual growth were measured by the quality of our interaction with Scripture, how would we fare? For many of us, the answer might be sobering. Surveys reveal that even among professing Christians, daily Bible reading is surprisingly rare. Yet Jesus himself highlighted the importance of knowing Scripture, frequently asking, “Have you not read…?” (Matthew 19:4).
Bible intake isn’t just about acquiring knowledge; it is about transformation. Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17). Scripture is God’s primary means of sanctifying us, making us holy and more like Christ. Neglecting the Word is like cutting off the flow of life-giving water to our souls.
Hearing God’s Word
The simplest way to start engaging with Scripture is by hearing it. Regularly attending a church where the Bible is faithfully preached is a vital discipline. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Luke 11:28). Hearing alone isn’t enough; the goal is to act on what we hear and grow in Christlikeness.
Beyond Sunday sermons, there are other ways to hear God’s Word. Audio Bibles, podcasts, and recorded sermons can bring Scripture into your everyday routines, whether during your commute, while cooking, or even while exercising. The key is to discipline yourself to listen regularly.
When you prepare to hear Scripture, whether at church or in personal study, cultivate a spirit of reverence. Consider taking a moment to pray and focus your heart before engaging with God’s Word. Hearing the Bible is not a passive experience; it is an active practice that demands our attention and commitment.
Reading God’s Word
While hearing God’s Word is foundational, reading it for yourself takes your engagement to the next level. Jesus declared that we are to live “by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Yet how can we live by every word if we’ve never read every word?
Many people feel intimidated by the Bible’s length or struggle to stay consistent. However, with discipline, even small daily efforts can yield significant results. Reading just 15 minutes a day can take you through the entire Bible in a year. If that sounds overwhelming, even five minutes a day can make a meaningful difference over time.
A practical way to maintain consistency is to use a Bible reading plan. Whether it’s reading through the Bible in a year or exploring different sections daily for variety, having a plan helps keep you on track. And don’t forget to meditate on at least one verse or phrase after reading. Without reflection, Bible reading can become a mundane task rather than a transformative experience.
Studying God’s Word
If reading the Bible gives us breadth, studying it gives us depth. Think of it as the difference between cruising over a lake in a speedboat and slowly crossing it in a glass-bottomed boat. When we study Scripture, we dive beneath the surface to uncover its richness and complexity.
Studying the Bible doesn’t require advanced skills or a seminary degree. Start small, grab a pen and paper, jot down questions, and explore cross-references in your Bible. As you grow, you can delve into word studies, character studies, or even outline entire books of the Bible.
Examples of studying Scripture are found throughout the Bible. Ezra “set his heart” to study, obey, and teach God’s Word (Ezra 7:10). The Bereans examined the Scriptures daily to verify what they heard (Acts 17:11). Even the Apostle Paul, despite his immense spiritual insight and experiences, continued studying Scripture until his final days (2 Timothy 4:13). If Paul saw the need to study God’s Word, how much more should we?
Overcoming Barriers
Many Christians avoid deeper Bible engagement because it requires effort. As R.C. Sproul observed, the real issue isn’t that Scripture is too hard to understand but that we often lack the discipline to study it.
To overcome this, start with small, manageable goals. Don’t let feelings of inadequacy or the Bible’s length discourage you. Remember, God doesn’t call us to instant mastery; he calls us to faithfulness. Over time, consistent effort will yield a deeper understanding of Scripture and its application to your life.
Final Encouragement
Bible intake is not about checking off a spiritual to-do list. It’s about encountering the living God through his Word. As Geoffrey Thomas wisely reminds us, we won’t master the Bible in a day or even a lifetime, but as we immerse ourselves in it over the years, God will transform us.
So, whether you’re hearing, reading, or studying Scripture, make it a priority in your life. The more we discipline ourselves to engage with the Bible, the more we’ll grow in godliness and intimacy with Christ. And one day, when we no longer need the written Word, we’ll meet the Word made flesh face-to-face. Until then, let’s faithfully immerse ourselves in the treasure God has given us.
Ok here is where I struggle. I want to read the Bible, but I don’t know how to start in half of it. I don’t understand. What is your best recommendation for something that would give me a daily reading or even seven of those things that say, read the Bible in a year? Is there anything that you recommend?
I understand your struggle, as this is a barrier for many people today. That’s why I’ve been posting my “How to Read the Bible” series. I encourage you to keep reading those posts, as there’s still a lot of ground to cover. Ultimately, the blog will delve into the books of the Bible, utilizing the groundwork I’m laying out now.
In the meantime, I have a few suggestions:
Try a Paraphrase Translation: Consider using a paraphrase translation like the NLT (New Living Translation) to help with understanding.
Keep Reading Even When It’s Tough: The Scriptures are a type of writing called Jewish Meditation Literature (I’ll be discussing this in an upcoming post). They’re not meant to be fully understood in one reading. We’re meant to read, contemplate, pray, and read again. This process repeats throughout our lives, and each time we encounter the Scriptures, we gain new questions and insights. It may seem fruitless at first, but over time, your knowledge of the Word will grow, and you’ll be transformed simply through continued exposure.
Use Commentaries or Secondary Resources: Include a commentary or secondary resource to help you understand what you’re reading. One effective approach is to read the Bible through a daily devotional. There are several great ones available that can enhance your time in the Scriptures. If you need specific recommendations, feel free to contact me, and I can provide resources tailored to what you’re currently reading.
Consider Your Goals: If your goal is to read the whole Bible in a year, programs like “Bible-in-a-Year” are great. But if you’re seeking wisdom, transformation, and revelation from the Scriptures, you might want to start with a slower and more focused approach.
Join a Strong Faith Community: I cannot stress enough the importance of being part of a strong faith community. Not all churches are strong in this regard, so find a church family that knows you and has members and leadership committed to your spiritual health and growth. Discipleship is vital and many churches dismiss or try to mass produce this aspect of the Christian experience. This is what a church is meant to be. In a healthy church community, you’ll have access to Sunday School classes, small groups, and Bible studies that will help you understand what you’re reading much better.