Editor’s Note:
The purpose of this series is to help Christians think through the doctrine of Scripture and provide practical guidance on not only how to read the Bible but to deal with objections and attacks on the Bible.
Today C. Watler gives practical tips for why Christians should read their Bible’s daily.
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I’ve been a Christian for a little more than seven years, and in that time I have read every book of the Bible at least twice. I have read many books several times. Yet, I have never systematically read the Bible from beginning to end.
Recently I’ve resolved to change this even though, I recognize that reading the Bible from beginning to end is easier said than done. After all, it’s easy to get bogged down in page-after-page of Old Testament Law, or to pull your hair out trying to determine what Ezekiel and Isaiah were talking about. The New Testament can be just as daunting.
The fact is the Bible is an ancient document that is difficult to understand because we are far removed from the culture in which it was written. However, that does not mean that only scholars can understand the Bible. On the contrary, the Bible can be read and understood by anyone who is persistent, and who has the faith to believe its content.
Moreover, reading the Bible is immensely valuable. Consider this: A Christian who fails to read his or her Bible is missing out on an opportunity to meet with God—the very One who wrote the Bible. I suspect that many people fail to read their Bible every day because they don’t recognize the Bible’s value.
To that end, here are some reasons why you should spend some time each day reading and meditating on the Bible:
The Bible is Powerful (Genesis 1:3; Isaiah 55:11)
The words of the Bible are the very words of God. God’s words are so powerful that they were the primary agent in creating the universe, and are the means by which God accomplishes His good and perfect will. When we read the Bible, we gain access to this very power.
The Bible is Necessary for Spiritual Growth (Psalm 1:2-3)
Those who regularly read the Bible will grow spiritually—like a tree that grows near a river. Such trees continue to grow because their source of nourishment is always there. Likewise, the Bible is a source of nourishment that helps believers grow as Christ-followers. When Christians fail to read the Bible, they remove themselves from a critical source of sustenance.
The Bible is a Training Manual for Kingdom People (2 Tim 3:16-17)
One purpose of the Bible is training and correction of God’s people. Yet this is no ordinary training. The Bible equips believers to serve God and others. In other words, reading the Bible is one way in which we “first seek the kingdom of God” (Matt. 6:33), for it is here that Christians receive essential instructions on what it means to be citizens of the kingdom.
The above list is not exhaustive, but you get the point. Reading the Bible is important for believers because it is a Christian’s source of power, spiritual growth, and kingdom training.
As 2014 winds down and 2015 looms on the horizon, I hope and pray that you will join me in reading the Bible every day. You don’t have to read through the entire Bible. You can take an entirely different approach if you like (Bible Gateway offers several Bible reading plans that will keep you engaged in the Bible throughout the year. You can see their reading plans here, also Blue Letter Bible has more information about Bible reading plans here). The point is to take the time to read and meditate on the Bible daily.
Many Christians commit to reading the Bible every day at the beginning of each year, and sadly many stop well short of their goal. Most people stop because they don’t understand the Bible or how it applies today. Some just get so busy that they can’t find the time to read for several days, which then can stretch into weeks and eventually months.
Let me offer two suggestions that will help you succeed as you set-out to read the Bible every day in 2014.
First, find a good study Bible. There are a number of study Bibles on the market, all of which are designed to help you navigate parts of the Bible that you don’t fully understand. While you’re at it, make sure you pick a readable translation. I prefer the original NIV or the ESV.
Second, find an accountability partner. Partner with a friend or relative and commit to keeping each other accountable to reading the Bible each day. Decide on a reading plan and stick with the plan. Each day send an email, text message, or give your partner a call, letting him or her know what you have read.
Having a partner is also helpful when you come to parts of the Bible that you don’t understand, and it is the best way to stay accountable to reaching your goal. Embrace your objective of reading the Bible every day as an opportunity for you and your partner to grow together in the power and wisdom of God’s Word. I think you will find great encouragement from each other as you both work to reach this lofty and worthwhile goal.
