How to Study the Scriptures and Gain Bible Literacy

Hello!!

I am thrilled to be kicking off this new series with you guys!! I am going to be discussing something that I myself am working on, gaining bible literacy. I have grown up in church my whole life, but it was not until college and beyond that I really began digging into scriptures. Recently, I read a book by Jen Wilkin called Women of the Word. This book really helped me gain the tools that I needed to work towards gaining bible literacy! Instead of rewriting the book, I am simply going to write an outline of what I do. I will use the book of James as reference as it’s a very applicable book that I have been reading a lot lately.

Without further ado, let’s dive in!

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This first part of the process that is discussed in the book are the 5 P’s of literacy. They really help me focus on what the Bible is truly saying, as well as learning about the deeper love that God shows us through scripture. Through this section, I am able to focus on so much more than just the words that scripture says by simply reading. I am able to really understand the heart of the writers of the books, where the passage fits into the Big Picture of the Bible, and so much more! This step really helps remind myself that the Bible is first and foremost the reign and rule of God. It is very important to remember that when I read scripture that it is breathed by God. 

The 5 P’s of Gaining Bible Literacy:

1. Purpose:

   1. Understand where you text fits into the Big picture of scripture

2. Perspective:

   1. Understand historical and cultural context

3. Patience:

   1. set a realistic expectation for your pace of study

4. Process:

   1. Start reading for comprehension, interpretation, and application 

5. Prayer:

   1. Invite Jesus to study with you and ask him to help you study before, during, and even after your study time

What you will need (physical tools):

1. A double-spaced printed copy of the text with wide margins (I preferably include the footnotes and cross-references as well)

2. Pens and highlighters

   1. Blue pen- words I do not understand 

   2. Pink highlighter- repeated words/phrases

   3. Red pen- where I see Jesus move in scripture

   4. Purple- historical/cultural tidbits

3. 1 inch binder with tabs

Begin the Process:

1. What is the text trying to say?

   1. Read through the text (paying attention to keynotes and repeated words/phrases)

   2. Summarizing big ideas

   3. Create an outline of the text, break it down

2. What does it mean?

   1. Utilize cross-references

   2. Paraphrase 

   3. Check out commentaries

3. How should it change me?

   1. What does this passage teach me about God?

   2. How is the character of God revealed?

   3. How do I respond?

Once you begin to put these practices into play in your daily bible reading time you really do gain so much more knowledge, understanding, and love for scriptures. At first, these practices were hard for me, I liked to put my “quiet time” in this little 1 hour time slot. Before, I would get frustrated with scripture and just move on because I HAD to be done in 1 hour. Implementing these strategies into my time with God has helped me gain more bible literacy and also taught me that it is okay to take your time when reading scripture. Bible literacy doesn’t happen in a day, it takes time and that time is precious!

Thanks so much for reading this, if you have any questions message us and let us know!! 

-Courtney