Lesson 13: How to Read the Bible With Faith and Understanding
God has not left His people without truth.
He has given us His written Word.
Yet owning a Bible does not automatically mean that we understand it. A Bible may remain closed. A passage may be read so quickly that almost nothing is remembered. A person may open Scripture only when he feels guilty, confused, or desperate.
The apostle Paul told Timothy:
“Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.”
— 1 Timothy 4:13, KJV
The phrase “give attendance to reading” speaks of deliberate attention.
Bible reading deserves more than an occasional glance.
God has spoken. His people should read what He has written.
This lesson will not teach every method of deep Bible study. A later lesson will address how to study Scripture without twisting it. Our present purpose is more foundational:
How can an ordinary believer open the Bible, read it faithfully, and begin understanding what it says?
Begin With the Right Conviction
When you open the Bible, you are not opening an ordinary book.
The Bible records real history, contains poetry, gives commands, presents prophecy, explains doctrine, and reveals events still to come. It was written through many human writers across different periods of history.
Yet Scripture identifies itself as the Word of God.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”
— 2 Timothy 3:16, KJV
This conviction changes how you read.
You do not approach Scripture as its judge.
You come as a learner.
You do not decide that a passage is true only when it agrees with what you already believe.
You begin with the confidence that God is true, even when you need time to understand what He has said.
Reading with faith does not require pretending that every passage is easy. It means trusting the wisdom and truthfulness of the One who gave it.
A good beginning is to say:
“God has spoken.”
“His Word is true.”
“I need what He has written.”
“Lord, help me understand.”
Read With Humility
Pride makes a poor Bible reader.
A proud person comes to Scripture wanting confirmation of everything he already thinks. He notices what supports him and avoids what challenges him.
A humble person comes willing to learn.
James wrote:
“Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.”
— James 1:21, KJV
Scripture must be received “with meekness.”
Meekness is not weakness. It is a heart that is yielded before God.
A humble reader does not assume that his first impression must always be correct. He is willing to slow down, look again, ask for help, and admit that he has more to learn.
Before reading, pray simply:
“Lord, teach me.”
“Help me see what is actually written.”
“Protect me from reading my own ideas into the passage.”
“Give me a heart that is willing to receive truth.”
You do not need an elaborate prayer. You need a teachable heart.
Read Slowly Enough to Notice What Is There
Many misunderstandings begin because people read too quickly.
The eyes pass over the words, but the mind is occupied somewhere else. A chapter is finished, yet the reader cannot explain what happened or what was taught.
Nehemiah describes a public reading of God’s law:
“So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.”
— Nehemiah 8:8, KJV
The Word was read distinctly. The meaning was made understandable.
The purpose of Bible reading is not to finish the greatest number of chapters in the shortest amount of time.
A reading plan can be helpful, but checking a box is not the same as understanding a passage.
It is better to read a smaller portion attentively than to rush through several chapters without knowing what you read.
Slow down enough to notice:
Who is speaking?
Who is being addressed?
What is happening?
What subject is being discussed?
What words or ideas are repeated?
What does the passage clearly reveal?
These are simple questions, but they help your mind remain present.
Follow the Passage Before Looking for a Personal Message
Many people begin Bible reading by immediately asking:
“What does this mean to me?”
Personal response matters, but that should not be the first question.
First ask:
“What does this passage say?”
A verse was written within a sentence. That sentence belongs to a paragraph. That paragraph belongs to a larger discussion, event, letter, book, or prophecy.
The words were not placed randomly on the page.
For example, when reading a letter written by Paul, notice who received the letter and what issue Paul was addressing. When reading one of the Gospels, notice what Jesus said, what was happening around Him, and how people responded. When reading an Old Testament account, notice what the passage reveals about God’s dealings with people.
Do not isolate a sentence from everything around it and assign it whatever meaning you desire.
Read what comes before.
Read what follows.
Follow the writer’s thought.
Lesson 24 will address interpretation more fully. For now, remember this basic safeguard:
A verse should be understood as part of the passage in which God placed it.
Notice What the Passage Reveals About God
The Bible is not mainly a collection of inspirational statements about us.
It reveals God.
As you read, ask:
“What does this passage show about God’s character?”
“What does it reveal about His holiness, authority, mercy, justice, patience, faithfulness, or wisdom?”
“What does God love?”
“What does He oppose?”
“What has He promised?”
“What has He done?”
Jeremiah wrote:
“But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me…”
— Jeremiah 9:24, KJV
The highest purpose of Bible reading is not to become impressed with your own knowledge.
It is to know the Lord truly.
A person can memorize names, dates, doctrines, and arguments while remaining spiritually proud and distant from God.
Knowledge has a necessary place, but biblical knowledge should lead us to a clearer understanding of the One who has spoken.
Do not make yourself the main character of every passage.
Look first for what God has revealed about Himself.
