Five Questions to Ask After Reading a Bible Passage
Have you ever finished reading a Bible passage only to wonder: What Now?
In Hebrews 4:12, the author describes Scripture as living and active. God’s Word has the power to change us! It is a key characteristic that separates it from any other book ever written and one we should consider as we move from interpretation to application. As we read, the Spirit convicts, challenges, and moves us closer to the Father’s will. It scrutinizes our hearts; it separates the godly from the ungodly, dusting the cobwebs of a darkened heart and reviving it for the Lord’s purposes.
But while it is a powerful weapon, we must exercise wisdom in wielding it in our defense and using it to oppose the enemy’s attacks.
To do so, here are five questions we can ask ourselves after reading a passage in the Bible:
1. What did I learn about God’s character?
The Bible is essentially a book about God revealing himself to us so we can rightly know and love him. So, what aspect of his character did you observe? Was he merciful, omnipotent, or patient? The more we take note of these attributes, the more we know him and see him working all around us.
Ask him to grow that knowledge into a deeper love for him, and you’ll see how this question can work wonders in your relationship.
2. What did I learn about humanity?
While it is a book about God, we are also part of that redemption story. We’ll often see sin rearing its ugly head in the people we read about. Other times, we’ll see examples of people faithfully obeying the Lord. In either instance, the truth remains that we should be convicted to repent and walk in obedience based on what we read.
As you finish reading, is there a sin to repent of or an attribute to pray over? Give it to God, and the Spirit will be faithful in his sanctifying work.
3. How did I see Christ in this passage?
Scripture finds its fulfillment in Christ. Without Christ, we wouldn’t have the anticipation, need, or hope of salvation. He is at the center of Scripture, so he should be at the center of our application too.
While we can find Christ in every passage, it’s not always apparent, and frankly, it sometimes feels impossible to make a connection. But even in the most obscure verses, Christ is present, for God’s plan of redemption was never an afterthought—Christ was always on the move. Here are some guiding questions to help you identify and grow your delight in Christ:
Is there a need for Christ? How does Jesus redeem that need?
Is there a promise of prophecy pointing to Christ?
Is there a fulfillment of that promise of prophecy?
What does Jesus say in this passage, and what does it communicate about his character?
May your delight in Jesus grow as you unpack his sufficiency throughout Scripture!
4. How should I respond to God?
As with any healthy relationship, our relationship with the Lord grows to the degree that we respond to him. Is he calling you to trust, dependence, or repentance?
Sin might’ve marred our relationship with God, but his grace soaks each page of Scripture. The Lord is speaking. May our hearts respond: “Your face, LORD, I will seek” (Psalm 27:8)
5. How should I respond to others?
God saved us for community, so part of walking in the good works he ordained (Ephesians 2:10) is doing it with other believers. Is there an encouragement he is nudging you to give a friend? Is he prompting you to forgive or give? Our relationship with others will inevitably be transformed as our relationship with the Lord grows.
What questions do you ask after reading the Bible? Let me know in the comments, and let’s grow in our application of God’s holy Word together!