How To Enjoy Your Bible

Recognize What the Bible Is

• The Bible is a Defined book: The Bible is a complete collection of sixty-six books of Scripture—nothing added and nothing missing.

• The Bible is an Inerrant Book: Every word is true and without error in its original form (2 Timothy 3:16; Proverbs 30:5).

• The Bible is a Preserved Book: God has safeguarded His Word so it remains available, inerrant and reliable for every generation (Psalm 12:6–7; Matthew 24:35).

• The Bible is a Sufficient guide: The Scriptures provide everything needed for faith and practice, fully equipping believers (2 Timothy 3:17).

Understand the Scope of the Passage You Are Reading

• Context determines enjoyment. A verse without its section is often misused.

• Markers of scope:

• Introductions (“Now concerning…” in 1 Corinthians).

• Transition words (“Therefore,” “But now”).

• Natural breaks in thought, not always matching chapter divisions.

• Bookend phrases that frame a unit (e.g., “vanity of vanities” in Ecclesiastes).

• Dispensational scope: determine whether the words apply to Israel, the Body of Christ, or mankind generally.

• Example: Matthew 18:20 taken as a prayer promise, but in context (vv. 15–20) it deals with discipline in Israel’s kingdom program.

Avoid These Killers

• Conflation: Taking that which is for someone else and making it for you. Handle the Word in its proper setting (2 Timothy 2:15).

• Imagination: Turning plain words into allegory or spiritualizing them away. Let the text mean what it says.

• Extrapolation: Building conclusions that go beyond what is written. Engage the text directly instead of leaning on speculation or theological vainity.

• Overcomplication: Making Scripture harder than it is by adding mystical layers or demanding a mystical guide. The Bible was written to be understood.

Immerse Yourself in It

• Read it widely: Whole sections, not just fragments.

• Mark it: Write notes, underline, interact with the page.

• Analyze it: Pay attention to context, grammar, word usage, and historical background.

• Connect it: Trace cross-references, themes, and how the original audience would have understood the words.

Delight in Its Fruit

• Joy in understanding – like Nehemiah 8:8–12, when people grasped the sense of the law.

• Freedom in grace – Paul’s message relieves the burden of Law. See Galatians 5:1.

• Hope in the future – rightly divided promises give real assurance, not confusion. Se 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18.