My boys love to read. The oldest has been at it for a while and it’s impressive how much his pre-teen mind can comprehend. However, it wasn’t always that way. He used to be like his younger brother, who has only recently crossed that threshold into comprehension. It’s interesting to see the similarities, yet recognize the sharp contrast as well between their two levels.
When children are learning to read, there is a time where a gap exists between the words they form with their lips and the concepts those words convey. With time and practice, that gap begins to close, and eventually they move beyond just simply forming words to understanding the message of the written word.
Bible study has a similar process. I am frequently asked, “Cory, how do I become more knowledgeable about the Bible.” The short answer is, “Read it.” Yet, understand it takes time to develop a working knowledge of the scriptures. When a new Christian or Bible novice begins reading the scriptures regularly, there is indeed a level of comprehension, but much of it is just “words on a page.” Perhaps this is what causes many newcomers to the Bible to become frustrated with their efforts to study and read.
Given time and consistency, those words will begin to morph into deeper comprehension. As you become more familiar with the words, your mind will shift its focus from content to concepts, and slowly, but surely, your working knowledge of the Bible will become more vast and comprehensive.
With deeper comprehension comes the reshaping of our lives. Theologically, we observe this maturation as part of the process by which the Holy Spirit works on our hearts and lives. Having received Him as a gift in our obedience to the gospel (Acts 2:38), He uses the word of God as His tool (Eph. 6:17) to discern our thoughts and intentions (Heb. 4:12). It makes sense, then, that the more time we spend in the Bible (Col. 3:16), the more material we give the Spirit to work with. The result of His work is that we will live less and less by the flesh, and be led more and more by the Spirit, putting away our carnal nature and practices (Rom. 8:13-14). Finally, comprehension gives way to love for the word. It is difficult to have affection and loyalty for something we do not understand. However, by increasing familiarity, gaining understanding, and experiencing transformation, we develop a love for that was not present before. Like the psalmist we can say, “I find my delight in your commandments, which I love. I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes” (Psalm 119:47-48 ESV).
Maybe you are a frustrated Bible reader. Don’t let that discourage you from sticking with it. It takes time, energy, and patience to develop understanding of God’s word. Stay the course, use your brothers and sisters who are more knowledgeable to help you through trouble spots, and watch as God’s Spirit transforms you little by little through the fashioning tool of the Bible.
Cory Waddell