Theology & Practice of Scripture Reading
“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.” 2 Timothy 3:16 (NLT)
What’s the meaning of life? What actions, words, and thoughts are right or wrong? How can I know?
If you’ve contemplated the meaning of life, how to live a fulfilling life, or questioned what you should do, you’re not alone. It can be simply asked, what am I here for? History records many who have wrestled with this existential question.
As a follower of Jesus and pastor in his Methodist Church, I proclaim that you are created by God, loved by God, and to reciprocate your love to God. What follows is helpful for Jesus followers to know and live the life for which God created them. Not everyone will agree with what I proclaim, so if you are not yet a follower of Jesus, you are still invited to read on to see how Christians know and follow Jesus.
What is the Bible?
The primary source of God’s revelation to humanity is recorded in what we call the Bible. You may also hear this referred to as scripture. It was written and collected by people who God’s Spirit guided to serve as a witness to God’s revelation to people. In our Methodist tradition, the Bible serves as the primary rule and authority for faith, morals, and service, against which all other authorities must be measured. Our Articles of Religion state it this way:
The Holy Scripture containeth all things necessary to salvation; so that whatsoever is not read therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to be required of any man that it should be believed as an article of faith, or be thought requisite or necessary to salvation.
What does the Bible tell us?
In theological terms, we believe in scripture’s infallibility – that it is incapable of failing to accomplish a predetermined purpose. The Bible will not fail in its ultimate purpose of revealing God and the way of salvation to humans. Although some may affirm that the Bible is also completely accurate in whatever it teaches about other subjects, such as science and history (known as inerrancy), that is atypical of Theologians within the Methodist tradition. (1)
The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3:16 (NLT) – “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.” In other words, about God and your Salvation through repentance and belief in Jesus, the Bible is comprehensive. But about farming, building a bridge, or cooking your turkey at Thanksgiving, the Bible may be silent or offer only limited wisdom.
What books make up the Bible?
In our accepted canon of scripture—not the kind of gun that shoots at people (cannon), but the kind that talks about having a standard or rule—there are 66 books. You can check my end notes for a list of Old and New Testament books. (2)
How is the Bible structured?
There are 39 books in the Old Testament, which covers the era prior to the earthly ministry of Jesus and 27 books in the New Testament, which records the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, along with some of the events of the first century Christian church.
Books in the Bible are writings from an author, cover a general topic, or span an era of time. Some are long—Jeremiah has the most words in original Hebrew. And some are quite short—Third John has the fewest words in the original Greek New Testament. Chapters and verses were not always part of the initial writings, but, in many cases, they were added later by Bible scholars to aid in study and reference.
In what language was the Bible written?
Sources for the Old Testament books were primarily in Hebrew, with a few in Aramaic. A large portion of the New Testament was recorded in Greek, with some portions traced to Aramaic sources. Modern English translations of the Bible attempt to use the best Hebrew and Greek texts as sources.
What English translation is the best?
It depends. There are three general categories of translation:
a) word for word
b) thought for thought
c) paraphrase
For Bible study, I typically use a word for word English translation. For example, the New American Standard Bible (NASB) or the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV). For general Bible reading—for example, when I read through the Bible each year—I use a thought for thought translation like the New International Version (NIV) and the New Living Translation (NLT).
I typically preach from the NLT because it is a good thought for thought translation and it uses English language that is readily understood.
Some really like the King James Version (KJV). It’s a kind of word for word translation, but it can be difficult for modern readers who are new to the Bible. It uses English words that may be dated or have limited understanding among contemporary readers. Some Bible scholars argue there are more accurate original Hebrew and Greek sources than were used in KJV.
Where should I begin reading the Bible?
If you are new to Bible reading or new to following Jesus, I usually recommend a simple daily reading of some key verses that teach about God. You can find a list of these verses in the end notes. (3)
Once you read those key verses, you could begin reading the New Testament book of John. John is considered a Gospel, which means Good News, because it tells the story of Jesus which offers good news to all humanity. Then the book of Genesis. Then consider an epistle like Ephesians or Colossians.
How often should I read the Bible?
Daily! Make a plan, put it in your calendar, and do it. Most people benefit from having a friend, spiritual mentor, or church leader to talk through their initial Bible reading. This can help you stay accountable to your plan. Accept God’s grace if you miss a day or more; just pick it back up and carry on.
Once you develop the habit of reading daily, make a plan to read through the New Testament and then the entire Bible. There are plans that guide you through those over a period of time.
A few years after becoming a Christian, I first read through the entire Bible on a 90-day plan. At first I thought, ‘there’s no way that’s possible!’ but I did it with a group. It took about an hour of reading per day, and it was so helpful. It gives you such a quick view of the entirety of scripture that you tend to catch the bigger picture. Eventually, set a life goal to read through scripture every year (takes about three chapters or fifteen minutes a day) or every three-years (a chapter or five minutes a day).
I dream that the church I pastor becomes the most Bible literate in the world. Not because we’re in a competition with other churches, but in doing that, I have no doubt God would use it to utterly transform our people, church, community and quite possibly to the ends of the earth!
How do I study the Bible?
Bible study is more than simply reading scripture. Both are important, but Bible study is done with the intent to gain a deep understanding of the truth God revealed in the passage. Then, with that wisdom, allow God to transform you with it in the way you believe, think, speak, or act.
I am unable to write in this piece a detailed explanation of Bible study. In general, it uses the tools of prayer, language structure, history, scholarly work, and other means to understand what the passage means. Then, when the passage is speaking to all people, to followers of Jesus, or instances specific to you or your circumstances, apply it and let it transform you. Two resources I’ve found helpful are:
Bible Study Methods by Rick Warren. (4) This book presents and explains 12 proven Bible study methods that will enable you to study the Bible on your own. They are given in the order of simplicity and use of reference tools, beginning with the easiest and moving on to the harder ones.
