Reading the Bible may be the gateway to heavenly bliss or the pathway to subtle self-destruction. To read the Bible is always to walk on holy ground, so we should arrive at the Word oh so conscious of the fine line that exists between reading and sinning.
As you read this article, please take to heart 2 Corinthians 13:5 and "Examine yourselves... test yourselves" ;.
Sin #1 - Reading without praying - the sin of proud self-reliance.
Reading the Word must certanly be bathed in prayer - before, during and after. God is the ultimate Author with this Book and so we should visit Him for understanding and the innumerable blessings He really wants to shower upon us through the Bible.
Steer clear of it - Make this humble prayer your own personal - "Allow me to understand the teaching of one's precepts" (Psalm 119: 27a).
Sin #2 - Reading without meditating - the sin of mindless mysticism.
Reading is just the start of our journey into God's truth. We ought to think about what we read, and think long and hard. Some elements of the Bible are more difficult to comprehend than others; when up against a challenging passage, you may simply have to take more time pondering it.
Steer clear of it - Proclaim with conviction - "Then I'll meditate in your wonders" (Psalm 119:27b). When opening the Book, be opening, exercising and filling your mind, not emptying it.MyReadingManga
Sin #3 - Reading without communing - the sin of dead intellectualism.
Reading the Bible may be the methods to the awesome end of deeper fellowship with God. If reading the Bible doesn't end in sweeter intimacy with King Jesus, something is amiss. Amount of time in the Word shouldn't be an result in itself. It's the entrance into the presence of Christ, our Creator, our Sustainer and the Lover of our souls.
Steer clear of it - As you read, pray like the psalmist, "I seek you with all my heart" (Psalm 119:10a) and "Don't utterly forsake me" (Psalm 119:8b).
Sin #4 - Reading without understanding - the sin of empty ritualism.
Are what only words? We commune with God through His Word as His Spirit reveals the meaning. Reading without understanding is not reading but a meaningless ritual, only formality that grieves the Spirit, displeases the Father and dishonors His Son.
Steer clear of it - As you realize the sacredness of Scripture, pray "Open my eyes that I could see wonderful things in your law" (Psalm 119:18). This is not yet another book. Say with Peter "You have what of eternal life" (John 6:68).
Sin #5 - Reading without believing - the sin of self-righteous legalism.
What do Bible reading, prayer, church attendance, tithing, and helping the needy all have in common? They may be either the expression of saving faith or the expression of non-saving faith. For the genuine believer, they are evidence of life. For the false believer, they are evidence of a spurious conversion and serve simply to strengthen his self-deception. Bible reading, like a bit of good work, is never the explanation for our salvation but instead its result. The difference is infinitely, eternally huge.
Steer clear of it - Ponder the wonder of salvation by grace, through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Nothing we do earns God's favor (including Bible reading). From start to finish, salvation is His work, not ours.
Sin #6 - Reading without obeying - the sin of cheap grace.
Salvation is free, but it'll run you everything. Is this not the ultimate paradox of Scripture? We're not saved by good works, however for good works, and so Bible reading is one of many main activities God uses to empower us to reside a life of increasing obedience, holiness and Christ-likeness. Sinless perfection will escape us this side of heaven, but a changed life will not. If your Bible reading doesn't have life-transforming results, please think over the possibility that you're still dead in your sins and in need to be born of the Spirit (John 3:1-8).
Steer clear of it - Spend much amount of time in Psalm 119 and meditate much on the countless verses that speak of obeying the Word. May these prayers be yours - "I'll obey your decrees" (Psalm 119:8a) and "I run in the trail of one's commands, for you have set my heart free" (Psalm 119:32).
Sin #7 - Reading without studying - the sin of superficial skimming.
"Raking is easy, but you get only leaves; digging is hard, but you may find diamonds" (John Piper). Reading is nevertheless the first faltering step to understanding this is and rejoicing as one who finds great wealth (Psalm 119:162). Ask questions; record your thoughts and responses in a journal; do word studies; join a Bible study group (or start one yourself). You will find 101 ways to dig into the Word.
Steer clear of it - Realize the necessity to dive in, not remain on the surface. This does take time and effort, fueled by the grace of God and the enabling of His Spirit. So move out your shovel and get digging, comprehending that "it is God who works in you to will and to act" (Philippians 2:13 - another mind-boggling paradox).
And may your amount of time in the Word be a way to obtain divine renewal for the glory of God. While reading, make sure you be praying, meditating, communing, understanding, believing, obeying and studying, and you're sure to declare "Your statutes are my delight!" (Psalm 119:24).
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