Throughout the year, I observe questions from college students.  This really shouldn’t be a surprise since I work with college students… and they adore me (sarcasm anyone??).  This is the sixth installment of the semi-annual series of posts of questions from students with my responses.

STUDENT:
I’m not sure if you remember but forever ago we were talking about ways for me to understand the Bible more.  I hear a preacher and say to myself, “how come when I read the Scriptures I don’t see the same things he sees.”  In other words, why can’t the Scriptures become alive for me like they are for a preacher?  You said you had a few suggestions for me but we never got to finish so if you could send them my way that would be great!

MY RESPONSE:
I think that’s a wonderful question and one that actually has several layers to answering it.  On one level we’ve got to understand that most (not all, but most) preachers are trained men who have spent many an hour working to obtain a particular degree in some sphere of ministry/the Bible.  So, give credit where credit is due – the men who are preaching have worked very hard to get a degree and so naturally, they’re going to have a better grasp on the Scriptures by nature of that degree.

Along those same lines, the preacher has (hopefully) spent a good amount of time digesting and studying the Scripture they are going to teach/preach.  I attempt to spend anywhere from 8-12 hours a week on what we’re going to teach on that week… but due to other responsibilities, it may only amount to 6-8 hours a week.  By virtue of just spending a large amount of time on a single passage, there’s going to be greater insight.

Why do I say all this?  Don’t become discouraged!  Remember that these men preaching are doing so out of a sincere call and along with that call come a gifting from the Lord… and in the same way, you by virtue of being a Child of His, you’ll be equipped too (Hebrews 13:20-21)!

That being said – there are times when it’s not enough for us to ‘just read’ the Bible.  We’ll read it, and maybe even get some quality things from it, but we don’t seem to get as much out of the Scriptures as we’d like.  I totally understand.  So, I’ve given some suggestions as to what might help… and let me know if they don’t!!

1. Get a good Bible.

Sounds pretty cheesy, but I think that every Christian needs a good Bible.  You may be saying to yourself “I already have a Bible and don’t really need another one!”  I totally understand that sentiment.  You might think about getting a different translation that you don’t already have for that sometimes brings new images of what the Greek and Hebrew are getting at.

I constantly suggest the English Standard Version (ESV), but the New International Version (NIV) or maybe the New American Standard (NASB) are good translations as well.  Along the same lines, the ESV Study Bible would be an excellent resource for you to consider seeing that it contains T-O-N-S of notes, articles and also a free online resource that you can use from any computer (providing Internet).  I think this could be the real key here: to have a Bible that expands the text to a level that you’re able to understand and comprehend the Scriptures.

2. Read good Gospel-Centered Books

It’s always helpful to be filling your brain up with thoughts, commentary, and just good Bible teaching.  Here are some suggestions:

Desiring God, by John Piper
Living the Cross Centered Life, by C. J. Mahaney
Crazy Love, by Francis Chan
Celebration of Discipline, by Richard Foster
In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day, by Mark Batterson
The Cross of Christ, by John Stott

That’s just to name a few.

3. Bookmark some good websites.

There are tons of wonderful resources available for free on the web with articles, books, blogs, podcasts, vodcasts, and MP3s.  The following are some recommendations:

Mars Hill Church is where hundreds of hours of Mark Driscoll’s teaching is available for free and has been the number one podcast on iTunes for religion and spirituality.
Desiring God is the website featuring a large repository of sermons and articles from Dr. John Piper.
Carm.org has good articles on cults, world religions, and apologetical issues.
Monergism.com has an almost overwhelming number of free articles on nearly every theological issue from a Reformed perspective.
The Village Church is where tons of Matt Chandler’s sermons are available, while also providing tons of articles that will deepen your walk.

4. Have some good community.

Most of the Bible was written to communities of people and is therefore best studied in community with other Christians.  For this reason, getting plugged into a Small Group (which you’re part of/leading) and/or taking midweek classes provided by our church on Wednesday nights.  We’re talking about starting some Disciple classes for college age students soon too.

5. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you.

I can’t overemphasize the fact that on many levels we neglect to actually ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to us what it is we need to know.  Don’t hesitate to ask the Lord to guide you during your time with Him.

6. Don’t rush; slow down and allow the Scriptures to marinate in you Truth.

I think too often we don’t allow enough time to even know what it is the Lord wants us to know.  So take your time.

7. Journal

Always write down what the Lord is teaching you / or even your questions.  This will always help you to process whatever you’ve read.

All in all, I hope this helps.  If I’m not really answering your question, let me know and I’ll re-address it!

enjoy