How to Read the Bible | Notes

Below are very basic notes for those who missed How to Read the Bible at Dulins Grove last week.

_____

 

The Bible is the most important and relevant book in existence. It is our mirror, our light, our sword, and our sustenance. We must learn how to read it well.

 

The Bible is one book. It is also a 66 book library. It is made up of 66 different books and four basic genres. It is important to understand the genres so you know how to read each book. Take a look at the table of contents in the front of your Bible:

 

Genesis through Esther = History books.

You read each of these straight through because each tells a historical story.
Job through Song of Songs = Wisdom literature.

These include conversations, poems, songs, witty sayings, and deep thoughts.
Isaiah through Malachi = Prophets.

God spoke through these books to His people, addressing them directly. You'll find some history in here too; but the main feature is God's speeches to His people.
Matthew through Acts = More history books.

Actually, Matthew through Luke are biographies of Jesus; but each reads the same as a history book, from beginning to end. Acts is the history of the church when it first got started.
Romans through Jude = Letters.

Read these like you're looking at someone's mail. Each book is a letter written by a person to another person or group of people.
Revelation = Prophecy again.

 

Now that you know what you're reading, here's a simple five step plan to get you started:

We need God's help to understand and respond to his word. It is a supernatural event to open your Bible, read it, get it, and live it. Ask for his help.

Read it. Period. There's no other way. And I promise, the more you read it, the more you'll love it. If you don't know where to start, try Psalms. We're going to study the first five Psalms over the next several weeks, so you can tag along and learn a bunch.

Go ahead and except the fact that you'll have lots of questions. Look for answers. Ask a friend. Ask me. Get a helpful book. Try one of these websites: biblos.com, biblegateway.com, desiringgod.org.

You know you understand something when you can tell someone about it in your own words. Think about what you've read until you can state it from different angles.

Prayerfully respond to what you read. Obey commands. Believe promises. Accept truths. Heed warnings. Marvel at God's glory. Whatever the scripture calls for, pray for the grace to respond rightly.

 

Now, go READ!