How To Read Scripture, Part 4

Four Methods of Learning God’s Word (Part 1)

As I spend time in Scripture, there seem to be four basic learning approaches, with each compounding our understanding of God’s revelation. The first approach is to read. “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine” (I Timothy 4:13). Reading is like walking through the woods. As we walk, we gain information about our surroundings. We notice beautiful trees, ferns, moss, and streams meandering through the forest. When we read Scripture, we learn various truths. For example, we read the account of Joseph being sold into slavery in Egypt, his attempts to flee from an immoral woman, his subsequent jail sentence and final release. We can rehearse the highlights with others and tell about Joseph’s encounter with Pharaoh and learn about Pharaoh’s promotion of Joseph to second in command of all of Egypt. This is a good start to understanding Joseph’s life, but does it end here?

The second method of learning God’s Word, taking us to yet a higher elevation, is study. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (II Timothy 2:15). At this new level, we gain insight that is a step beyond information. Now the hiker begins to identify the trees and ferns. He takes note of the fact that streams have a destination and merge with other streams, giving birth to rivers. Details become important. Joseph’s life is not just an account of a young man who rose to power through difficulty. That’s information. Through study and careful insight, we discover that his obedience is woven into the providential working of God. “But as for you, ye thought evil against me: but God meant it unto good to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive” (Genesis 50:20). At this elevation, we have a greater understanding because we begin to have God’s perspective. That's the way I see things.