READING THE BIBLE

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Read: 2 Timothy 3

The apostle Paul was writing to a younger bishop named Timothy and giving him instructions on how to lead his church. In today’s verses in 2 Timothy, Paul highlights the importance of every passage of Scripture. Timothy probably read his Bible even more carefully after receiving this message from his mentor. The same should be true of us. Three thoughtful questions can guide us to a deeper understanding of each passage we read.

What did it mean for them? We should ask this question first as we read a passage. To answer, we need to try to get into the reader’s shoes and grasp why the writer said what he said. How might they have felt or responded to this passage? A study bible is an excellent resource for this step.

What does it mean for us today? Once we understand what the passage meant to the original readers, we can start thinking about how it applies to similar situations today. Consider discussing the passage with friends, family or someone in our church family.

How do I respond? This step is significant and should be considered prayerfully. Ask ourselves if there is something in our life that needs to change, something we need to add or something we just need to do. Some responses might be confession, repentance, changing of habits, gratitude or worship. There are other responses, so let’s ask God to open our hearts to how he would like to work in and through us.

ON THE COUCH WITH GOD

As you continue to grow in your understanding of the Bible, consider getting a study bible in print or digital copy to help along the way. If you’ve been using a study bible for years and looking for something more, check out this book with data, overviews, reading advice and walkthroughs of the Bible book by book.