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How Do You Read Scripture?

      Consider all the different Bible Studies you have been a part of. Some of these Bible Studies have emphasized the learning of content. These studies stress getting to know the text itself. They may also feature connections with other scripture verses. When you complete a study like this, you should be familiar with the text and able to comfortably refer to it.

     Then there are those studies that seek to help you move beyond learning the text to allowing the text to form and influence the way you live. If you have participated in a Disciple Bible Study, you are familiar with this approach. These are studies that help you apply what you have learned to life.

     Regardless of the type of study you participate in you can learn to read scripture with application in mind. There are some basic questions you can ask yourself as you read scripture. I read scripture with three basic questions in mind.

     The first question deals with the two great commandments: to love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength. And the second commandment: to love your neighbor as yourself. (Read Mark 12:28-34 and Matthew 22:34-40) Note that Jesus says that “on these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” In other words, understand the Bible through the lens of these commandments. Ask yourself how to understand a particular text in light of these two commandments. Loving the Lord leads us to grow in personal holiness. Loving our neighbor leads us to grow in social holiness.

     The second question I ask myself is: how am I to understand this text in light of Jesus’ expectation that we are to make disciples? This is clearly expressed in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20). Pair this with these words of Jesus who tells us that if we are to be his disciples, we must take up our cross daily and follow him (see Luke 9:23-24 and 14:27). Being a disciple is an everyday life. Being a disciple means we will grow into that lifestyle that calls us to be making more disciples.

     The third question I ask myself is this: does this text help me understand what it means to faithfully live in Christian community? Paul wrote most of his letters to churches. The letters to individuals were to leaders, instructing them and encouraging them in building up the leadership of early Christian communities. Even the Gospels were written with a community of faith as their audience. In the preface to Hymns and Sacred Poems (1739), Wesley says “The gospel of Christ knows of no religion but social; no holiness but social holiness.”

     How do you read scripture? Why do you read scripture?
 

Are You Interested in Participating in the Study on Paul?
You can still join us. If you plan to take part in this study together, please let me know here...
https://forms.gle/uHjgb55C3nWid6j79
 

Scripture Readings for Tuesday, September 27
1 Thessalonians chapters 2 and 3
 

Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/disciplinglife
I have started a Facebook page for sharing insights on readings as well as more personal matters. There is also a link for a group just for study participants.
 

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