There’s nothing new in what I’m posting here. But it’s a fresh reminder to us from one of the clearest younger thinkers about the Bible, Matt Smethurst of the Gospel Coalition.
How not to read your Bible in 2020:
1. Don’t overextend.
2. Don’t do it alone.
3. Don’t just do it whenever.
4. Don’t live as if Paul lied.
5. Don’t turn a means of grace into a means of merit.
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Here’s my brief explanation:
How not to read your Bible in 2020:
1. Don’t overextend.
If you’ve had trouble keeping up with plans that have 4-7 chapters a day, try a plan that has 1-2 so you can be faithful.
2. Don’t do it alone.
Get serious about sharing your observations from reading with your fellow-disciples.
3. Don’t just do it whenever.
Set a time and have a place for your daily reading, it really helps.
4. Don’t live as if Paul lied.
Apply the text (even Leviticus is written to encourage us*) to your heart and mind so you can live it in your life.
5. Don’t turn a means of grace into a means of merit.
You don’t get points with God for your devotions, Jesus earned your salvation for you. We DO get closer to our holy and loving Father as we abide in his word.**
Matt’s entire helpful article with broader and clearer explanation is here for the clicking.
* Recently a guy came up to me and asked “What encouragement can I find in Leviticus?” Fortunately, I had just finished or was near my annual reading of Leviticus and had been reminded of this: Just as God cared about intricate details in the law, he knows and cares about the intricate details of my life. Even the most detailed plans about the tabernacle were important to God. Therefore he cares about you and me!
** I view my Bible reading as a means of encouragement, reminder, and preparation. It encourages me forward to follow Jesus. It reminds me of my sin and his holiness. It prepared my heart and mind to pray. Keller noted in a sermon this past fall “Petitionary prayer only works if you understand the father child relationship.” As I read and meditate on Scripture I’m reminded of my Father’s mercy and love. I’m invited to his loving lap on the throne of grace.
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