How to Read and Study the Bible Effectively

In 2024, our church family read through the entire Bible together. The testimonies that we heard of parents introducing their children to the Bible for the first time, individuals rekindling their relationship with God, and a renewed hunger for the Word in our congregation brought our team so much joy.

As we prepare to continue this in 2025, Jay Strother, our Campus and Teaching Pastor at Brentwood Baptist, shared some invaluable tips on how we can dive deeper into Scripture in the year ahead. Join the 2025 Bible Reading Plan.

Whether you’ve been reading the Bible for years or are just beginning, these methods offer practical ways to engage with God’s Word more intentionally and meaningfully.

Start with Prayer and the Right Heart Posture

Before opening your Bible, start with prayer. It’s so important to have a posture of submission and a heart open to God’s leading. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and help you see exactly what He would have you learn. By beginning with prayer, you’re acknowledging that Scripture is more than just words on a page—it’s the living and active Word of God, designed to shape your heart and mind.

Read Slowly and in Multiple Translations

Another thing we’d encourage you to do is to read the Bible slowly and in different translations. The goal isn’t to rush through the text but to savor each word, allowing its meaning to sink deeply into your heart. Pastor Jay uses translations like the English Standard Version (ESV) or Christian Standard Bible (CSB) for more precise interpretations, alongside paraphrased versions like The Message for a broader understanding.

Different translations can shed new light on familiar passages and offer a more well-rounded grasp of the text. Each version helps you see the scripture from slightly different angles, providing clarity on key themes and ideas.

Ask Questions and Make Observations

As you read, don’t be afraid to ask questions and jot down observations, this will deepen your engagement with the text. Consider questions like: Who wrote this? When and where was it written? Who was the intended audience? What did the words mean in their original context?

Taking notes and asking questions helps you connect with the text on a deeper level. It moves you from passive reading to active study, helping you see the richness of the Bible’s historical and cultural context.

Use Study Bibles, Commentaries, and Bible Software

Study Bibles and commentaries are excellent tools for understanding difficult passages or delving deeper into a topic. Resources like the Logos Bible software can help you explore the original Hebrew and Greek words, offering a deeper layer of insight into the text.

It’s important to strike a balance, the notes and commentaries are not inspired—only the Bible is. It’s essential to spend time in the actual Word of God, using the notes as supplementary tools rather than a replacement for your own study.

Apply the “Head, Heart, Hands” Approach

Apply the Bible in three areas: your head, heart, and hands. This is something that Pastor Jay does in his own study time, this approach encourages us to allow Scripture to impact our thinking (head), stir our emotions (heart), and lead us to concrete actions (hands).

For example, when reading a passage about generosity, consider how it challenges your thinking about giving, how it moves your heart toward compassion, and finally, what actions you can take to live it out.

Track Your Journey

As we prepare for the 2025 Bible reading plan, one final tip is to keep track of your study journey. Use a journaling Bible, where you can write down what you’re learning, questions you have, and reflections in the margins. Over time, these notes will serve as a record of your spiritual growth and a way to revisit moments when God spoke powerfully to you.

As we move into 2025, let’s commit to diving deeper into God’s Word together. Whether you’re reading for the first time or returning to familiar passages, there’s always something new to discover when we approach the Bible with humility and a desire for transformation.