If you are part of Generation Z and find yourself struggling to understand the Bible, you are not alone. Many young (and perhaps some not so young!) Christians today are eager to dive into Scripture, but they often feel overwhelmed and frustrated by its complexity. This article is here to help guide you as you try to make sense of it all; to help encourage you to deepen your understanding of God’s Word, and, as a result, grow in your faith.
The Bible: More Than Just a Book
The first thing to realize is that the Bible is not just another literary text; it is a living, spiritual book. Hebrews 4:12 (ESV) says, “The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword.” It is just as relevant today as it was when it was written thousands of years ago. Amongst other things, the Bible has the power to convict, to encourage, and to transform lives, helping us to grow in our relationship with God.
This enduring relevance stems from the fact that the Bible is not a human invention. 2 Peter 1:21 explains, “holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” The Bible’s inspiration is unique: God worked through the personalities, experiences, and understanding of its writers to communicate His truth. The result? Every word in Scripture is deliberate and God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16).
The Bible: A Collection of Books
The Bible consists of sixty-six books: thirty-nine in the Old Testament and twenty-seven in the New Testament. Written over a period of 1,500 years, it includes history, poetry, prophecy, letters, and more. Despite its diversity, the Bible has only one ultimate author – God – and one central message: the revelation of God through Jesus Christ. The Old Testament points to Christ’s coming, and the New Testament explains His significance and the eternal impact of His death, burial and resurrection.
Because the Bible was written in different languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek) and across various cultures, understanding it requires effort. Cultural and linguistic differences can make the Bible seem distant, but tools like commentaries and study guides are available to help us bridge the gap.
Why Understanding the Bible Requires Help
You cannot fully grasp the Bible’s meaning on your own. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in illuminating our minds to grasp the truths of Scripture (John 16:13). Without His guidance, the deeper truths of God’s Word remain elusive (1 Corinthians 2:14).
If you are not yet a Christian, the Bible is the best place to start. Romans 10:17 reminds us that “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” And if you are already a believer in Christ, engaging with Scripture is essential for spiritual growth. Job valued God’s Word more than his daily food because he knew it was vital for his soul (Job 23:12).
However, understanding the Bible is not just about reading it. Most importantly, it is about applying what we read. Jesus said, in John 13:17, “If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” Obedience, to what we read and learn, is key to unlocking the true blessings of Scripture.
The Bible and Truth
In today’s individualistic and relativistic culture, the Bible’s claim to absolute truth can feel countercultural. Jesus said, “Your word is truth” (John 17:17). Scripture has one true interpretation, even though its principles can be applied in many ways. This is why careful study is essential.
The Role of the Church
The local church is God’s appointed community for teaching and understanding His Word (1 Timothy 3:15). Pastors and teachers are gifts to the church, equipped to explain Scripture and help believers to grow (Ephesians 4:11-12). While personal Bible reading is vital, learning in a community is also important as it provides accountability, encouragement, and insight. However, like the Bereans, when listening to teaching, we should always “[examine] the Scriptures daily to see whether these things [are] so” (Acts 17:11 ESV).
Personal Bible Engagement
Every Christian should interact with the Bible in three key ways:
- Daily Reading: Regularly read Scripture to familiarize yourself with its content and themes. Meditate on what you read, asking God to help you to understand and apply its principles to your life.
- In-Depth Study: Go beyond surface reading by studying smaller portions of Scripture. Use tools like concordances, Bible dictionaries, and commentaries to help you understand the context and meaning, once again, asking for God’s enlightenment.
- Scripture Memorization: Memorizing verses equips you to recall God’s Word in moments of temptation or decision-making. Jesus Himself quoted Scripture to counter Satan’s attacks (Matthew 4:1-11).
Effort and Reward
Understanding the Bible takes effort, but it is an effort that is worthwhile. Through Scripture, God speaks to us, revealing His character and will. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” The Bible is not outdated or irrelevant; rather, it is the foundation of our relationship with God and the most important part of our daily spiritual lives.
Be encouraged – God has provided everything you need to help you to understand His Word. So, with the Holy Spirit’s help, the support of the local church, and your personal commitment to study and obey the Scriptures, you can grow in your knowledge of His Word and deepen your relationship with God. If you haven’t already done so, start today, and let the Bible transform your life.