Read With Jesus Christ in View
Jesus told people who searched the Scriptures:
“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”
— John 5:39, KJV
After His resurrection, Jesus met two disciples on the road to Emmaus:
“And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.”
— Luke 24:27, KJV
The Bible’s message of redemption finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
The Old Testament reveals creation, sin, judgment, sacrifice, covenant, promise, law, prophecy, and humanity’s need for redemption. The Gospels reveal the coming, teaching, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The rest of the New Testament explains the gospel, the life of the church, Christian doctrine, faithful living, and the promised return and victory of Christ.
This does not give us permission to turn every detail into a secret symbol of Jesus. We must still respect what each passage actually says.
But as you read the whole Bible, you should increasingly see:
the holiness of God,
the sinfulness and need of man,
the unfolding promise of redemption,
and the glory of Jesus Christ.
The Bible is not a collection of unrelated religious fragments. It tells one unfolding account of God’s purposes and His redemption through Christ.
Learn the Basic Kind of Passage You Are Reading
Not every part of the Bible should be read in exactly the same way.
Historical passages tell what happened.
Poetry often uses vivid comparisons and expressions.
Proverbs state principles of wisdom.
Prophecy records God’s warnings, promises, and revelation of things to come.
The Gospels present the life, words, works, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
New Testament letters teach churches and believers through explanation, correction, command, and encouragement.
Recognizing the kind of passage helps you read it more naturally.
When reading a historical account, follow the people and events.
When reading a Psalm, notice the prayer, praise, sorrow, confession, or trust being expressed.
When reading a letter, trace the writer’s explanation and instruction.
When reading prophecy, pay attention to whom the warning or promise was originally given.
You do not need advanced education to begin noticing these differences. Simply ask:
“What kind of writing am I reading?”
That small question may prevent considerable confusion.
Read Whole Books, Not Only Isolated Verses
Individual verses can be precious and powerful.
But the Bible was given in books, not as a collection of disconnected quotations.
If you read only random verses, you may repeatedly visit familiar subjects while never learning the full message of a Gospel, letter, prophecy, or historical account.
Reading through an entire book allows you to see:
why it was written,
what subjects continue appearing,
how one section connects to another,
and what the writer emphasizes.
A new believer may begin with the Gospel of John and read it from beginning to end. After that, another Gospel or a New Testament letter can be read. The Old Testament should not be neglected, but beginning with a Gospel helps place Jesus Christ clearly before the reader.
Over time, read both Testaments.
Do not expect to complete the Bible quickly. Scripture is meant to nourish and instruct you throughout your life.
The goal is not speed.
The goal is steady acquaintance with the whole counsel of God.
Use a Reading Plan as a Servant
Some people benefit from a written reading plan. It provides direction and keeps Bible reading from depending entirely upon mood.
A plan may tell you what book or chapters to read each day. It may help you continue through passages you would otherwise avoid.
But the plan must remain a servant.
If you fall behind, do not allow several unchecked boxes to persuade you to quit.
Return to the place where you stopped.
If a passage deserves more attention, remain with it longer.
If you do not understand something, write down the question and continue learning.
The purpose is not to finish a schedule so that you can feel successful.
The purpose is to read God’s Word attentively and consistently.
A simple plan faithfully followed is better than an ambitious plan quickly abandoned.
What to Do When You Do Not Understand
Every Bible reader eventually reaches a difficult passage.
Do not panic.
Do not conclude that you are incapable of learning Scripture.
Do not invent an explanation simply because you want an immediate answer.
The Ethiopian man in Acts was reading Isaiah when Philip asked him:
“Understandest thou what thou readest?”
— Acts 8:30, KJV
He answered:
“How can I, except some man should guide me?”
— Acts 8:31, KJV
He was willing to admit that he needed help.
When a passage is difficult:
Read it again.
Read the verses surrounding it.
Identify the main subject.
Notice what is clear before concentrating on what is unclear.
Look for other passages that address the same subject.
Write down your question.
Seek help from a faithful pastor, teacher, or mature believer.
A Bible dictionary, cross-reference system, or trustworthy commentary may also help, but no human resource replaces Scripture itself.
You do not need to be ashamed that you are learning.
Every mature believer was once a beginner.
Receive Help Without Surrendering Your Responsibility
God has given teachers to the church. Faithful preaching and teaching can help believers understand Scripture.
The Ethiopian man benefited from Philip’s guidance. The people in Nehemiah’s day benefited when the meaning of the law was explained.
But teachers must direct you toward Scripture, not make you dependent upon their opinions.
The Bereans were commended because:
“They received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”
— Acts 17:11, KJV
They listened, but they also searched.
Do not believe an interpretation merely because:
a preacher speaks confidently,
a video is popular,
a book is successful,
or a statement produces a strong emotion.
At the same time, do not become proud and assume that you need no instruction from anyone.
Receive faithful help humbly.
Then examine what is taught in the light of Scripture.
Detailed instruction about recognizing error and false teaching belongs to later lessons. The foundational principle here is:
Read the Bible personally, and let every teacher remain under the authority of what God has written.
