APPENDIX 1: How to Read the Bible for Growth and Become a Self-Feeder

Many  Christians  have  a  hard  time  understanding  the  Bible  and  don’t know what  to  look  for  as  they read it.  The following are some tips and guidelines to know how to feed yourself spiritually.

1. Pray for the Holy Spirit’s Enlightenment and Understanding - Before you even start reading the Bible, make it a habit to ask the Holy Spirit to teach you what He wants to show you and apply to your life.

2. Picture the Word - Understand the setting and scene – use a Study Bible to help you know background info about why the book was written, to whom it was written, etc.  Also Study Bibles contain footnotes on many of the verses, giving helpful explanation and application.

3. Ponder the Word - As you read the Bible, one of the best ways to look for personal application is to get into the habit of asking yourself the S.P.A.C.E. questions. As you read do you see…

  • Sins to confess?

  • Promises to claim?

  • Actions or Attitudes to avoid?

  • Commands to obey?

  • Examples to follow (or not follow)?

4. Pick One Main Thing - What has God impressed on you?  Briefly journal about it and follow the S.O.A.P. guideline. S-O-A-P:

  • Scripture – write down the one main verse from your reading that sticks out to you.

  • Observation – write down what you think the verse is saying.

  • Application – write down a brief description of what you plan to do in your life because of this scripture.  In other words, how do you plan to apply it to your life?

  • Prayer – write down a brief prayer to God related to this new information and application.

5. Pause – God meets us in his Living Word. Take a moment to listen, to be with God, to allow him to fill you, to enjoy his precious Presence.

6. Pass the Word on to Others. One of the great privileges and responsibilities we have as Christians is to teach and share with others what God is teaching us.  Each week share what you’ve written in your journal with family, friends, and your LG. This makes your Bible reading time not only a blessing for you, but also for the people in your life.