How To Read Scripture, Part 3

How to Approach the Word

When the believer turns to Scripture, he must be aware that he is standing on holy ground. A teachable heart will enable the reader to learn and remove the sting of boredom:

• Approach the Word with all the reverence of approaching God Himself. “For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the Lord: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word” (Isaiah 66:2).
• Approach the Word prayerfully. “Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works” (Psalm 119:27).
• Approach the Word with a pure heart. “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me” (Psalm 66:18).
• Approach the Word with the expectation of hearing from God. “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law” (Psalm 119:19).
• Approach the Word with the full understanding that you will obey what it says. “Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statues; and I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart” (Psalm 119:33-34).

This attitude of the heart will prepare the soul to receive the Word as the Lord speaks to those desiring truth. That's the way I see things.