Bible Reading for a New Year (Sunday School Class)

I keep six honest serving men

(They taught me all I knew);

Their names are What and Why and When

And How and Where and Who.

--Rudyard Kipling

With a new year upon us, I want to ask six questions about the habit of daily Bible reading...

Why read the Bible?

Reading the Bible Revives Us.

“I lie in the dust; revive me by your word.” Psalm 119:25

How have you seen this to be true?

Reading the Bible Encourages and comforts Us.

“I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word.” Psalm 119:28

“Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles.” Psalm 119:50

How have you seen this to be true?

Reading the Bible Helps Guard Us from Evil

“Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word.” Psalm 119:37

“Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life.” Psalm 119:104

How have you seen this to be true?

Reading the Bible Gives Hope.

“Remember your promise to me; it is my only hope.” Psalm 119:49

How have you seen this to be true?

Reading the Bible Brings Joy and Delight.

“Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, for your instructions are my delight.” Psalm 119:77

“As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands.” Psalm 119:143

How have you seen this to be true?

Reading the Bible Sustains Us.

“If your instructions hadn’t sustained me with joy, I would have died in my misery.” Psalm 119:92

How have you seen this to be true?

Reading the Bible Guides Us.

“Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are my constant guide.” Psalm 119:98

“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105

How have you seen this to be true?

Reading the Bible Builds Our Trust.

“Your laws are perfect and completely trustworthy.” Psalm 119:138

How have you seen this to be true?

Reading the Bible Gives Freedom.

“I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments.” Psalm 119:45

How have you seen this to be true?

Who needs to read the Bible?

Christians

Psalm 19:9–11—“the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.”

Unbelievers?

“The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand.” Psalm 119:130

Talk about the importance of having your kids read the Bible

Talk about the importance of family worship

Talk about reading the Bible as a means of evangelism (Acts 8)

When should you read the Bible?

Psalm 1:1–2 “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.”

Is this a command to read the Bible morning and night? No!

We have freedom here!

What are some reasons it might help to read the Bible in the morning?

What are some reasons it might help to read the Bible in the evening?

What time works best for you to read your Bible? Why?

Where should I start?

Discuss Bible reading plans

Which Bible reading plan do you prefer? Why?

What Bible should I use?

Show different Study Bibles and translations

Which Bible do you typically use? Why?

How can I remain faithful?

Pray!!!

Consistency is more important than intensity

Have a plan! (including when and where)

Build margin into your plan

Get accountability

Pick a translation you can easily understand

Remove distractions (don’t normally read on your phone)

Don’t just read it, listen!

What other tips do you have?