Do Not Become Discouraged by Slow Growth
You will not understand the whole Bible immediately.
Some passages will be clear the first time you read them.
Others may become clearer after you have read the entire book.
Some will make more sense when you understand an earlier event or teaching.
Some questions may remain for years.
Spiritual growth is not measured by pretending to know what you do not know.
It is shown partly by remaining teachable.
Peter wrote:
“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”
— 2 Peter 3:18, KJV
Growth takes time.
Do not compare your beginning with someone who has studied Scripture faithfully for decades.
Do not become embarrassed because you need to reread a passage.
Do not avoid the Bible because parts of it are difficult.
Continue.
The same book that once seemed unfamiliar will gradually become more recognizable. Names, events, teachings, and themes will begin connecting.
Faithful reading builds understanding over time.
A Simple Bible-Reading Pattern
The following pattern can help you begin without making Bible reading unnecessarily complicated.
1. Pray Briefly
Ask God to give you attention, humility, and understanding.
“Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.”
— Psalm 119:18, KJV
2. Read a Manageable Passage
A chapter may be appropriate. At other times, a shorter paragraph or event may require your full attention.
3. Follow What Is Happening
Identify the speaker, audience, event, or main subject.
Read the verses before and after the portion that caught your attention.
4. Notice What Is Repeated or Emphasized
Repeated words, commands, questions, promises, and warnings often reveal the passage’s central concern.
5. State the Main Point Simply
Ask, “What is this passage mainly saying?”
Try to explain it in one or two sentences without adding ideas that are not present.
6. Notice What It Reveals About God
Look for His character, works, commands, promises, judgments, and mercy.
7. Record Questions Without Becoming Stuck
Write down what you do not yet understand. Seek help and continue reading.
8. Carry One Clear Truth Forward
Lesson 14 will teach more fully how Scripture must be received, believed, and obeyed. For now, identify one truth you clearly understood and remember it as you continue through the day.
Helpful Starting Places
A person who does not know where to begin may use this simple direction:
The Gospel of John: Learn who Jesus Christ is and why He came.
The Gospel of Mark: Follow the works, authority, death, and resurrection of Jesus in a direct account.
Ephesians: Learn about salvation in Christ, the church, and Christian living.
Philippians: Learn about faithfulness, humility, joy, and contentment in Christ.
Psalms: Read prayers, praise, sorrow, repentance, trust, and worship.
Genesis: Learn about creation, the entrance of sin, judgment, promise, and the beginning of God’s dealings with His people.
You do not need to read all these books at once.
Choose one.
Begin at the beginning.
Continue through it.
Discipleship Questions
- Why should the Bible be approached differently from an ordinary book?
- How can reading the verses before and after a statement protect you from misunderstanding it?
- Why should you ask what a passage says before asking what it means for you personally?
- What should you do when you reach a passage you do not understand?
- Which book of the Bible will you begin reading steadily?
Closing Exhortation
God has given you His Word.
Open it.
Read it with faith because God is true.
Read it with humility because you still have much to learn.
Read slowly enough to follow what is written.
Respect the passage around each verse.
Look for what Scripture reveals about God.
Read with Jesus Christ and God’s work of redemption in view.
Do not become discouraged when understanding grows slowly.
Do not allow a difficult chapter to close the whole Bible.
Do not depend entirely upon other people to read it for you.
Receive faithful help, but search Scripture personally.
You do not need to master the whole Bible today.
You need to begin faithfully and continue.
“Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read…”
— Isaiah 34:16, KJV
God has spoken.
Give attention to reading.
A Prayer for Understanding the Bible
Father,
Thank You for giving us Your written Word.
Help me approach Scripture with faith, reverence, and humility.
Keep me from careless reading, pride, distraction, and impatience.
Open my understanding so that I may see what You have written.
Teach me to follow the passage carefully instead of forcing my own ideas into it.
Show me what Your Word reveals about Your character, Your works, Your will, and Your Son, Jesus Christ.
When I reach something difficult, keep me from discouragement and error. Give me patience to read again, wisdom to ask for help, and humility to admit what I do not yet understand.
Protect me from depending upon human teachers more than upon Your Word, but also protect me from the pride that refuses faithful instruction.
Give me a growing hunger for Scripture and help me continue reading throughout my life.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Next Step
Choose one book of the Bible to begin reading.
The Gospel of John is a helpful starting place.
For the next seven days:
- Pray briefly before reading.
- Read one manageable passage.
- Identify who is speaking and what is happening.
- State the main point in one or two sentences.
- Write down one truth about God or Jesus Christ.
- Record any question you need to investigate later.
Do not measure success by how many chapters you finish.
Measure it by whether you read attentively and continue faithfully.
Previous Lesson: Lesson 12 — How to Pray According to the Bible
Next Lesson: Lesson 14 — How to Hear, Believe, and Obey the Word of God