The Best Method for Understanding the Bible

WHY READ THE BIBLE

Although access to God’s Word in the West is widespread, many believers don’t take time to study it. Some see God’s Word as dull, hard to understand, or unworthy of the time it takes to read it. They come up with a variety of excuses for why they don’t study the Bible: 

• I don’t understand how the Bible applies to my life. They believe reading the Bible is irrelevant to life in the twenty first century. For example, the ancient laws referenced in the Old Testament seem confusing to some.

• I’m not exactly sure where to start or what to do. Some make a commitment to begin studying God’s Word, but they don’t understand what they are reading so they get discouraged and quit. 

• I’m content to learn from the experts. It is important to dig in and study the Bible for yourself. It is not just for pastors/leaders to study the Bible and tell you about it. 

• I don’t have time. Years ago, people found the time to study God’s Word alone and with their family even while working 40 or more hours a week. Today the average person spends over five hours a day on a mobile device but often complains about not having enough time to study God’s Word. The truth is you make time for what’s most important in your life. 

• I’m not sure the Bible is true. The Bible consists of sixty-six books written by more than forty authors in three languages over the course of fifteen hundred years all telling one consistent story: the gospel of Jesus Christ. In addition, the Bible contains thousands of prophecies that have been fulfilled through the years. There are also accurate biblical accounts of history and geography.

• I don’t have a desire to study God’s Word. One of the reasons people don’t desire God’s Word is because their taste buds are so accustomed to the things of the world. When they fill their stomach with empty calories (like five or more hours of screen time each day) they are not hungry for God’s Word. 

David says, “Your view of the Bible completely changes when you realize that it’s a revelation of God’s love for you.” He encourages you to let go of any excuses you might have for not studying the Bible. “Your Creator loves you so much that he has supernaturally inspired His Word to show you who He is and how you can experience abundant, eternal life in relationship with Him. His Word is unlike anything else in the world. It is perfect, sure, right, pure, clean, true, righteous, more valuable than millions of dollars, and more satisfying than the finest of foods,” shares David.

MAPS

When reading the Bible, it is important to understand the meaning that God intended in scripture. To help you on your journey, David provides a four-step guide to help you better study God’s Word. He uses the acrostic MAPS to help you remember these steps:

o Meditate on and Memorize God’s Word. Read the Bible slowly and ponder what it is saying. Don’t let Bible reading become a check in the box. Instead, meditate or think deeply about what you are reading and reflectmprayerfully on what it means. David suggests using a daily Bible reading plan. Most years, He has used a plan by Robert Murray M’Cheyne. He usually reads two to four chapters a day (from the Old Testament and from the New Testament). Years ago, he and his wife started using this plan in their quiet time and it revolutionized their individual relationships with God and their relationship with one another. He also recommends getting a good study Bible that uses an accurate translation of scripture and setting aside time in your day to meditate on God’s Word. Store up God’s Word in your heart by memorizing scripture (take a verse at a time).

o Apply Bible truths to every part of your life. “For those who have God’s Spirit living in them, there should be evidence that the Word of God is gradually transforming their lives,” reveals David. As the truth of God’s Word changes your heart, it will help you to make Jesus known to those around you.

o Pray to experience intimacy with God. To guide your prayer life, David suggests you do the following when you pray: praise, repent, ask, and yield. He says, “God guarantees to give you what you ask when you ask according to His Word.”

o Share God’s Word with others in a way that helps them know and obey it. When studying the Bible make sure you journal your reflections so you can share with others. 

“God’s Word is a gift we must never take for granted. It opens the door for you and me to experience intimacy in a love relationship with God himself,” reveals David.

Want to learn more about David Platt?

• Visit his church, McLean Bible Church – [Click the link!]
• Explore his organization, Radical – [Click the link!] 
• Get his book How to Read the Bible – [Click the link!]

CREDITS

Author, How to Read the Bible, (W Publishing Group, 2025); Lead pastor for McLean Bible Church; Founder of Radical, an organization that helps people follow Jesus and make Him known in their neighborhood and all nations; Received his B.A. from the University of Georgia and M. Div., Th.M. and Ph.D. from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary; Married to Heather; six children: Caleb, Joshua, Mara Ruth, Isaiah, J.D, and Mercy