Don’t Just Read the Bible…Let the Bible Read You
Let me ask you a few questions…
How often do you read your Bible?
What challenges do you face when studying it?
What do you hope to gain from going deeper in God’s Word?
Because the Bible… it can feel intimidating.
You open it with good intentions… and then you hit a wall.
Names you can’t pronounce.
Lineage that feels like a history roll call.
Terms like exegesis and cross-referencing that make you feel like you need a theology degree just to understand what you’re reading.
And if we’re not careful… we slowly stop reading it altogether.
But here’s the truth:
Everything God wants you to know… is in these pages.
Not hidden from you—but waiting for you.
The Bible isn’t just a book you read.
It’s a guide you follow.
A voice that speaks.
A light that leads.
We need the Bible.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God…” — 2 Timothy 3:16–17
That means this isn’t just words on paper.
This is God speaking.
His Word teaches us what’s right, reveals what’s off, corrects us when we drift, and trains us to live the life He designed for us.
In other words… the Bible helps you become who God already sees you as.
And if we’re going to walk in purpose, we can’t be disconnected from His Word.
“Meditate on it day and night…”— Joshua 1:8
Meditation isn’t about emptying your mind—it’s about filling it.
Sitting with the Word. Turning it over. Letting it sink in.
Like a cow chewing cud—again and again—until it’s fully processed.
Because surface-level reading produces surface-level living.
But when the Word gets in you… it starts to change you.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105
God doesn’t always show you the whole road.
But He will always show you the next step.
The Purpose of Studying the Bible
1. To Know God
“That they may know You…” — John 17:3
Not just know about Him—but truly know Him.
His character. His heart. His ways.
2. To Grow Spiritually
“Long for the pure spiritual milk…”— 1 Peter 2:2
Just like your body needs food, your spirit needs nourishment.
No Word = no growth.
3. To Be Equipped
God’s Word prepares you for real life.
Not just church life.
Every decision. Every challenge. Every relationship.
4. To Be Transformed
“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” — Romans 12:2
If you don’t renew your mind, the world will shape it for you.
There are two paths—one wide and easy, one narrow and intentional.
And God is calling you to the narrow one.
Not because it’s easy…
But because it leads to life.
Let’s make it practical. How do we study the Bible?
Before anything else…
Pray.
“The Holy Spirit… will teach you all things.” — John 14:26
You’re not studying alone.
You have a Helper.
Here’s a simple method I picked up and use while studying: SOAP
S — Scripture
Read slowly. Pay attention.
What stands out?
O — Observation
What’s happening in the text?
Who is speaking? Why does it matter?
A — Application
This is where it gets real.
How should this change me?
Is there something to stop?
Something to start?
Something to surrender?
P — Prayer
Ask God to help you live it out.
Because Scripture isn’t powerful just because you read it…
It becomes powerful when you live it.
One thing that bothers me is when people say one thing… but live another.
And listen—I check myself on that too!
Even with my son, I try to do what I tell him to do.
Because what we model matters more than what we say.
And God’s Word calls us higher:
“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only…” — James 1:22
Don’t just highlight it.
Don’t just post it.
Live it.
Tools That Can Help
You don’t need everything—but these can support you:
A study Bible
A journal
A concordance or Bible app
A small group or accountability partner
Start simple. Stay consistent.
Here’s a challenge for you this week.
Keep it simple.
Choose a short book (James, Philippians, or Ruth)
Read one chapter a day
Use the SOAP method
No pressure. No perfection.
Just presence.
You don’t have to understand everything to start.
You just have to be willing.
Because the more time you spend in the Word…
the more the Word will begin to shape you.
Not overnight.
But over time.
Share this with someone who wants to grow in their walk with God—but doesn’t know where to start.