"How to Read the Bible and Enjoy It"
Getting Ready
INTRODUCTION
What book is the #1 bestseller every year?
What book may be the #1 dust collector every year? Why?
OUR GOAL IN THIS CLASS IS TO HELP EACH OTHER READ THE BIBLE MORE AND ENJOY IT.
WE WANT TO TAKE IT OFF THE SHELF AND MAKE IT A LARGER PART OF OUR DAILY LIVES.
A CLEAR LETTER FROM OUR GOD
“I plight you my troth…” What does that mean?
The best way to approach the Bible is to open it and think of it as a ____________ from God, written in a
language you can understand. It’s a letter in which God reveals or unveils his plan for your life.
Luther: The Bible is like a river, so deep in some places an elephant can swim in it, and
so shallow in other places a child can wade in it.”
DO I NEED A TEACHER TO HELP ME?
Read Ephesians 4:11-16. Why does the Lord provide us with teachers to lead us in the Word?
John 16:13. Why is the Holy Spirit the best teacher?
THE IMPORTANCE OF PERSONAL DISCOVERY
Read Acts 17:10-12 The Bereans listened to Paul preach and teach, but then they checked out what he
said with the Old Testament scrolls. What value is there in following along in your Bible during the
sermon and taking notes?
Read Psalm 119:105-112. Pick a part of this psalm to complete this sentence. "I want to read my Bible
more because…."
THE MAIN GOAL FOR READING THE BIBLE
Read Ephesians 3:14-21. What does Paul pray for in these verses?
How will reading of the Bible even a little each day, help this prayer come true in your life?
page 1
"How to Read the Bible and Enjoy It"
STARTING POINTS (that will help us as we open this letter from God)
1. The Bible has power
Read Isaiah 55:10-11. God is always far above us and so are his ways above our ways. From this
passage and our lives, how do we know God’s Word (the Bible) is powerful?
2. The Bible is God's Word
Someone may say, "I believe in the Bible, but I cannot accept every part as true." How might 2 Peter
1:21 be of help?
3. The Bible is a unit or seamless garment
4. The Bible is its own interpreter
5. The Bible has one intended meaning
6. The Bible is spiritually discerned (understood)
Read 1 Corinthians 2:14. Without the Holy Spirit and new birth, the Bible will remain a book that
seems foolish. Think of how your new birth in Christ helps you read the Bible and gives you eyes of
faith.
7.
The Bible contains law and gospel
8. The Bible offers a reliable path for our lives (Psalm 119:105)
9.
The Bible brings us to Christ
Martin Luther said the Bible is the like the swaddling clothes that hold the baby Jesus. Read John
20:31. What is the main purpose of Scripture?
10. The Bible brings joy
Psalm 119:103 "Sweeter to me than honey…" The evening news or talk shows may leave you
discouraged and even depressed. Spend more time in the Word. Let it bring us joy in our lives.
page 2