Study & Ask Bible Reading

Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to speak through his word. It’s his job to guide us into all truth and to glorify Jesus (John 16:13-14).

Depending on the passage, a study Bible may be helpful in providing some important background information. Commentaries can be helpful as well, but most will provide too much information and could be distracting. Keep it simple and make knowing Jesus in relationship the primary goal!

What does the text say about the character and nature of God? The Bible is God’s story – Father, Son, Spirit- so we begin by asking about how his character and nature are revealed in what we’re reading. The story is about Him! Look for specific references to his attributes: holy, eternal, all-powerful, all-knowing, ever present, unchanging, compassionate, gracious, patient, loving, kind, good, gentle, etc. In narrative portions, look for implied references to his attributes. What does the story reveal about his character and nature as Father, Son, and Spirit?

What does the text say about the work of God? God’s work throughout all of human history is diverse and magnificent. All of it is worth proclaiming! However, the person and work of Jesus is revealed on every page of the Bible (Luke 24:27). He is the hero and the main character. The Spirit does not want us to miss Jesus!

Look for references to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, either through foreshadowing (saving Noah in the flood, redeeming Israel from slavery in Egypt, King David as a man after God’s own heart), through prophecy (Psalm 22, Isaiah 53), or through the New Testament story of Jesus’ earthly life and the establishment of his church. This ensures a uniquely Christian, gospel-centered answer to this question.

What does the text say about our identity? God has always been working to save “a people for his own possession.” (1 Peter 2:9) Throughout the Bible, note the things that are true of God’s people. This adds depth and richness to our understanding of who we are as New Covenant believers. For example, the Levitical priests were anointed and set apart for special service to God. Now, we are all anointed with God’s Spirit (2 Cor. 1:21-22), and, because of Jesus, are all a part of God’s “royal priesthood,” set apart for special service to God.

In light of all of this, how does it change the way we live? When reading the Bible, we almost always start with the question, “How does this apply to my life?” But rightly motivated, gospel-centered action flows out of an understanding of who God is, what he’s done, and who we are in light of God’s character and work. Rather than starting with this question, end with it.

And then, take action! Jesus warns against being merely a hearer of his word but not a doer (Mt. 7:24-27). The gospel motivates and empowers us to live in an entirely new way.