Inductive Bible Study: A Comprehensive Guide to the Practice of Hermeneutics. (5) This is a rather comprehensive understanding of the approach to the study of the Bible known as inductive Bible study. It is primarily written for seminary students and those engaged in Christian ministry, but is not beyond the grasp and application of those who are intent on exhaustive study methods.
How do I apply what the Bible says?
Pray. Regularly participate in a Grow Group like a Sunday school class, small group, or Bible study. Develop deeper accountability relationships, such as those in a Wesleyan Band Meeting. Pray.
Hebrews 4:12 says it like this: “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.”
In the first century, a sword was one of the most widely used weapons. This metaphor was used to represent both scripture’s effectiveness as a weapon against sin and its availability to the broadest group of soldiers.
God’s word and Spirit are now available to every follower of Jesus, to do spiritual battle against all the attacks of Satan. Ultimately, with the power to perfectly align you in relationship with God and his will for your life!
End Notes
(1) Grenz, Stanley J.; Guretzki, David; Nordling, Cherith Fee. Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms (The IVP Pocket Reference Series) (p. 66). InterVarsity Press. Kindle Edition.
(2) These are the 66 books of the Bible: (Old Testament) 1. Genesis, 2. Exodus, 3. Leviticus, 4. Numbers, 5. Deuteronomy, 6. Joshua, 7. Judges, 8. Ruth, 9. 1 Samuel, 10. 2 Samuel, 11. 1 Kings, 12. 2 Kings, 13. 1 Chronicles, 14. 2 Chronicles, 15. Ezra, 16. Nehemiah, 17. Esther, 18. Job, 19. Psalms, 20. Proverbs, 21. Ecclesiastes, 22. Song of Solomon, 23. Isaiah, 24. Jeremiah, 25. Lamentations, 26. Ezekiel, 27. Daniel, 28. Hosea, 29. Joel, 30. Amos, 31. Obadiah, 32. Jonah, 33. Micah, 34. Nahum, 35. Habakkuk, 36. Zephaniah, 37. Haggai, 38. Zechariah, 39. Malachi; (New Testament) 40. Matthew, 41. Mark, 42. Luke, 43. John, 44. Acts, 45. Romans, 46. 1 Corinthians, 47. 2 Corinthians, 48. Galatians, 49. Ephesians, 50. Philippians, 51. Colossians, 52. 1 Thessalonians, 53. 2 Thessalonians, 54. 1 Timothy, 55. 2 Timothy, 56. Titus, 57. Philemon, 58. Hebrews, 59. James, 60. 1 Peter, 61. 2 Peter, 62. 1 John, 63. 2 John, 64. 3 John, 65. Jude, 66. Revelation.
(3) Starting point for Bible verses to read daily:
A huge way we all can know God and his purpose for our life is by reading the Bible. You may already be reading the Bible regularly and following a plan that works well. If so, please be encouraged to stay the course. If reading the Bible is a habit you’d like to begin or renew, I invite you to read the Bible verses below. They will be very helpful. Consider reading a row each day, for five weeks.
These are derived from a course entitled Discovering Spiritual Maturity written by Pastor Rick Warren.
Live the New Life as a follower of Jesus:
Christ the Center 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 2:20
Obedience to Christ Romans 12:1; John 14:21
The Bible 2 Timothy 3:16; Joshua 1:8
Prayer John 15:7; Philippians 4:6-7
Fellowship Matthew 18:20; Hebrews 10:24
Witnessing Matthew 4:19; Romans 1:16
Proclaim Christ:
All Have Sinned Romans 3:23; Isaiah 53:6
Sin’s Penalty Romans 6:23; Hebrews 9:27
Christ Paid the Penalty Romans 5:8; 1 Peter 3:18
Salvation Not by Works Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5
Must Receive Christ John 1:12; Revelation 3:20
Assurance of Salvation 1 John 5:13; John 5:24
Rely on God’s Resources:
His Spirit 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 2:12
His Strength Isaiah 41:10; Philippians 4:13
His Faithfulness Lamentations 3:22; Numbers 23:19
His Peace Isaiah 26:3; 1 Peter 5:7
His Provision Romans 8:32; Philippians 4:19
His Help in Temptation Hebrews 2:18; Psalm 119:9, 11
Be Christ’s Disciple:
Put Christ First Matthew 6:33; Luke 9:23
Separate from the World 1 John 2:15-16; Romans 12:2
Be Steadfast 1 Corinthians 15:58; Hebrews 12:3
Serve Others Mark 10:45; 2 Corinthians 4:5
Give Generously Proverbs 3:9-10; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
Develop World Vision Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19-20
Grow in Christlikeness:
Love John 13:34-35; 1 John 3:18
Humility Philippians 2:3-4; 1 Peter 5:5-6
Purity Ephesians 5:3; 1 Peter 2:11
Honesty Leviticus 19:11; Acts 24:16
Faith Hebrews 11:6; Romans 4:20-21
Good Works Galatians 6:9-10; Matthew 5:16
(4) Warren, Rick. Rick Warren’s Bible Study Methods (ISBN-13:978-0310273004). 2006. Zondervan. Available in Print and Kindle Editions.
(5) Bauer, David R.; Traina, Robert A. Inductive Bible Study: A Comprehensive Guide to the Practice of Hermeneutics. (ISBN-13:978-0801097430) 2014. Baker Publishing Group. Available in Print and Kindle edition.