If you are like many people, you pick up the Bible to read every once in a while, but you don't seem to get much out of it. You have trouble understanding HUGE sections of it, but you just can't take the time to go to Bible college. Are you stuck in a cycle of trying to do the right thing by reading, but continually not understanding it? No way! In this article I will share some helpful tips that will allow you to begin reading the Bible with understanding instead of confusion.
To begin, remember that the different sections of the Bible have different rules for reading it based on what type of literature it is. As an example, you wouldn't read the New York Times the same way you would read a love poem would you? It's the same with the Bible. For instance, the Psalms are songs of praise sung by the ancient Israelites. You shouldn't read them like you would read I Samuel, which is a historical account of the kingdom of the Israelites. So, for starters, if it is history, read it like an historical account. If it is poetry, read it like poetry, with emotion. Everything in the Bible is true, but the writing style can differ greatly.
Now, make sure that you read everything in the right context. Don't just pick a verse here or there. If you read consistently, the Bible answers most of the questions it asks or prompts in the reader. This is true especially of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. If you get confused, just keep reading. A solution or clue is usually right around the corner in the next chapter or section.
Make absolutely sure that you have a modern translation of the Bible to read. It is essential that you not get caught up dealing with words that you have trouble understanding. the NLT, New Living Translation, or NIV, New International Version, are both great versions that provide up to date, readable translations of the scriptures.
Now, go ahead and pick a Gospel, it doesn't matter which one, and begin to read. Ask yourself these questions as you read a chapter.
1) What is God saying to the people?
2) How are the people responding to him?
3) How does God react or respond to the people based on their reaction to him?
4) Now ask yourself, Am I like or dislike the people in the passage and is that a good or a bad thing?
when you think about these questions, make sure you have a journal or notebook and something to write with so you can write down your answers, thoughts, and questions. As you do this, you will find yourself really digging in to what the text means and how it applies to your life. This leads to your current situation in life and how you are doing in your relationship with God.
Once you have accomplished this, in order to mix it up a bit, turn to the book of Proverbs, near the middle of your Bible. Begin to read just one chapter of Proverbs a day, whatever chapter corresponds to that day of the month. As an example, if the day is the 16th of the month, read Proverbs chapter 16. Each Proverb gives us many nuggets of great wisdom for today. But be careful, the Proverbs weren't written to give us specific life promises that must come true for us. They were written as general life wisdom that usually turns out to be right under equal circumstances. If you see the general truth and wisdom of each specific Proverb, you will start to grow in your own wisdom.
If you begin to do these few simple steps, I think you will find that you have taken the next step at not only reading but really understanding your Bible. Try it for thirty days and see what happens.