The Bible
Understanding How to Approach God's Word
For many people, opening the Bible can feel overwhelming.
Questions like:
“Where do I even start?”
“What if I don't understand what I'm reading?”
“Do I need to know a lot about Christianity first?”
“How do I know what God is trying to teach me?”
These are completely normal questions.
The Bible is a collection of books written over many years by different authors, which can sometimes make it feel intimidating. But the good news is that God never intended His Word to be complicated or inaccessible. The Bible was given so people could know Him, understand His truth, and grow in their relationship with Him.
You do not need to be a Bible expert to begin reading Scripture. You simply need a willing heart and a desire to learn.
Just as relationships grow through spending time together, our relationship with God grows as we spend time in His Word.
The Goal of Reading the Bible
The goal of reading the Bible is not simply to gain knowledge.
The goal is to:
Know God more deeply
Understand His character
Learn His truth
Grow spiritually
Allow Him to transform your life
The Bible is not just information to study; it is an invitation into a relationship with God.
Scripture tells us:
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16)
Every part of Scripture has the ability to teach us something about God and ourselves.
1. Start with Jesus
If you are new to reading the Bible, one of the best places to begin is with the life of Jesus.
The Gospel of John is often recommended because it focuses on who Jesus is, why He came, and what it means to follow Him.
As you read, pay attention to:
What Jesus says
How Jesus treats people
What Jesus teaches about God
What Jesus teaches about life
Christianity is ultimately centered on Jesus, so starting there helps build a strong foundation.
Scripture says:
"These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." (John 20:31)
2. Pray Before You Read
Before opening the Bible, take a moment to ask God for understanding.
You do not need a complicated prayer.
You can simply pray:
"God, help me understand what You want me to learn today."
The Holy Spirit helps us understand God's Word and apply it to our lives.
Scripture tells us:
"But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit... will teach you all things." (John 14:26)
God desires to help you understand His truth.
3. Read Slowly and Thoughtfully
It can be tempting to rush through large sections of Scripture.
Instead, focus on understanding what you are reading.
As you read, ask questions like:
What does this passage teach me about God?
What does this teach me about people?
Is there an example to follow?
Is there a warning to pay attention to?
How does this apply to my life today?
Sometimes, reading a few verses thoughtfully can be more meaningful than reading several chapters quickly.
The goal is not simply to finish reading.
The goal is to understand and apply what God is teaching.
4. Apply What You Learn
Reading the Bible becomes powerful when we put God's truth into practice.
Knowledge alone does not produce transformation.
Application does.
Scripture tells us:
"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." (James 1:22)
As you read, ask yourself:
"What is one thing I can do differently because of what I learned today?"
Even small steps of obedience can lead to significant growth over time.
5. Be Consistent
Many people start reading the Bible with excitement, but become discouraged when they miss a day or struggle to understand something.
Remember:
You do not have to be perfect.
Spiritual growth happens through consistency, not perfection.
Just as physical health grows through regular habits, spiritual growth develops through regularly spending time with God.
Some days you may read a lot.
Other days you may only read a few verses.
What matters most is continuing to come back and spend time with Him.
Scripture says:
"Come near to God, and he will come near to you." (James 4:8)
God honors a heart that seeks Him.
A Simple Bible Reading Method
When reading Scripture, try using these four simple questions:
1. What does this passage say?
Summarize what you just read.
2. What does this passage teach me about God?
Look for God's character, actions, and promises.
3. What does this passage teach me about myself?
Consider how it relates to your thoughts, attitudes, choices, or circumstances.
4. What should I do because of what I learned?
Identify one practical step you can take today.
This simple process helps move Scripture from information to transformation.
The Bible in Your Life
As you consistently read God's Word, you may begin to notice:
Greater peace during difficult seasons
More wisdom in your decisions
Increased understanding of God
Personal growth and transformation
A stronger relationship with Jesus
Greater confidence in your faith
God often works through small, consistent moments spent in His Word.
Why This Matters
Because the Bible is:
God's Word → It reveals His truth and character
Personal → God can speak to your life through it
Practical → It provides guidance for everyday living
Transformative → It helps you grow and change from the inside out
You do not have to have all the answers before you begin reading the Bible.
You simply need to take the first step.
God desires to meet you where you are and guide you as you learn to know Him more.
Life4Real’s Favorite Resource - The Bible Recap!
One of Life4Real's favorite resources for helping people read, understand, and enjoy the Bible is The Bible Recap by Tara-Leigh Cobble.
The Bible Recap is a chronological Bible reading plan that walks readers through the entire Bible in one year while helping them understand what they are reading along the way. Each day's reading is followed by a short video that explains the main themes and highlights what the passage reveals about God's character.
The goal is not simply to finish reading the Bible.
The goal is to learn to understand it, enjoy it, and grow closer to God through it.
We want you to get connected to this reading plan! If interested, please follow the steps listed below!
Go to the App Store on your phone
Search the “Bible App”
The correct app should have this icon:
Follow the steps to create your account
Press the “Plans” section at the bottom of the screen
Locate the search bar at the top right-hand corner
Search “The Bible Recap”
Select the plan that says “The Bible Recap With Tara-Leigh Coble” (It should be the 365 Day Plan)
You’re all set to start! Look for “Day 1” and read or listen to the chapters listed. After this, click on the “Devotional” section and watch the video for the day
Reflection Questions:
What thoughts or feelings come up when I think about reading the Bible?
What has prevented me from reading Scripture consistently in the past?
How does it change my perspective to know that the goal of reading the Bible is to know God, not just gain information?
Which of the practical steps in today's lesson feels most helpful to me right now?
What is one small step I can take this week to begin spending more time in God's Word?
Once you have completed today’s reflection, we would truly love to hear your thoughts, questions, or anything that stood out to you. You’re welcome to talk through these reflections with your mentor, or you can also reach out to us directly at connect@life4real.org.
Please know that nothing you share will ever be judged. We value honesty, openness, and where you are in your journey. Your thoughts matter, and we would genuinely love to walk alongside you as you process what this potential step means for your own life.
