Reading the Bible for Profit

The good news about the Bible is that it’s still the number one selling book of all time. The American Bible Society recently did a survey that showed that 82% of Americans still believe the Bible is sacred literature. And many people have more than one Bible in their home. The bad news is that the best-selling book is not being read or applied.

 So, let me encourage you to read the Good Book. The apostle Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 3:16 that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” In other words all of Scripture, even the difficult and so called boring sections, are profitable because it corrects your thinking and informs you of the truth. And if you allow Scripture to permeate your heart and mind you will have whole and holy thoughts, feelings and actions.

 Reading the Bible will have an effect on your life that will shape you into the kind of man or woman who can stand strong for Christ, sniff out the lies of the world and love all that is truly good and beautiful. The psalmist sang “Blessed [supremely happy] is the man who…delights in the law of the Lord (Psalm 1: 1, 2).” So here are several suggestions to help you read the Scriptures.

 1.      Begin reading your Bible today. The way to do something is to do it. Don’t just think about it or say it would be a good thing. Begin reading today.

2.      Use a Bible reading plan. You can use the one in the link or you can find one on your own: http://www.esv.org/assets/pdfs/rp.one.year.tract.pdf.

 3.      Read the Bible with a heartfelt desire to understand it. The goal is not just to read so many chapters every day. Ask yourself as you read, “What does this mean? What is it all about?” Pray, “Open my eyes that I may see wondrous things from Your law (Psalm 119:18).”

 4.      Read different versions of the Bible. You don’t have to have every Bible version available. But it is a good idea to have one or two so you can compare. Sometimes reading from a version other than your regular Bible can give you new insights into the meaning of a text.

 5.      Read with an attitude of faith and obedience. Study your Bible with a determination that you will believe God’s promises and obey His commandments. Consider as you read through a chapter: “How does this affect my thinking and behavior?” The Bible profits you the most when it is believed and obeyed.

 6.      Read the Bible daily. If you eat food every day you should have spiritual nourishment every day. The world is constantly asking you to think and behave in a certain way. Therefore you need the Word of God in your heart everyday so you can live a life that pleases God and benefits you.

 7.      Read the entire Bible. There are some sections of Scripture that are never, if hardly ever, read at all. And yet we are told that “All Scripture is profitable (2 Timothy 3:16). We need well balanced reading to have well balanced doctrines and practices.

8.      Finally, read the Bible honestly. Determine to take everything in its plain, obvious meaning. Generally speaking, whatever a verse or section of the Bible seems to mean, it does mean. The right way to understand the Bible is to take it at face value without trying to force it into a particular theological system.

I have developed a foundational class on the Bible that will profit you. Whether you are a beginner or advanced in understanding God’s Word you will benefit from the class. It is titled “The Powerful Christian Living Class” It is a nine session class in both audio and written versions. You can access it, free of charge, at the “Teachings” section of the web page www.graceministryinternational.org. You will need a New King James Version of the Bible. May the Word of God fill you with joy and peace.