I believe that applying the Bible is one of the most important things for us as Christians to do. We really can’t live without it. The Bible is God’s word and it’s His way of communicating all the commands and purposes for our lives. The Bible informs us of Jesus’ life on Earth and the teachings that are meant for us to apply and meditate on seriously. In a better statement, the Bible actually points us TO Jesus, our Savior.
This post is about application of the Bible. Through some research, reflection, and Biblical references, I’ve put together information that I think is easy to understand for everyone – wherever you are in your journey with Christ. 🙂
Reading the Bible
What is the goal of reading the Bible?
Reading the Bible allows us to get to know God. God created us and this is explained in Genesis – the creation of all living things, Earth, the universe. We are able to learn His ways – all things are made good and right, He is perfection. God has perfect timing and His way is the best way – this is explained in many areas throughout the Bible. A good reference of timing is found in Ecclesiastes 3. It’s an encouragement in more ways than one, definitely don’t skip over Ecclesiastes!
We are able to gain purpose for this world He created as well as find God’s purpose for each of us individually. Learning about God’s interactions with humanity before Jesus’ time and after is awe inspiring. His plan of redemption, His character, and His promises are also revealed in His word.
What an amazing God we have and serve! We often, and too many times, make being a Christian so difficult. Everything we need is found in the Bible and our relationship with God. How much time we spend in the Bible is related to how we are able to apply what is contained in it. We can’t apply what we do not know.
I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
Psalm 119:11
WHEN we read it needs to be intentional – study and understand what it is that’s in the scriptures. Reading to read and check a box is useless to the kingdom of God. Intentional time and attention to the Word brings us closer to Him and His promises. The Word should not be mistaken FOR God – the Bible was brought to life by God so we could know, love and praise Him.
All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
Bible reading plans are good way to get into the word (even if it is checking a box in a sense). Again, it’s the intention of what you’re doing. Why are you reading? Are you doing it for brownie points or the relationship and reward that comes from knowing who God truly is?
Sometimes reading the Bible is tough. Passages will come up and I personally have had to read through them a few times and ask myself what is it saying or what is it saying about me. Asking questions as you read spurs understanding and maybe even more questions come up – which is good. Asking questions helps you learn and grow.
Memorizing Scripture
Time for a confession… I know some scriptures, like the popular ones, when I remember them in full which I honestly don’t. I get words mixed up or I’m like… is that the scripture in full? Or I usually just cant remember what book it’s in. John 3:16 is the easiest to remember. And over the past few years I’ve learned that John 3:17 is just as important of a reminder for us all but is almost always left off or just ignored when memorizing John 3:16.
Memorizing is a great way to help you apply the Word of God though! You’re never to old to memorize either. 🙂
So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders.
Deuteronomy 11:18
How do we expect to use His word if don’t know it? This applies to reading the Bible with intention – to know God and follow Jesus with all we have. In everything we do, we should live and breathe His word and His commands.
You are my refuge and my shield, your word is my source of hope.
Psalm 119:114
We can find hope in His word and He protects us. By reading the word and memorizing His praiseworthy attributes through scriptures that point us to the King, we can find out so many thingsssssss, it’s amazing!
It’s not easy but it’s definitely possible to memorize scripture. In my own experience, it’s easier to set goals and start small. Memorize a verse (or set of verses) like in a week’s time (or two if you’re feeling overwhelmed) and start with small verses, not the 100 word verses that are thrown in there (there’s probably not a 100 word verse but… ). This is something I’d like to work on as well, so if you find yourself struggling to memorize new verses, you’re not alone. 🙂
If you read Matthew 4, Jesus himself used the scripture against the devil. We can be like Jesus when we face trials and temptation in our lives. By knowing God’s word and being close Jesus, we can lean on His word and stand firm.
I’ve added the below link for ways to help you memorize scripture!
Meditation
Meditation is defined by Merriam-Webster as “to engage in contemplation or reflection” and “to focus one’s thoughts on: reflect on or ponder on.”
Again, how we read the bible and our intention behind it is important. Are we reading to reflect and know or are we reading to get an overview of events and check a box?
But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night.
Psalms 1:2
When we read we should be asking questions. Start with the WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, and HOW and build off of those. We start asking deeper questions and doing research and going back between Old and New Testaments. It’s amazing how God is always consistent throughout time.
What have we read? How do we apply it? What did we learn?
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Psalm 19:14
Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.
2 Timothy 2:7
Apply
Application is all of these things. The more you study, memorize and meditate on the Word of God the more you understand it’s purpose and meaning for your life.
In terms of food, the Bible is the entire meal, not just a snack when we want a bite. The Word fills us up. We should look forward to investing in the Bible and more importantly, the relationship you form along the way. The Bible is the fuel we take in to follow Jesus Christ for the rest of our lives.
But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.
James 1:22
I hope you have gotten something out of this post and have thought about the reading habits you have or where you’ve grown over the years in this area. I have some basic reflective questions below.
Reflective Questions:
- Why do you read the Bible?
- How often do you read your Bible?
- How do you choose what to read?
- When do you read?
- Do you understand what you’re reading?
- Have you already made a habit of memorizing regularly?
- What have you memorized?
- Do you use the Word to fight temptation or trials in your life?
- What is your intention of reading the Bible?
- Do you consistently reflect on what you have read in your study time?
- What questions do you ask?
- Are you confident in your studying, memorizing and meditating to apply the Bible?
Feedback
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