Strategy
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
“What’s your strategy to learn the whole Bible?” That question caught me off guard, and I put my fork down to think a moment.
“I don’t think I have one.” Honesty was the best policy, and I couldn’t even think of a fabricated answer.
“Get one.” The man wasn’t shy about telling me that I needed a plan, and he wasn’t slow to offer me one either.
Words from that lunch with Jim Downing, the oldest living Navigator, still ring in my head now months down the road. I had been, like most of us, caught in the idea (whether by default or defeat), that the Bible, in its entirety, is unknowable. What. Mr. Downing was challenging me to do, however, was not to know the Bible exhaustively, but rather know it extensively. It is God’s Word, it is valuable, so it deserves my attention. My goal is to be familiar with the Bible as a whole, to know the flow if it, the stories, the people, and especially the revealed character of the three members of the Trinity.
What should be in your plan if you intend to become familiar with the Bible?
Read the whole book. We won’t be familiar with what we have not read.
Memorize scripture. Mr. Downing recommended learning the key verse for every book of the Bible. He said when you get done with that, learn the key verse for every chapter.
Study each book. This can take years, but diligent study of each book makes it come alive.
Sound daunting? Does to me too…steady learning is crucial. First steps can be things like reading the Bible every year, and memorizing a verse every week or so by putting it on a notecard and carrying it around in your pocket. Bible study groups aid with the study part.
How many of us want to die having never become familiar with all of God’s word? That goal is not unattainable, we just set our bar low. Am I the only one who was content to go without a plan to know the whole book?
Right now, I am already looking forward to the Christmas holidays and school is out. My first semester in college has been great, but a break would be great. I have recently committed to giving this Christmas break to the Lord. I will take advantage of the lack of college study burdens and give time to God’s Word. This is beyond just having extra-long quite times…this will be time set aside daily to study God’s word. I want to take one of Paul’s letters (not sure which yet) and read it multiple times, observe the text in depth, listen to some pastors I know who have podcasts of their preaching on the book, etc. I put this goal on my calendar so that I won’t get so busy with other things that I forget to apply myself.
The Bible is all God-breathed. It is all profitable. I want to know as much as I can. Will you join me and take this step over the Christmas holidays?
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- 8 Bible Reading and Memory Plans [Weekend Resource]
- Weekend Resource: Never Read a Bible Verse
- Weekend Resource: Bible reading plans written with grace in mind