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Living The Christian Life
Reading the Bible
1. the reasons for reading the Bible
2. The effects of reading the Bible
3. The conditions favorable to a fruitful reading of the Bible
4. Personal meditations of the Bible
1. Reasons to Read the Bible
If man can discover the existence of God by nature ( Ro 1: 19-20 ), the Bible is the only way to access the personal knowledge of God and the truths concerning salvation ( Heb 1: 1- 2 ; Jn 20:31 ).
The Bible is the Word of God and not that of men ( 1 Thess 2:13 ).
It is the truth ( Jn 17:17 ; Ps 119: 142 , Ps 119: 151 , Ps 119: 160 ; Col 1: 5 ) for all men of all times.
The Word of God will not pass ( Mt 24:35 ; Mt 5: 17-18 ; 1 Pi 1:25 ; Ps 119: 89 ).
The Bible is a unique book that stands out from all the others (cf. Ps 119: 96 ; De 4: 5-8 ).
Just as you cannot stay several days without eating and being in good shape, neither can you have the necessary spiritual strength without nourishing yourself daily with the Word of God
2. The Effects of Reading the Bible
Reading the bible
• begets, maintains and strengthens the faith ( Ro 10:17 );
• begets the life of God ( Ja 1:18 ; 1 Pi 1:23 );
• nourishes the soul ( Mt 4: 4 ) by meeting its needs;
• teach ( 2 Ti 3:16 ) and lead in the truth ( Ps 119: 105 );
• communicates certainties ( 1 Jn 5:13 ) as well as hope ( Ro 15: 4 );
• convicts of sin and corrects misconceptions and attitudes ( 2 Ti 3:16 ; Hey 4:12 );
• instructed to enable one to lead a just life for the glory of God ( 2 Ti 3:16 ; Ps 119: 9 , Ps 119: 105 ).
God blesses those who faithfully apply themselves to reading the Bible and putting it into practice: they give them inner peace, happiness and success in all that they undertake in dependence on God ( Ja 1:25 ; Ps 1 : 1-3 ; Jos 1: 8 ). It does not mean a life without difficulties.
3. Conditions favorable to a fruitful reading of the Bible
Reading the Bible is really profitable when the one who reads it:
• is aware of its sacred character, of its nature of infallible revelation of God ( Ga 1: 11-12 ; 1 Cor 2: 9 ; cf. Ex 3: 1-5 );
• pray ( Ps 119: 18 , Ps 119: 27 , Ps 119: 33 ) for understanding is given by God ( Lu 24:45 );
• approach it with an open heart, sincerity and humility ( Ps 119: 10 , Ps 119: 45 , Ps 119: 131 ; 1 Pi 2: 2 ; Lu 8:15 ; Mt 11:25 );
• manifests the desire to put the Word of God into practice ( Ps 119: 11 , Ps 119: 40 , Ps 119: 112 ; Ja 1: 22-24 ; Mt 7:24 ).
It is also necessary to dispel any foreign concern in order to focus one's thoughts on teaching the sacred text.
4. Personal meditation of the Bible
God calls believers to a regular reading of his Word ( Ps 1 ; cf. Jos 1: 8 ; De 17: 18-19 ; Ac 17:11 ).
When reading the Bible, it is essential to first understand the meaning of the text. For that it is necessary to find the answers to questions such as: "What does the author say in this passage?" (depending on the context: verse, chapter, entire book, historical and cultural framework), "Why does the author say this?" or again: "In what situation did the author write his text?" The next step is to apply the text to your own situation.
Some points to observe for my personal meditation:
• What does the text teach me about God the Father? -The person and the work of Jesus Christ? - The Holy Spirit?
• Is there a good example to follow with God's help?
• Is there a bad example to avoid?
• Is there an order I can obey?
• Is there a warning I should pay attention to?
• Is there a promise that I can believe and proclaim?
• Is there any advice for the day?
• After reading this passage, what praise, what confession, what request will accompany my prayer?
Profitable reading of the Bible requires reflection and one should not be afraid of making a personal effort. Memorizing Bible verses helps to know the Bible and keep the Word of God in his heart ( Ps 119: 11 ).
Practical advice:
Do not read the Bible randomly. Adopt a reading plan, for example reading the Bible in 2 years, or follow a biblical agenda.