How do you understand the Bible? The Bible claims to be inspired by God, and yet it is written by human authors. How do we read such a book? Should we read it like any other book? The Bible has the power to transform our lives when we understand how to approach it with the right heart.
In this article we will look briefly at how the Bible is different from all other books and consider how we should approach reading it as God's actual words.
How is the Bible Different From All Other Books?
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
The Bible is inspired by God. Inspiration means that all Scripture is literally “God-breathed”. It was not breathed into, but breathed out by God. As such, the Bible is literally the words of God.
But Wasn’t the Bible written by human men?
“For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (1Peter 1:21).
Men were the instruments, but God was the messenger. The message was “carried along” by the Holy Spirit. That means there are no errors in the original texts of scripture.
HOW DO I READ THE BIBLE AS THE ACTUAL WORDS OF GOD?
“And we also thank God constantly for this, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers” (Thessalonians 2:13-14).
We should be more eager to read this book than any other book! There is no message more important than God’s message. Here are a few ways to receive the Bible as the word of God.
1. Read the Bible as if God is speaking directly to you
Reading the Bible is the best way to get to know the Lord! It is how we grow familiar with his nature, his voice and his manner of doing things.
“Take every word as spoken to yourselves…Many put off Scripture from themselves, as if it only concerned those who lived in the time when it was written; but if you intend to profit by the word, bring it home to yourselves; a medicine will do no good, unless it be applied” ~Thomas Watson
2. Listen for the inner witness of the Holy Spirit
Those who read the word regularly and relationally become aware of the Holy Spirit speaking directly through the words they are reading! They become aware of the presence of God throughout their day! The same Spirit that inspired the writer will enlighten the reader!
3. Trust God’s word to transform you through his promises
“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul” (Psalm 19:7)
“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire…” (2Peter 1:3-4).
How has God’s divine power granted us all that pertains to life? Through the knowledge of his Son and what he has done for us. God's promises show us what to believe. His promises have the power to transform us into the image of Christ.
4. Trust God word to guide you by his commands
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105)
The Bible not only contains promises of God, but also his commands. These commands show us how to live in a manner that honors God. All of Gods word, his promises and his commands acts as a light to our path.
How About You?
How do you read the Bible? Are you primarily reading the Bible as a history lesson? Or, maybe you are reading it as moral lessons from the lives of the characters found in the Bible? What would happen if you were to approach the Bible as the actual words of God, expecting him to speak directly into your life? Making you aware of his presence from moment to moment? What if you looked for his promises to increase in your faith and his commands to live by?
Read: Four Questions That Can Empower Your Bible Reading
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