“Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” (Acts 17:11)
“Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.” (Revelation 1:3)
Today, in preparation for beginning our Bible reading plan tomorrow, 3 January, we are listening to John MacArthur speak on “How to Study Your Bible: Interpretation” — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6HOKRb-p_4
One of the grave problems in the church today is Biblical misinterpretation. There has been so much misinterpretation of the Bible throughout church history, many people have wrongly concluded there is no way to rightly interpret the Bible. However, we are called by God to understand God’s word. So, we must commit to understanding the Bible, and those who have put their faith in Christ have been given the Holy Spirit to enable us to understand what was impossible for us to understand prior to salvation.
The first step to understanding the Bible is to start reading the Bible consistently and repetitiously. Keep a journal of things you learn and things you don’t understand which you need to study further. Keep track of themes throughout the Bible which will help you make the connections across the Bible. As you read, interpret the Bible from the Bible. Most everything in the Scripture is linked to other places in the Bible which will provide further clarity and expand on essential truths. For certain, the Bible will never contradict itself. Apparent contradictions are places where you simply need greater understanding through continued, prayerful study. Be patient; the mighty oak doesn’t grow overnight.
The more you read the Bible, the more you will be equipped to walk in God’s word through practical application and receive the blessings of His truth. The more you read the Bible, the more you will be able to identify and reject the lies and false teachings of the world which divide and destroy. Naturally, the more you experience the blessings of God’s revelation, the more excited you will be about studying the Bible and the less if will feel like a ‘discipline’, duty or chore.
- Psalm 1:2 — But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 2 January 22: Pray that God will prepare your heart to begin consistent Bible study tomorrow. Make a specific plan for Bible study tomorrow: Choose the time and place; consolidate the resources you will need (Bible, journal, etc.); find an accountability partner; make a commitment to tell someone what you learned from your Bible study; and commit to taking at least on action step daily based on how you were convicted from your Bible study.
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 