TUESDAY: UNDERSTANDING SCRIPTURE
KEY PASSAGE
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
DEVOTIONAL
How silly would it be to drive toward a new destination with a map and GPS, yet refuse to use either one? Often, this is how we treat the Word of God as we navigate through life.
Scripture tells us that the Bible is “God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16) and “alive and active” (Hebrews 4:12). It is God’s very Word, written for us. Through Scripture, God guides us, reveals who He is, and teaches us how to follow Him. Scripture equips us as believers and lights our path.
Maybe today you feel a bit lost, or you’re seeking God’s wisdom for a situation or decision. The good news is that God is eager for us to know Him. He has given us His Word so that we can hear from Him every single day. There is always something to learn and understand when we open our Bible, and the Holy Spirit helps us understand what we read.
If we are honest, reading the Bible can feel intimidating. We ask questions like, “Where do I start?” or “How do I begin?” Those are great questions. The most important thing to remember is this: the best way to read the Bible is to simply read it. A great place to start is in the Gospel of John. Remember, God wants you to know Him. As you open your Bible today, ask God to help you understand His Word and to know Him more deeply. Before long, you will experience Scripture as a lamp for your feet and a light for your path.
CHALLENGE
Try the SOAP Bible Study Method using John 3:16-17.
SCRIPTURE
Write out the Scripture or note the verses you are reading.
John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
OBSERVE
Make an observation about what you are reading. Who is speaking? Where are they? What words or phrases are repeated? What themes stick out to you?
In these verses, the Apostle John records a conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus. Jesus is explaining what it means to be “born again.” The theme of God’s love stands out to me, how God the Father’s love for the world moved Him to send His Son to save and redeem it.
APPLY
Ask how this passage applies to your life. What does it teach you about God? What promises or commands are present?
These verses explain to us the Gospel. Through faith in Jesus, we receive eternal life. We see the promise here that if we truly believe, we will truly receive the gift of salvation. This gift is offered to everyone - the whole world.
PRAY
Let your prayer be guided by what the Lord has shown you. Ask Him to speak personally to you. Ask the Lord to convict your heart and for His Word to bear fruit in your life and relationships.