Sermon: How to Read the Bible and Understand It
🎯 Sermon Objective
To help every believer in Christ understand why
and how they should read the Bible—and to equip them with simple,
practical tools to read it meaningfully, grow in their faith, and apply it to
their lives.
🧭 1. Introduction
·
“Have you ever opened your Bible, read a verse,
and thought, ‘What does this even mean?’”
· “Or maybe you feel like reading the Bible is for pastors or adults—not a for me?”
You’re not alone. Many believers—young
and old—struggle with reading and understanding the Bible.
But here’s the truth:
> God didn’t write His Word to confuse you. He wrote it so you could know
Him better.
📖 2. Why Should We Read the Bible?
🔹
a) It’s God’s Voice
2 Timothy 3:16–17 (NIV):
> “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking,
correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be
thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Hebrews 4:12 (NIV):
> “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged
sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it
judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
John 10:27 (NIV):
> “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
Explain:
The Bible isn’t just an old book full of stories and rules. It’s God’s
living and breathing Word, given to us as a direct line to His heart and
will. Through the Scriptures, God speaks to you personally, guiding you,
teaching you, and correcting you. Each verse reveals God’s character, His
promises, and His direction for your life. Just like any relationship, God
wants to communicate with you—and He does that through His Word.
In a world where voices constantly compete for your
attention, the Bible is the most trustworthy voice you can listen to.
When you read the Bible, you are hearing directly from God, who wants to speak
truth into your life.
🔹
b) It Lights Our Path
Psalm 119:105 (NIV):
> “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”
Psalm 119:130 (NIV):
> “The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the
simple.”
Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV):
> “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own
understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths
straight.”
Proverbs 6:23 (NIV):
> “For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and
instruction are the way to life.”
Illustration:
Imagine you’re walking through a dark forest at night, without a flashlight or
any source of light. It would be easy to stumble, get lost, or hurt yourself.
This is how life can feel without the guidance of God’s Word—confusing,
uncertain, and even dangerous. Without a clear direction, you can get
caught in wrong choices, struggles, and doubt.
But when you read the Bible, it’s like turning on a
flashlight in the darkness of your life. God’s Word gives you clarity—it
shows you where to go, how to walk, and which decisions will lead you to peace.
Just like a lamp guides your physical steps, the Bible lights the way for your
spiritual journey, making sure you don’t lose your way.
The Bible is not just a book of rules; it’s a guide to
living wisely. It helps you navigate tough decisions, avoid temptation, and
find peace in times of confusion. Just as light reveals the obstacles in front
of you, God’s Word reveals what is right and what is wrong, allowing you to
stay on the right path.
🔹 c) It’s the Source of
True Knowledge and Wisdom
Proverbs 2:6 (NIV):
> “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and
understanding.”
James 1:5 (NIV):
> “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to
all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”
Colossians 2:2–3 (NIV):
> “My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so
that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that
they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the
treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
Explain:
The Bible is not just a moral guide; it’s the source of true knowledge and
wisdom. In a world filled with opinions, trends, and human-made knowledge,
God’s Word is the ultimate truth. It reveals the mysteries of life, exposes the
truth about who we are, and gives us understanding of God’s plan for humanity.
Through the Bible, we gain wisdom
that transcends worldly knowledge. While the world may offer fleeting wisdom,
God’s wisdom is eternal and unshakeable. When you read the Bible, you’re not
just gaining knowledge—you’re receiving divine wisdom that will help you
live according to God’s will.
By seeking wisdom from the Bible, you
learn how to make wise choices in life. Wisdom from the Word helps us to
navigate relationships, manage challenges, and live with purpose and integrity.
Just as the psalmist declares, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of
wisdom” (Psalm 111:10), the Bible teaches us how to live wisely in the fear and
knowledge of God.
🔹
d) It Cleanses Us
John 15:3 (NIV):
> “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.”
Ephesians 5:25–26 (NIV):
> “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave
himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water
through the word.”
Psalm 119:9 (NIV):
> “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to
your word.”
Explain:
The Bible has a cleansing power. It washes away impurities in our hearts
and minds. Just as we need physical cleansing to stay healthy, we need
spiritual cleansing to stay pure in God’s eyes. When we consistently read and
meditate on God’s Word, it purifies our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. It
convicts us when we go astray and guides us back to a life of purity and
holiness.
The Scriptures help us renew our minds (Romans 12:2) and
transform our lives. As we immerse ourselves in God’s Word, we are changed from
the inside out. The Bible isn’t just a book for learning; it’s a tool for spiritual
renewal and heart transformation.
