Know the Bible

How do I get into the Bible? It is a big book, how do I approach it? Why do I need to read the Bible? What does the Bible do for me?

What does the Bible say about knowing the Bible? -

1. Pinky - Listen - Luke 4v16-18
2. Ring Finger - Read - Deuteronomy 17v18-20
3. Middle Finger - Study - Joshua 1v7-9
4. Pointing Finger - Memorise - Psalm 119v9-11
5. Thumb - Meditate - Psalm 1v1-3
6. Hand/Wrist - Apply - James 1v22-25

Pinky - Listen

Luke 4v16-18

When he came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures. The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written:
“The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor ...”

Questions for reflection or discussion

3. What do you think might be the value of listening to the Bible being read to you?
4. When could you spend time listening to the Bible?

Thoughts to consider

Listening to the Bible being read can soak us with God's word in a way that effects us in unsuspecting ways.

Here is a link for the Bible Gateway app.. You can listen to the Bible read to you in various versions and at a rate you can set.

Ring Finger - Read

Deuteronomy 17v18-20

“When he sits on the throne as king, he must copy for himself this body of instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. He must always keep that copy with him and read it daily as long as he lives. That way he will learn to fear the LORD his God by obeying all the terms of these instructions and decrees. This regular reading will prevent him from becoming proud and acting as if he is above his fellow citizens. It will also prevent him from turning away from these commands in the smallest way. And it will ensure that he and his descendants will reign for many generations in Israel.

Questions for reflection or discussion

5. What benefits are given here for daily Bible reading?
6. When is a time you could set for daily reading?

Thoughts to consider

A Bible reading plan will take you through the Bible. When you have read the Bible a few times, you find that you have a much better grasp of the context when someone raises some issue.
Here is a link to a Bible reading plan. There is a free download option. If you are starting out, begin with the New Testament.

Middle Finger - Study

Joshua 1v7-9

Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Questions for reflection or discussion

7. Why is Joshua being encouraged to study and meditate on the Bible?
8. Why would study and meditation help with obedience?

Thoughts to consider

Studying the Bible moves from the superficial to deep engagement. When we are grappling with who God is and how to live alongside him, this greater perception opens the door to new insights.

Pointing Finger - Memorise

Psalm 119v9-11

How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word.
I have tried hard to find you— don’t let me wander from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

Questions for reflection or discussion

10. Why would memorising help us hide God’s word in our hearts?
11. What is the difference between the word hidden in the head and the heart?

Thoughts to consider

Memorising verses of the Bible has a significant impact on us because it gives God a prompt to touch our hearts. Here is a card system tool to help you start. Alternatively, if you like it on a phone, this ia an app The card system is best for those starting out.

Thumb - Meditate

Psalm 1v1-3

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.

Questions for reflection or discussion

12. What different influences are mentioned in this text?
13. Why would delighting in and meditating on God’s word make a person flourish?

Thoughts to consider

As the thumb enables you to grasp what the other fingers are touching, so meditating on the Bible moves it from mind to heart and to action. Here is a book that could help you start.

Hand/Wrist - Apply

James 1v22-25

But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.

Questions for reflection or discussion

1. What is the difference between someone listening and putting into practice?
2. What does God do for the person who puts his word into practice?

Thoughts to consider

The whole point of the Bible is to grow to know God and to be changed by him. This is not an intellectual exercise, it is one of practical living out what we see. So, the illustration starts with wrist action.

Overview questions for reflection or discussion

12. Why does the Lord make such a big deal about his word and what we do with it?

Thoughts to consider

There is a huge difference between those who know a bit of the Bible and those who know it well. The change happens through steadily and constantly working on it. The real trick is to work out what is sustainable before you begin. So, for reading, choose a daily amount to read and stick to it. The trick for memorising, is to memorise one verse a week, or one a month. This might seem a small amount, but one a week, will be 50 in a year. That makes a big difference.

Photo Credit

Photo - The Hand Illustration developed by Dawson Trotman founder of the Navigators.