Tools for the Journey

Last evening, we began our second week of our class entitled, "Equip: Bible Study."  These classes are focused on practical ways to grow in our discipleship.  In particular, we are focused these next seven weeks on how to grow in our reading of Scripture enabling us to feel more confident in understanding the Bible.  The Bible can be an intimidating book to read.  And yet, with a variety of tools, it can be very accessible.  Moreover, therein is a depth of understanding which leads us further into the life of God.  With this in mind, I wanted to share a little of what we discussed last evening in hopes it may encourage you to delve deeper into the Scriptures as well as feel confident in reading them.  Some of us have been reading the Bible for a long time; yet, a new method may unlock depths to the Scriptures.
 
The first lesson last evening was discussion on beginning to read the text and how important it is to read the text slowly.  The method is simply called survey.  Often we read the text quickly in order to get a quick meaning from it.  Yet, the slower we read it, the more questions arise which leads us toward deeper discovery.  Basically, the first lesson was the art of reading a text slowly and allowing the text to speak for itself.  Below is a simple path to follow:
 

1. Read the text...read it again (Read it out of different translations also)
2. Read surrounding passages
3. Remind self of larger context - if using study Bible, check out the introduction to the book
4. Ask questions of the text or what questions do you have regarding the text?  For instance, in the story of the Good Samaritan you may ask, "What was a Samaritan?", or "Who were priests?" 

 
I personally find the last part of the "Survey method" quite helpful.  The more questions I ask, the further it pushes me for discovery.  Moreover, one of the other things that caught my attention was how I was moved by questions others had.  Often when we read in community, people help us see parts of the Scripture we miss.  Thus, I would encourage you when you pick up your Bible next time, slow down, read a passage, and simply ask questions of the text.  Don't rush through the process.  In doing so, it will push you to discover part of the text you might have easily glossed over if going too fast.
 
Pastor Nathan