🔹 e) It’s the Only Way to
Know God and Christ
John 1:1, 14 (NIV):
> “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word
was God… The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”
John 14:6 (NIV):
> “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to
the Father except through me.’”
Colossians 1:15 (NIV):
> “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all
creation.”
Explain:
If you want to truly know God, you must know His Word. The Bible is
God’s revelation to us—the only way we can come to know who He is and
what He desires for us. Through the Bible, we discover the nature of God,
His love, His holiness, and His plan for salvation through Jesus Christ.
The Word became flesh in Jesus Christ
(John 1:14), and it is through Him that we can know God intimately. Without the
Bible, we would be left in the dark, guessing about who God is. But through the
Scriptures, we encounter the full revelation of God and the perfect
life and sacrifice of Jesus. The Bible is not just a book about religion;
it’s God’s ultimate message to humanity, showing us the way to salvation
and eternal life through Christ.
🔹 f) It Reveals Our Identity
in Christ
Ephesians 2:10 (NIV):
> “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works,
which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV):
> “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has
gone, the new is here!”
Romans 8:16–17 (NIV):
> “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.
Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with
Christ…”
Explain:
The Bible is essential for understanding our true identity in Christ.
Through Scripture, we discover that we are God’s creation with purpose,
designed to live in a relationship with Him. The Bible tells us that we are no
longer defined by our past mistakes, but by the grace of God and the
righteousness of Christ.
As believers, we are adopted as God’s
children, and Scripture reassures us that we are heirs to the promises of
God through Christ. When you read the Bible, you begin to understand your new
identity as a beloved child of God, redeemed and restored through
Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit to live out your purpose.
🔹 g) It Helps Us Know
What God Has Promised Us
Philippians 4:19 (NIV):
> “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory
in Christ Jesus.”
Psalm 91:4 (NIV):
> “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find
refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”
2 Peter 1:3–4 (NIV):
> “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through
our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these
he has given us his very great and precious promises…”
Explain:
The Bible is filled with God’s promises to us—promises of provision,
protection, guidance, and peace. When we read the Scriptures, we learn what God
has pledged to provide for us as His children. Whether you’re facing
uncertainty, anxiety, or need assurance, God’s Word is full of His faithful
promises to meet your needs and care for you.
Through the Bible, we also learn that
God promises to be our refuge, our protector, and our strength. The more we
read and meditate on these promises, the more we are reminded of His
faithfulness and love, which empowers us to walk in confidence and peace.
🛠️ 3. How to Read the
Bible and Understand It
✨ a) Ask the Holy Spirit for Help
John 14:26 (NIV):
> “…the Holy Spirit… will teach you all things and will remind you of
everything I have said to you.”
Romans 8:26 (NIV):
> “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what
we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless
groans.”
1 Corinthians 2:12
(NIV):
> “What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who
is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.”
Tip:
Before reading, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. Simply pray:
> “Lord, open my heart and help me understand what You are saying to me
today. Holy Spirit, teach me and give me wisdom as I read Your Word.”
The Holy Spirit is your
ultimate teacher. He doesn’t just help you memorize verses; He helps you understand
them and apply them to your life. When you read the Bible, ask Him to reveal
God’s truths to you and illuminate what you need for that moment.
✨ b) Start in the Right Place
Don’t start with Leviticus.
Try these instead:
|
Book |
Why? |
|
Mark/John |
Learn about the life and
teachings of Jesus. |
|
Proverbs |
Gain practical wisdom for
everyday life. |
|
Psalms |
Find comfort, express your
emotions, and draw closer to God. |
|
James |
Get practical, real-life
advice for living out your faith. |
Illustration:
If you want to understand your phone, do you read the microwave manual?
Start with the part of Scripture that fits your season. If you’re new to
the Bible, begin with the Gospels (like Mark or John) to get to know Jesus
personally. If you’re seeking wisdom, Proverbs is a great start. If you’re
going through tough emotions, Psalms offers comfort. Don’t dive into
hard-to-understand books at first—get familiar with the parts of the Bible that
are easiest to relate to and apply.
✨ c) Use the SOAP Bible Study Method
A simple, powerful way
to reflect on Scripture:
·
S – Scripture: Read or write down the
verse that stands out to you.
·
O – Observation: What is happening in the
passage? Who is speaking? Who is being spoken to? What is the context or
background?
