Study:
HOW CAN I DEVELOP A BIBLE READING HABIT?
Bro. John Lee, AP
Engaging with God’s word is crucial for spiritual growth. Developing habits that allow the word of Christ to dwell in us richly involves more than just occasional reading. It means integrating scripture into our daily lives and making it a central part of our routine.
Reasons to develop a Bible reading habit
1. Scripture and the Saviour
That’s how the two important purposes in God’s heart would be fulfilled in one’s life, 1 Tim 2:4 ‘Salvation’ is in the person of Christ and growing in the knowledge of the person and work of Christ is the key to the knowledge of truth. He is the central theme of the Bible (Lk 24:27, 44) Of course, Christ is the truth personified!
2. Scripture and it’s Sweetness
Another reason to cultivate a Bible reading habit is to grow in love for God’s Word. Psalm 119 illustrates the attitude we should have towards Scripture:
Ø Verse 16: “I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.”
Ø Verse 48: “I will lift my hands toward your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes.”
Ø Verse 97: “Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.”
Ø Verse 103: “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”
Ø Verse 131: “I open my mouth and pant because I long for your commandments.”
Reflect on how these verses align with your thoughts and actions regarding Scripture. If you feel discouraged because your attitudes and desires don't always match these ideals, remember you’re not alone. Let these verses inspire you to persevere, knowing that the benefits of engaging with Scripture are richly described throughout this psalm and the entire Bible.
3. Scripture that Sanctifies
It’s the Sword in our Spiritual Warfare. We have to store it up in our hearts, to fight against Sin.
4. Scripture and the Spiritual Survival
When we read the Bible we hear God speaking to us, showing us His will and character, equipping us for every good work, strengthening us with spiritual food in our journey towards home, etc.
Ways of Reading
A. Doctrinal
(a) Discerningly:
Study Scripture carefully to understand and correctly interpret its teachings, comparing related passages to form accurate conclusions
(b) Doctrinally:
Understand the major doctrines of the Bible to build a sound faith and effective preaching. Refer to passages like II Timothy 1:10, 1:13; II Timothy 4:3; Titus 1:9, 13; Colossians 2:7.
(c) Dispensationally:
Recognize your place within God’s current plan to align with His purposes and avoid working at cross purposes with Him.
B. Practical
(i) Diligently:
Read with determination and avoid distractions. This might mean adjusting your schedule, such as waking up earlier, to ensure consistent and focused study.
(ii) Devotionally:
Allow the Bible to speak to your own heart and address your spiritual needs, which will better equip you to help others.
(iii) Dependently:
That is reading the Bible humbly and prayerfully, depending upon the Spirit in prayer. You can add Ps 119:18.
Suggestions for Developing Reading Habit
1) Pick a Time that Works Best for You
Choose a time for Bible reading that suits your schedule and when you’re most alert. Mornings are ideal for many, but evenings or midday might work better for others. Be prepared to adjust as needed; some days or seasons may require flexibility. If your usual time doesn’t work, adapt and give yourself the grace to find alternative moments for reading.
2) Choose an Achievable Goal
Set realistic goals when establishing a Bible reading habit. Instead of jumping to long, intensive study sessions, start small. Begin with a short daily reading—such as a chapter or a paragraph—to build the habit. Once established, gradually increase your commitment, incorporating deeper study and additional practices like Scripture memory or reading extra passages.
3) Overcoming Obstacles
Reflect on what has previously hindered your Bible reading habit and address those issues.
4) Don’t Worry About Having a “Perfect” Quiet Time
The value of Bible study lies in your dedication and consistency, not in the aesthetics of your journaling. Whether your notes are neatly penned or scribbled in the margins, what matters is showing up and engaging with God’s Word.
If others see your Bible in the future, let them be inspired by your commitment rather than impressed by perfect handwriting. And remember, it’s okay if your Bible time isn’t always quiet; faithfulness is what honours God.
5) Don’t Let Your Failures Hold You Back
Don’t let the fear of imperfection prevent you from building a Bible-reading habit. Missing a day doesn’t mean failure; any time spent in the Bible is valuable. Avoid letting perfectionism derail your efforts. Instead, focus on persistence and make adjustments as needed to support your success.
If you’re following a reading plan, simply resume where you left off rather than trying to catch up. Keep trying and stay committed, even if things aren’t perfect.
6) Stay Accountable
Find someone to help keep you accountable with your Bible reading habit, whether it’s through regular check-ins or shared goals. Use phone alarms and reminders to ensure you don’t forget your reading time, setting one for your planned reading time and another for later in the day if needed.
Staying accountable helps maintain consistency and reduces the likelihood of regret from skipping your Bible time.
Caution
Isaiah’s message to the king was clear: “If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all” (Isa. 7:9 NIV). In times of crisis or threat, it’s crucial to rely completely on God’s truth, which should be deeply ingrained in us. Our faith must be so rooted in the truth of God’s Word that we are firmly convinced of its reliability.
Blessings
This is the first of seven blessings mentioned by Apostle John in Revelation (1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7). Revelation 1:3 states, “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.” G&P
