The more time I spend on the road counseling with teens, the more I am convinced that many have a minimal knowledge of God’s Word. How unfortunate this is. If you don’t know it, you can never live it. And, if you are a Christ-follower, yet have very little knowledge of what His Word says, then what does this lack of knowledge have to say about your commitment to Him and love for Him? Think about it – if you knew very little about your best friend, wouldn’t that be proof that you care very little about your best friend?
If you have heard me speak at an event before, then you probably remember me challenging you with this statement:
It’s impossible to consistently know and do God’s will if you don’t spend time with Him.
I believe this statement to be true as much as I believe that Coke is better Pepsi! The Bible is a guide for our lives that God has given us. Look at what Psalm 119:104-105 says:
I gain understanding from your precepts…Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
Psalm 119 makes it clear that by spending time in the Word, we’ll gain understanding. As you commit to spend time in the Word, you’ll develop a greater understanding of who He is. As you begin to know Him more, He’ll reveal to you a greater understanding of His plan and purpose for your life.
You have also probably heard me talk about THE 1:1:1 PLAN.
THE 1:1:1 PLAN = One passage of Scripture + Once a Day + One Week
Repetition is key. There are times when I read the Bible and then forget what I read as soon as I walk away. Going back and reading the same verse over will help you absorb the truth of Scripture. And, as Psalm 119:9 says, this is the way to live a life that honors God:
How can a young person live a clean life? By carefully reading the map of your Word. Psalm 119:9 (MSG)
Here are a few creative applications for spending time in the Word:
- Grab your Bible, journal, and find your favorite quite spot—a park, backyard, or the lake.
- Go to Starbucks for some Bible and bean time.
- Get a few friends together and instead of watching a movie or talking about girls/guys, start a conversation about a scripture you’ve been reading and encourage each other to spend more time in the Word.
- Start a Bible Club at your school. Commit to meet once a week to dive into the Word and pray together.
I also have included a list of questions that I think are really important to consider when you are reading the Bible.
1. Who is the author of the passage?
2. Who were the recipients?
3. What is the historical background of the passage?
4. What is the outline/structure of the passage?
5. Are any words repeated? Any significance to the repetition?
6. Are there any unusual words in the passage that call for more exploration?
7. How does the passage fit into the surrounding paragraph? Chapter? Book?
8. Why did the author place the passage here and not somewhere else?
9. In one sentence, what is the main point of the passage?
10. How would the original audience have been affected by the passage?
11. How does this passage connect to the overall storyline of the Bible?
12. How does this passage reveal Jesus as savior?
13. How does God want this passage to function in my life?
14. What kind of response does this passage call for?
