Why do you read the Bible?
Why do you read the Bible? People mainly read it for their personal needs. A 2009 Canadian case study on Bible reading revealed that people read “for guidance, knowledge and direction” (28.2%), “for help, reassurance and comfort” (26.4%), “for understanding, answers and perspective on life” (21.5%), or to know/learn about God/Jesus (20.2%).
Check out a church bulletin or website, and it’s obvious that many Bible study, life or small group meetings are “me” focused. Studies harness the Scriptures to address felt needs. Marriage groups spotlight husband and wife relationships; youth groups tackle adolescent issues; parenting groups deal with child-rearing; recovery groups target substance abuse, and so on. In many small groups, the Bible is mainly a manual of divine instruction.
The danger of missing the point.
Is it possible to read, reflect on and even revere the Bible yet completely miss the point of what it’s all about? Some people can quote sections of the Bible, sometimes in its original languages, yet they don’t know faith in Jesus Christ. Some ministers recite Scriptures from a lectionary, something they’ve done for decades, but they don’t know the One who is the Word. And some theologians reduce the Bible to nothing more than a reference book to uphold their theological perspectives.
The need for revival.
I used to think we needed a Bible reading revival. My thinking has been amended. Bible reading per se is not what transforms our lives. Jesus transforms lives. What we need is a Jesus revival! That’s not to say that transformation can happen independently from God’s Word – far from it! But it is to say that we can be “Bible-believing” or “Word-centered” yet miss the point if we’re not “Christ-centred”.
While it’s true that God’s Word is our source of guidance, comfort and understanding, let’s make sure we don’t limit it to these ends. Ultimately, God’s given us His Word to lead us to Christ. So, let’s read the Bible to know Jesus and make Him known!
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Summary
Why do you read the Bible? People often read the Bible for personal needs such as guidance, comfort, or understanding, with Bible study groups focusing on specific life issues. However, it’s possible to read and revere the Bible without truly understanding its central message, which is to lead us to Jesus. While Bible reading is important, Jesus transforms lives, and without a Christ-centered approach, Bible study can miss the mark. Ultimately, God’s Word exists to help us know Jesus and make Him known, not just to meet personal or immediate needs.
© Scripture Union Canada
