Reading the Bible Faithfully: How Christians Should Approach God’s Word

Show: Contending for the Word Q&A

Host: Dave Jenkins

Date: April 1, 2026

Show Summary

How should Christians read the Bible faithfully? Many believers read Scripture regularly but still feel uncertain about how to understand it, apply it, or make sense of difficult passages. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how Christians should approach God’s Word with humility, careful attention to context, a Christ-centered focus, and a desire to obey what God has spoken.

Audio

Video

Key Scriptures

• Psalm 119:105
• 2 Timothy 3:16–17
• Luke 24 (Christ-centered reading of Scripture)

Episode Highlights

• Read the Bible with reverence and humility.
• Read the Bible in its context.
• Read the Bible in a Christ-centered way.
• Read the Bible with the goal of obedience.

Episode Notes

Big Idea

Christians should read the Bible humbly, carefully, and consistently, seeking to understand God’s Word in its context and responding in faith and obedience to Him.

1. Read the Bible with Reverence and Humility

The Bible is not an ordinary book. It is God’s Word, breathed out by Him and given for our good. We come to Scripture with humility, not assuming we already know what it says, and not bending it to fit our preferences. Faithful Bible reading begins with prayerful dependence, asking God to open our eyes, soften our hearts, and help us receive His truth with teachability.

2. Read the Bible in Its Context

Scripture was written in real historical settings to real people for real purposes. Verses have meaning within paragraphs, chapters, and books, and ultimately within the whole story of redemption. Reading the Bible well requires patience and careful attention to what the text is actually saying. Context protects us from misunderstanding and helps us hear God rightly.

3. Read the Bible in a Christ-Centered Way

Jesus teaches that all of Scripture ultimately points to Himself. In Luke 24, He explains how the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms speak of His person and His work. Reading the Bible in a Christ-centered way does not mean forcing Jesus into every verse. It means recognizing how each passage fits within the larger story of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration, and how it points us to the character, work, and grace of Christ.

4. Read the Bible with the Goal of Obedience

God’s Word is given not only to be understood, but to be lived. Scripture trains us in righteousness and equips us for faithful obedience. This does not mean applying Scripture hastily or legalistically. It means listening carefully, considering how the truth of God’s Word applies to our lives today, and responding in faith.

Summary

So how should Christians read the Bible? Read it humbly, asking God for understanding. Read it carefully, paying attention to context and meaning. Read it in a Christ-centered way, seeing how all Scripture points to Christ. Read it obediently, allowing God’s Word to shape how you live. Faithful Bible reading is not about perfection, but persistence. Over time, God uses His Word to grow us in wisdom, maturity, and trust.

Takeaways and Reflection Questions

• Do I come to Scripture with prayerful dependence and humility?
• Am I reading passages in context, or isolating verses from their meaning?
• How does this passage fit within the story of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration?
• What does obedience to this passage look like in my life right now?

Call to Action

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Until next time, open God’s Word, listen carefully, and walk in obedience by His grace. God bless you and keep you.