“No matter how hard I try, I just don’t get this stuff!” Have you ever found yourself saying something to that effect when trying to understand the Bible? A lot of how well we understand it has much to do with the approach we take when reading it. That being said, let’s address our approach. Since the Bible is a book, it would be easy to approach it like you would a textbook. This is one reason some struggle. In truth, it is not a textbook; rather, it is a spiritual revelation of God to us in written form. Of course, If you like, you can consider it to also be a love letter from Him to you. Since it is spiritual, it requires Holy Spirit to teach us in order to grasp what God intended for us to know (read 1 Corinthians 2:6-16). That also makes the Bible relational by design. It requires interaction with Holy Spirit Who dwells in your heart, which means don’t use your head. That’s sounds counterintuitive, but it’s more of a heart thing. Think about it, we believe with our heart; not our head (see Romans 10:10). Invite Him to teach you, and allow Him to give you the revelation at the proper time. There are times, when you may not immediately receive it; but then, the “ah-hah” moment comes out of the blue. Of course, it could be a combination of both. Holy Spirit may reveal something right then and there, and later drop another revelation in your heart at another time. Be patient, it’s part of the process of the relationship. Incidentally, in this context, a revelation is an already existent truth that is new to us.
In spite of what some may say, our loving Father really does want us to grasp His Word. It does play a part in our pursuit for Jesus. How many times have you told Him that you really want to know Him? Searching Scripture is another way of getting intimate with Father and Jesus. The experience can be feel like you’re curling up in ABBA’s lap reading it together. The more time you spend with someone, the better you know him or her. Likewise, the more time you spend reading your Bible, the better you will know it. More importantly, the better you will know Him. Ask questions when you read -lots of questions. Not in the sense of questioning; rather, from the standpoint of clarity. Don’t be afraid to be curious. Again, think relational!
This will sound like a contradiction to what was just said, but if you really want to know the Word of God, you cannot be lazy. You have to dig. Question: have you ever stumbled across a word you didn’t understand? How did you resolve it? Did you use a dictionary by chance? If you find a word you don’t understand in the Bible, look it up. There are Bible dictionaries and lexicons. For example, Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible has every word in the Bible listed, along with a dictionary to define each one. It has both Old and New Testament languages, which brings more clarity than a typical English dictionary (or whatever language you might speak). A lexicon expands on those definitions. In the course of study, Holy Spirit may tell you to look up a word that you may already know, or at least think you know. Many people use Bible Apps which have built in concordances and lexicons. They are valuable tools. There are a plethora of online resources as well. Even if you don’t have access, keep reading. Here is a brief list of some resources: Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible; Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words; The Complete Word Study Dictionary, New Testament (Spiros Zodhiates); Harper’s Bible Dictionary, and Gesenius’ Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon to the Old Testament. Some are available by translation.
As you study, keep cross-references in mind. There will be passages found in one place in the Bible that are directly quoted, or have similar phrases and concepts elsewhere. For example, in Luke 4:18-19, Jesus quoted Isaiah 61:1,2: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, And recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.” Perhaps, jot them down in a notebook for future reference. Often, other verses of Scripture bring clarity to other ones as Holy Spirit reveals them to you.
Know that God is faithful. If you really want to know Him and His Word, He will teach you. But, do be patient.
2 Timothy 3:14-17 You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
Hebrews 4:12 For the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