·
A – Application: How does this verse
apply to your life? What is God teaching you through this? How can you live it
out today?
·
P – Prayer: Respond to God in prayer
based on what you’ve read. Thank Him for His word, confess any areas where you
need help, or ask for strength to apply what you’ve learned.
Example: Proverbs
3:5-6
·
S: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he
will make your paths straight.”
·
O: God is calling me to trust Him
completely, not rely on my own understanding or abilities. This means letting
go of my control and submitting every decision to Him.
·
A: I’ve been trying to handle a situation
by myself, relying on my own plans and wisdom. I need to trust God fully
and submit to His guidance. I will pray and seek His will rather than make
decisions based on my own logic.
·
P: “Lord, I trust You with this
situation. I surrender my plans to You and ask for Your wisdom and direction.
Help me to lean on You completely and not on my own understanding.”
By using SOAP, you
engage with the Scripture in a deeper way, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in
your heart. This method makes Bible reading more than just a task—it becomes a
conversation and a relationship with God.
✨ d) Make it a Daily Habit
Joshua 1:8 (NIV):
> “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and
night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will
be prosperous and successful.”
Psalm 119:11 (NIV):
> “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
Matthew 4:4 (NIV):
> “Jesus answered, ‘It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on
every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Tip:
Even 5–10 minutes a day makes a huge difference in the long run. Just
like food nourishes your body, God’s Word nourishes your soul. By making
Bible reading a regular habit, you’ll find your spiritual strength growing over
time. The more you read, the more you’ll begin to notice its impact on your
thoughts, decisions, and actions.
Consistency is key. You don’t have
to read for hours each day, but just as you wouldn’t skip eating meals, don’t
skip feeding your spirit with God’s Word. Whether in the morning or before bed,
make it a part of your routine and watch how God speaks to you in new ways.
✨ e) Ask Questions When You Don’t
Get It
It’s totally okay
to be confused sometimes! The Bible can be challenging, but God wants you to
understand it, and He’s provided many resources to help.
·
Ask your pastor, youth leader, or a trusted
adult for guidance. Sometimes, a different perspective can help you see
things more clearly.
·
Use a friendly study Bible, which
provides notes, explanations, and context to help you understand difficult
passages.
·
Try using the YouVersion Bible app, which
offers reading plans, devotionals, and audio Bible features. It’s
a great tool for building a habit of daily reading with easy-to-follow guides
and community support.
God doesn’t expect
you to understand everything right away. Be patient, ask questions, and trust
that the Holy Spirit will lead you in your journey of understanding.
💬 4. Real-Life Scenarios
When you feel…
😰 Anxious
Read:
Philippians 4:6–7
Truth: Don’t worry—pray, and God will give you peace.
😞
Bullied or Hurt
Read:
Romans 12:17–21
Truth: Don’t seek revenge. Let God handle it. Respond with grace.
🤔 Struggling to Make Good
Choices
Read:
Psalm 119:9
“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your
word.”
Truth: God’s Word helps you stay on the right track.
🎁 5. Wrap-Up / Key Takeaways
·
The Bible isn’t boring—it’s your spiritual
map for life. It’s not just a book; it’s a guide to navigating your
faith journey.
·
Start small. Stay consistent. Don’t worry about
reading it all at once—just keep making progress. Even a few minutes a day adds
up.
·
Pray. Read. Think. Apply. These are the
four key steps to truly engage with God’s Word.
·
You don’t need to be perfect—just hungry to
know God more deeply. God is more interested in your heart than your
perfection. Approach the Bible with curiosity and openness.
🙏 6. Closing Prayer
“Father, thank You for giving us Your
Word. Help us not just to read it, but to understand it, love it, and live it.
Give us wisdom and a deeper hunger to grow in our faith. We pray that Your Word
would shape our lives and our hearts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
🎤 Optional Activity:
Bible Reading Challenge
7-Day Bible
Plan:
Choose from:
·
Gospel of Mark (to meet Jesus and
discover His life and message)
·
Psalms (to process your emotions, find
comfort, and draw near to God)
·
Proverbs (for wisdom and practical life
advice)
Challenge:
·
Read one passage each day—take your time to
reflect and engage with what you’re reading.
·
Journal one takeaway daily—whether it’s
something new you learned, a verse that spoke to you, or an insight you want to
apply.
·
Come back next Sunday and share what God
showed you. Let’s encourage each other with how God is speaking through His
Word!
This challenge
will help you stay consistent, reflect deeply, and build a habit of reading
God’s Word regularly.
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