Everybody loves that perfect Instagram Bible study moment! You’ve seen the pics plenty of times before. Steam rises off the fresh cup of coffee. Highlighters form a perfect splash of color to augment the mauve leather cover of your prayer journal. And every inspiring devotional thought ends with exclamation points and heart emojis.
The reality of Bible study, however, takes a lot more time and thought. Below are a few questions that will help you think deeply and reflect faithfully on the meaning and implication of God’s Word to everyday life.
What does this passage reveal about God’s glory?
This may be the most neglected, yet vital question we should be asking ourselves every time we read God’s Word. The Bible is not an instructional manual or “how to” book… It is God’s revelation of Himself, graciously given to us so that we would know Him and the majestic depths of His character and work. 2 Corinthians 3:18 reminds us that spiritual growth happens as we behold in awe the glory of the Lord revealed in the Scriptures.
Every time we open our Bibles, we should come with a prayerful eagerness to discover, ponder, and rejoice in the glory of God. As John Piper notes, “When we seek to enjoy communion with the Lord, we read the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God’s words and God’s deeds reveal God himself for our knowledge and our enjoyment.”
How does this passage relate to the gospel?
The gospel is the main message of the Bible. In the gospel, we discover the good news of all that God has done, is doing, and will do for His people through His Son Jesus Christ. Everything in the Scriptures either 1) shows us our need of the gospel, 2) reveals God’s work for us in the gospel, 3) encourages us to respond to the gospel in a repentance and faith, or 4) unpacks the implications of the gospel for the Christian life. We simply cannot understand the Bible if we do not read it through the lenses of God’s saving work through Christ!
Jared C. Wilson states, “Everything the Bible teaches, whether theological or practical, and everywhere it teaches, whether historical or poetical or applicational or prophetic, is meant to draw us closer to Christ, seeing him with more clarity and loving him with more of our affections.” Whether we’re reading Leviticus or Luke, we should be asking ourselves how the truths of the text point us to our need for the person and work of Jesus Christ.
How should I respond to what I have just read?
The Bible is not simply a book to be admired, but actually applied to the nitty gritty of daily life. As you read God’s Word, prayerfully consider how the gospel-shaped, God-exalting truths you are discovering influence your worldview, values, priorities, activities, and/or responses to life’s circumstances. Think about what your life would look like today if you lived in the reality of what you’ve just read.
I have found the following categories (and corresponding questions) helpful as I consider the application of God’s Word to daily living:
- Thinking: How do the truths of this text shape the way I view God, myself, the world, and my present circumstances?
- Feeling: How do the truths of this text inspire greater gratitude, humility, and/or joy in Christ?
- Living: What attitudes and actions need to change because of the truths I’ve studied from this passage? Practically, what steps need to be taken to live in the light of the truths of this text?
- Praying: How should I respond to this passage in prayer (ex. Worship, repentance, petition, etc.)?
Conclusion:
Ultimately, the purpose or aim of reading the Bible is to deepen our relationship with the Lord. As you read the Scriptures, look to see the glory of God revealed in the text. Ponder how the passage deepens your understanding and appreciation of the gospel. Carefully consider how the eternal truths you have just read transform your thoughts, actions, and attitudes today. As you do so, you will find your time spent in the Scriptures greatly enriching and rewarding!
A Brief note:
The purpose of this post was not to provide a comprehensive guide to Bible study. While the reflection questions we considered are essential, there are other Bible study principles that a believer must learn and apply to “rightly divide the Word of truth” (2 Tim.2:15). Feel free to message one of us if you would like recommendations for Bible study resources.
