Growing in our knowledge of the Bible can feel overwhelming. There’s so much to know! And where do we begin? Don’t worry—there are a few simple things you can do to make learning about the Bible manageable and sustainable. We’ll focus on taking small steps, keeping the big picture in mind, and using a few key resources well.
1. Be consistent – not fast or overwhelmed
This is a marathon not a sprint. Going fast and setting unrealistic goals (i.e. I’m going to read the Bible for an hour a day!) is the quickest way to burn out and quit. Likewise, don’t think that since we can’t know everything today there’s no point in opening up our Bible. Pursuing God’s Word is our lifelong privilege, not a duty to get over and done with quickly or an unattainable goal God demands of us. Take small, consistent steps to read and learn, and growth will inevitably happen. I know it’s easy to look around and be anxious if you “feel behind” or overwhelmed at all there is to know. But don’t let comparison or discontent rob you of the joy of spending time with God in His Word today. His Word is meant to be known. So, open up your Bible and trust that he has you right where you need to be.
2. Know the BIG IDEA before assembling all the parts
Trying to assemble something without knowing what you’re building is confusing. If you’ve ever tried to study a book of the Bible without knowing the story and structure of the Bible, you might have been confused, too. The Bible is telling one story through many different types of literature (narrative, poetry, prophecy, etc.,) and it isn’t set up in perfect chronological order. So, we have to know the story the Bible is telling and how it goes about telling it.
I’ve included a link to a few short (5 min) videos from The Bible Project for you below that do an excellent job of explaining the story and structure of the Bible. There are also links to a few helpful articles discussing the story and (lack of) chronology in the Bible.
Once you know this information, you’ll have the confidence to open up your Bible and know exactly where you are in the timeline of Biblical history and how the text you’re reading contributes to the Bible’s overarching story.
Videos
Check out especially the first 3 videos in this series:
Articles
What is the Bible About? (This is a book by book explanation of each book of the Bible.)
Why isn’t the Bible chronological?
3. Put your study Bible to use!
Don’t reinvent the wheel every time you study! A study Bible is your one stop shop to help you study efficiently and effectively. Read the introductions at the beginning of each book for background and historical information and use the commentary at the bottom of the pages for help and further explanation. Don’t forget to pause and look at the maps and charts, too! Study Bibles have a ton of information right at your fingertips! My favorite study Bible is the ESV Study Bible.
4. Build your knowledge layer by layer
You will not learn everything about the Bible all at once. God is gracious like that. He gently teaches us as we continue to meet Him in His Word. In this way, Bible knowledge is built layer by layer over time. So, each time you read and study a book or a passage you will learn more. Enjoy the process!
A look into the weekly newsletter…
What I’m Loving This Week
This Visual Theology book by Tim Challies and Josh Byers and its corresponding website.
A Prayer for This Week
“Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart” (Psalm 119:34).
Inspiration for This Week
For all the world is nought, and less than nought,
Compared with this,–
That my dear Lord, with His own life, my ransom bought,
And I am His.
–John Oxenham
Did you enjoy this sneak peek into the newsletter? Be sure to sign up to see this and more, delivered to your inbox every Monday!
0 Comments