Tip 004 - Read in Order to Learn
Are you reading the Bible to learn—or just to get through it? In a world that’s constantly rushing, it’s easy to treat Bible reading as another task to check off. A chapter here, a verse there, a quick devotional in the morning—and we’re good, right?
But the Bible isn’t meant to be skimmed. It’s God’s living Word, full of depth, wisdom, and life-changing truth. If we truly want to grow in our understanding of Scripture—and in our relationship with God—we have to approach it with the desire to learn.
Learning requires slowing down, asking questions, and engaging with the text beyond surface-level reading. Here are five practical ways you can start reading the Bible to actually learn from it.
1) Take Your Time
Quick devotionals can inspire us, but deep learning takes time. Adding just 10 extra minutes a day to your Bible study adds up to over 60 hours in the Word each year! Instead of rushing through a reading plan or trying to finish a book, pause. Meditate on what you’re reading. Ask yourself, What is God trying to teach me here? The more space you give for reflection, the more your heart and mind will be shaped by truth.
2) Dig Deeper
Reading without context can lead to confusion—or worse, misinterpretation. Take time to explore the why behind the passage.
Ask questions like:
Who is the author writing to?
What’s the situation or historical context?
What’s the main point of the surrounding verses?
For example, Philippians 4:13 (“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me”) is often quoted out of context. But if you read the verses before it, you’ll see Paul is writing from prison, talking about finding contentment—not superhuman strength. Digging deeper brings clarity and makes Scripture come alive.
3) Embrace the Joy of Discovery
Studying the Bible shouldn’t feel like homework. It’s an invitation into the heart of God. Find the angle of study that excites you—maybe you love tracing themes across books, exploring historical context, or understanding the original Greek or Hebrew. Make it fun! The Bible is endlessly rich, and learning from it can (and should) be something you look forward to.
4) Engage Your Curiosity
Approach Scripture with a learner’s heart. If something confuses you or stands out, don’t skip past it—press in. Use study tools like cross-references, commentaries, or Bible dictionaries to explore deeper. Write down your questions and wrestle with them. When you come across a tough or unfamiliar passage, see it as an opportunity to grow, not a roadblock. Curiosity leads to discovery, and discovery leads to transformation.
5) Apply What You Learn
The goal of learning isn’t just head knowledge—it’s life transformation. Once you understand a passage, ask, How should this change me?
Is there a truth to believe, a command to obey, a promise to trust, or a mindset to shift? When you read Scripture with the intent to live it out, your understanding deepens—and your walk with God becomes more intimate and real.
Closing
The Bible isn’t a checkbox—it’s a classroom, a conversation, and a mirror. If you approach it with humility, curiosity, and a desire to learn, you’ll grow in wisdom, in character, and in your love for God. So next time you open your Bible, slow down. Read with purpose. Ask questions. And be ready to learn something that changes everything.
Want to go deeper? Check out the full “Bible Study Tips” series and start building a foundation of truth that lasts.