Reading the Bible with PURPOSE and INTENT, is it really that important?
When we read with PURPOSE and INTENT, we look closely at the words we are reading. We consider their meaning. Reading with PURPOSE and INTENT requires us to make observations as we read, examine passages, think deeply, and reflect upon what we are reading. Purposed reading can be accomplished in numerous ways but always requires that we apply ourselves.
But why is this type of Bible reading necessary? Why is it so important that we learn to engage with God’s Word as we read?
Let’s consider four reasons…
First, we must learn to read the Bible with PURPOSE and INTENT because there is a very real battle raging all around us.
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
–Ephesians 6:12
Sadly, we often go about our days without ever giving this battle a thought. But Scripture tells us it is real – all around us. A battle for souls!
Satan, the prince of darkness, wants our faith, and He will do all he can to take it. One quick look around and our current culture testifies to this fact. We see his hand. He is at work. Some of his battle attacks are blatant; others extremely subtle – so subtle we are often unaware.
How do we discern? How are we to know truth?
[tweetthis]We find the TRUTH in God’s Holy Word.[/tweetthis]
To know truth… Requires more than a simple, surface reading of God’s Word!
Secondly, we read with PURPOSE and INTENT because God speaks to us through His Word.
“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.”
–Hebrews 1:1-2
In verse one, the author tells us that “long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke….”
But in verse two he says, “In these last days he has spoken to us by his Son….”
“In these last days…” – TODAY!
God USED to speak at many times, in many ways, but TODAY, He speaks through His Son, Jesus Christ…
…through His Spirit in the Bible.
Third, we need to learn to read God’s Word with PURPOSE and INTENT because God wants a relationship with us.
God loves us, and He created us to know Him personally.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
–John 3:16
God loves us so much that He gave His only Son for us.
And He has a plan for each of us because of that love.
“And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”
—John 17:3
God loves us so much that He created us to crave Him. In fact, craving God is the fundamental aim of life.
His Love and His Plan are all throughout the Bible. In it:
- We find God’s greatest command: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your mind.”
- God is described as a “jealous God.” — Jealous for His glory and jealous for us!
- We read “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”
Fourth, spending time in Scripture – engaging with it, knowing it – benefits us.
Life in this fallen world is hard. Trying to navigate it can leave us discouraged, even weary. Time in God’s Word brings benefit to our tired, worn out souls.
Several benefits of Scripture can be found in Psalm 119. There we discover that Scripture fills us with hope, comforts us, strengthens us when we are weary, and lifts us in our discouragement.
Like reading a favorite novel for pleasure (possibly even for the fourth or fifth time), there are times when curling up in a comfy corner with your Bible and simply reading is just the thing that is needed.
But…
[tweetthis]we simply cannot forget our great need to also spend time reading our Bible with PURPOSE and INTENT.[/tweetthis]
It is the purposeful, intentional times of reading that equip and support us in spiritual battle, provide opportunity for us to hear from God, deepen our relationship with our heavenly Father, and afford abundant benefit to our soul.
Life in a fallen world is hard. To make our way, we must be able to discern truth, and we need to be in a place where we can clearly hear from God.
The Bible is that place. Scripture is our weapon in battle. It is where God speaks to us through His Spirit, and it is where we find hope, comfort, and strength for each day.
The Bible is the place, and we need to be there with PURPOSE AND INTENT.
It is because of this great need of ours that I have put together Digging Deeper: Engaging with the Word of God.
Digging Deeper introduces participants to various ways of READING God’s Word with PURPOSE and INTENT. Through simple, interactive lessons participants will discover and practice methods that will equip them to dig into the Bible. Both the novice and the seasoned Bible study veteran will be inspired to dig in to Scripture as they explore methods such as Verse Mapping.
” Digging Deeper was wonderful. I really enjoyed the different ways to study God’s word. It has rekindled a deeper passion for studying it. Thank you, thank you for doing the study.” –Cindy
4 comments
Michele Morin
Good points. I’ve found a very simple thing, really, that helps me to read with purpose — having a pen in my hand and forcing myself to summarize or interact with what I’ve read. Wasn’t it Martin Luther who said that the devil trembles when we pick up a pen?
Jennifer Clarke
You’ve shared so wisely here! It’s easy to view our Bible reading time as something to check off our to-do lists, giving half-hearted attention, instead of poring over it like it’s the very nourishment our souls need. Reading with purpose and intent is what prepares us and equips us to meditate on His Word all day long, much like the psalmist: “Oh, how I love Your Law! It is my meditation all the day.” Thank you for sharing with us at Grace & Truth!
Deborah
I’m not sure if it was Martin Luther, Michele, I’ll have to investigate that, but I LOVE the quote!!! And two of my favorite ways to read with purpose are to summarize or rewrite what I’ve read in my own words. Thank you so much for sharing today!
Deborah
I love the image — “pouring over it like it’s the very nourishment our souls need” and your connection with meditating on the Scripture all the day. Thank you for stopping by today!