How to Help a Friend Get Better Into the Bible & Maybe Yourself Too! (Part 2)

In last week’s bulletin, we noted 5 ways to approach the word of God. Here’s 5 more.

6. Approach the Bible Studiously. Think of Bible study as digging for gold, diving for pearls and as excavating for the purpose of building one’s life. A great relationship with the Lord does not occur without gaining skill in the ability to handle God’s word. It’s all about being “approved” by God or our being “ashamed.” 2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”

7. Approach the Bible Obediently. God’s word ought to be diligently read, studied and examined – but it’s also to be properly loved and obeyed (James 1:22). Jesus spoke of “wise” and “foolish” builders – each was exposed to His teaching, but both are described in terms of how they responded to it in their lives (See Matthew 7:24-27). His word cannot be separated from our living!

8. Approach the Bible Joyfully. Think of how a soldier looks forward to receiving a letter or package from home. “Full joy” (1 John 1:4) that’s “inexpressible” (1 Peter 1:8) can be found in contemplating the greatness of God’s grace in Christ. It really is the best news ever!

9. Approach the Bible Transformationally. The Bible is the very word of God. Due to this, it’s so powerful it can change us from the inside out as we learn to listen to it, love it and live it (See Romans 12:1-2; 2 Timothy 3:16- 17). Just as God’s word is so powerful He could speak the world into existence, it also is powerful enough to transform even the most troubled of lives.

10. Approach the Bible Both Individually and Communally. There’s great benefit to getting into God’s word personally. It’s so exciting to see new things (to us) from our personal study. But we also need to see the beauty and helpfulness of studying in community with others. It’s amazing what others, with their different backgrounds, personalities and maturity levels observe from God’s precious word. And those insights can wonderfully bless us!

A Final Suggestion: Why not begin with a book like Philippians, James, the gospel of Mark, or a study of some of the best-loved psalms (Such as Psalm 1, 8, 23, 42-43, 46, 51, 100, 117). These suggestions are more “user friendly” to someone just getting into the Bible more. One might also consider a topical study.

-Mike Vestal