Learning the reality of the gospel happens in communities where you can grow and learn with others, and it happens through learning from others at worship gatherings, in trainings, and even through books.
But it also happens in the personal development and pursuit of the gospel in the Scriptures. In our life with God, when we’re focusing our hearts and minds on hearing the Words of God through the Bible and through prayer, we’re learning the gospel. We’re growing in belief.
Reading the Bible on your own isn’t easy—often it’s really challenging. This guide encourages you in this endeavor, offers a simple baseline process and provides tools, tips, and deep dive resources to further your ability to read the Bible for all its worth.
How Do I Grow Through Reading the Bible?
Each time we read the Bible we can come to it depending on the Holy Spirit to teach us and shape us in the good news about Jesus.
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” — John 14:26
The Spirit teaches us all things and brings to mind all Jesus said. In other words, when we come to the Bible the Spirit (who inspired each word) is teaching and reminding us of the gospel of Jesus. The Bible is about Him! And the Spirit reminds us who he is and what he’s done.
These simple four questions have proved crucial in helping people see, understand, and remember the gospel as we read the Bible.
1. WHO IS GOD?
What does the text say about the character and nature of God? The Bible is God’s story—Father, Son, Spirit—so we begin by asking about how His character and nature are revealed in what we’re reading. The story is about Him! Look for specific references to His attributes: holy, eternal, all-powerful, all-knowing, ever present, unchanging, compassionate, gracious, patient, loving, kind, good, gentle, etc. In narrative portions, look for implied references to His attributes. What does the story reveal about His character and nature as Father, Son, and Spirit?
2. WHAT HAS HE DONE?
What does the text say about the work of God? God’s work throughout all of human history is diverse and magnificent. All of it is worth proclaiming! However, the person and work of Jesus is revealed on every page of the Bible (Luke 24:27). He is the hero and the main character. The Spirit does not want us to miss Jesus!
Look for references to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, either through foreshadowing (saving Noah in the flood, redeeming Israel from slavery in Egypt, King David as a man after God’s own heart), through prophecy (Psalm 22, Isaiah 53), or through the New Testament story of Jesus’ earthly life and the establishment of His church. This ensures a uniquely Christian, gospel-centered answer to this question.
3. WHO ARE WE IN LIGHT OF THAT TRUTH?
What does the text say about our identity? God has always been working to save “a people for His own possession” (1 Peter 2:9). Throughout the Bible, note the things that are true of God’s people. This adds depth and richness to our understanding of who we are as New Covenant believers. For example, the Levitical priests were anointed and set apart for special service to God. Now we are all anointed with God’s Spirit (2 Cor. 1:21–22) and, because of Jesus, are all part of God’s “royal priesthood,” set apart for special service to God.
4. HOW DO WE LIVE IN LIGHT OF THAT TRUTH?
How does this change the way we live? When reading the Bible, we almost always start with the question, “How does this apply to my life?” But rightly motivated, gospel-centered action flows out of an understanding of who God is, what He’s done, and who we are in light of God’s character and work. Rather than starting with this question, end with it.
Then take action! Jesus warns against being merely a hearer of His word but not a doer (Mt. 7:24–27). The gospel motivates and empowers us to live in an entirely new way.
This guide helps guide you in asking the Four Questions: Who is God, What has He done, Who are we, and How do we live? The goal is to teach the head so each person either learns or is reminded of the truth about who God is, what He’s done, who we are, and how we live.
How Do I Spend My Time Reading the Bible?
This is one of the most important questions to ask about reading the Bible. Here is a general process that has been proven to be very helpful. If you want, you can download a blank version of this process, too.
Where am I Coming From? How Am I Doing?
We all face daily struggles and battles, sometimes from enemies we can’t even see. We hear lies and accusations. We struggle with temptations and we are often deceived. We hear words that were spoken over us when we were younger, echoing in our hearts in ways that don’t breed life to our souls. We look at our present situations and wish they were better. And many of us face uncertain futures that, without God, cause us to lead lives of anxiety, worry, and fear. We all need help because we can come up with plenty of reasons not to believe, not to hope, not to trust in God’s word and work for us.
Beginning your time by asking this question challenges you to think through your heart, your struggles, and your situations before opening the Bible. The following questions can help you become honest with your need of the gospel and your current frame of mind, body, and heart.
What is on the top of your mind? What worries, concerns, or struggles are you brining? How are you?
Ask the Spirit to Speak
Calm your body and mind, pray a short prayer asking the Spirit to speak through the text, and sit in silence for a minute or two.
The Four Questions:
Spend time reading the passage and reflecting on these four questions in order. Think through all the explicit and implied statements about who God is, then what He has done, who we are, and how we should live. As you answer these questions, you can even connect them to each other. For example: If that’s what God has done, who does that make me? And how do I live in light of that truth?
1. Who is God?—What does this passage tell us about God’s character, motives, and identity? The Bible is about Him.
2. What Has He Done?—What do we see God doing in this passage? What work do we observe?
3. Who Are We?—What does this passage tell us about our identity?
4. How Do We Live?—How is God calling us to live based on who we are, what He has done, and who He is?
Apply the Gospel to Your Life
How does the gospel connect and speak into the struggles and concerns in your life (that you might have even shared earlier)? How does the gospel enter your story, today? How does the truth about Jesus you read apply to your situation.
Listen and Respond
What is the Spirit saying to you? What does it look like to trust and believe Jesus in light of this passage? What does living within the gospel look like for you today?
Helpful Tools:
Study Bible
A good study Bible is an incredible asset because scholars and translators are pretty good at knowing which passages are challenging, what parts need more context, and helping us connect passages to each other. Some of my favorites are:
Pen(s)
It’s not for everyone, but I like to underline, circle, star, and make notes in my Bible. Some people even use different colors for different things as it helps them get an artistic picture of what God is saying. For example, you might use a different color for each of the four questions and underline or circle what that passages says about them.
Journal
The best tool for my prayer time and reflection is a journal. It’s easier for me to pray when I see the words I say become physical on a page. It helps me focus and it helps me remember.
If you’re following the process outlined above, I suggest printing several pages of this template to get you in rhythm.
Bible Project Videos
They’ve created incredible content on each book of the Bible and recurring themes. It’s a go-to for understanding what passages are saying and getting a feel for the context of each book. The Bible Project.
Deep Dive Resources
Biblical Interpretation on History, Context, and More (Article)
The Cannon Revisited (Book), that answers recurring questions many have on the authenticity and reliability of the Bible.
The NIV Compact Commentary (Book)