Sabbath School
Growing in a Relationship with God
How to Study The Bible
Coming to the Bible With the Right Attitude
When we open the Bible, we never come to an ordinary book. We come to the living Word of God, able to teach, correct, guide, and transform us. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword.” Because of this, our attitude matters deeply. If we come to Scripture only to defend our opinions, prove others wrong, or simply check a religious box, we may miss what God wants to say to us personally. But if we come with humility, hunger, and surrender, the Holy Spirit can shape our hearts through His truth.
Many people come to the Bible already decided. Instead of asking, “Lord, what are You saying?” they ask, “How can I make this fit what I already believe?” This is dangerous because pride closes ears that humility would open. Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” Isaiah 66:2 adds, “But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word.” God is drawn to the person who reverences His Word and is willing to be taught.
An attitude of humility is crucial because none of us knows everything. We all have blind spots, traditions, preferences, and assumptions. Even sincere believers can misunderstand truth when they cling too tightly to their own ideas. James 1:21 tells us, “Receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” Meekness means teachability. It means being willing to say, “Lord, if I am wrong, correct me. If I need to change, change me.”
Surrender to the Word is just as important as humility. It is possible to admire Scripture without obeying it. It is possible to study deeply but never submit personally. Yet Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” In Luke 11:28 He said, “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” God does not give truth merely to inform us, but to transform us. Every time we read the Bible, we should ask not only, “What does this mean?” but also, “How should I live because of it?”
Are there established opinions you may need to lay aside? Perhaps traditions passed down for years. Perhaps political ideas that shape how you read Scripture. Perhaps habits you excuse. Perhaps doctrines accepted without personal study. Acts 17:11 praises the Bereans because they searched the Scriptures daily to see whether things were so. They did not blindly accept human teaching. They tested everything by the Word of God.
If the Holy Spirit is bringing something to mind, do not harden your heart. Psalm 119:18 gives a beautiful prayer: “Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law.” Ask God to reveal anything in you that resists His truth. Ask Him to remove pride, fear, stubbornness, or bias. Ask Him to make you willing to follow wherever Scripture leads.
Start praying now with honesty. You do not need polished words. Simply say, “Lord, show me where I am holding onto my own opinions more than Your truth. Give me courage to change.” God honors that kind of prayer. John 16:13 promises that the Spirit of truth will guide us into all truth.
The Bible becomes life-changing when we stop trying to master it and allow it to master us. Come as a learner. Come as a servant. Come ready to obey. Then the Word will not remain words on a page—it will become power in your life.
Prayer
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