Six Things

Six things to look for when you read or study the Bible:

First, look for revelations of Jesus. Not just in the gospels or throughout the New Testament, but look for pre-incarnate revelations of Jesus in the Old Testament; see Jesus in others like Joseph; in Abram’s son on the altar.  Look for Jesus to reveal Himself to you in Scripture.

Second, look for timeless truths to tell when you’re reading and studying the scriptures.  What are the truths that are not anchored to a culture or a time period?  What are the truths about us, about God, or about His love and His story?  Look for those truths to tell to others, but also to tell ourselves.  Confession of truth builds the reality of that truth into our lives.

Third, principles to be practiced. That’s fairly self-explanatory; for example, is there a principle of integrity that is being illustrated in the Old Testament of Joseph?  A principle of trust?

Fourth, when you’re reading and studying scripture, look for promises to cling to.  “He who began a good work . . .”  “There is therefore now no condemnation . . .”  “God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but one of power, love and a self discipline.”

Fifth, look for warnings to heed.  “God is not mocked, we will reap what we sow.”  Is there a warning there?  How will you be different because you’ve read and thought about that warning?

Sixth, look for mentors to learn from.  Look for models, for examples.  Paul said “Follow me as I follow Christ. . .”