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Perhaps you have tried to read the Bible but got discouraged because it just didn’t make sense.
Why is that?
The New to Bible Reading Discipleship Tool briefly expounds on these points and answers other questions you might have about reading God’s Word.
When asked where someone “new to the Bible” should start reading, I suggested that they begin with the Gospels, specifically Mark and John. But, they also wanted to know where to go from there.
I don’t believe there is any one set right order of the books of the Bible someone unfamiliar with Scripture should follow.
But, I do believe it helps to first understand God’s central theme and gain a big picture before getting into some of the more detailed or harder to read books.
The Gospels of Mark and John
By beginning with the Gospels of Mark and John, we get a picture of the One around whom the Bible revolves, Jesus.
Genesis and Exodus
Next I would suggest going to the beginning of the Bible to read Genesis and Exodus where we learn why Jesus dying on the cross was necessary. The last half of Exodus gets into some details of the law and tabernacle. Bear with it to give yourself a concept of the tediousness of keeping the law.
Romans and Galatians
After reading Genesis and Exodus, you might want to go back to the New Testament to read the books of Romans and Galatians. These books lay out how keeping the law which you just would have read about in Genesis and Exodus was not sufficient to save people.
1 John
Maybe it’s now time for gaining some assurances of life in Him and God’s love for us. Since second and third John are short, you might want to just finish reading through them.
Matthew and Luke
From there we might want to take in some more details about Jesus.
Acts
Luke ends with Jesus being taken up into heaven so why not read about what happened next. The book of Acts provides a historical account of the beginning of the Church.
Ephesians
The book of Ephesians gives more understanding of the Church as well as our identity in Christ.
Colossians
Continue on to Colossians to reinforce the supremacy of Christ.
The Rest of the Books
Reading the above mentioned books should give you a good basis for then getting back to all the other New Testament and Old Testament books. Keep in mind that there will be some harder to read, more detailed parts, but having already read the books listed above, you have a better foundation.
You’ll find this plan in the New to Bible Reading Discipleship Tool along with additional input on the above, help with the rest of the books, and a big picture look at the Word and the God behind Scripture.
When asked where a person “new to the Bible” should start reading, I could without hesitation suggest beginning with one of the Gospels.
All of Scripture revolves around Jesus and what He did in coming to earth to die in our place to take on Himself the penalty our sin deserves.
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Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things. (1 Pet. 1:10-12)
All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. (Acts 10:43)
Jesus Himself noted how the whole of Scripture points to Him.
And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. (Lk. 24:27)
He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” (Lk. 24:44)
You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, (Jn. 5:39)
Consequently, beginning with one of the Gospels makes sense to get to know this Jesus identified as the way, the truth, and the life (Jn. 14:6). If Scripture revolves about Him, is it any wonder John 1 identifies Him as the Word?
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (Jn. 1:14)
The New to Bible Reading Discipleship Tool includes what you read here along with a suggestion and rational for which Gospel to begin with, and a suggested order to read the rest of the books of the Bible.
Following Jesus’ example is more than a Christian fad like the WWJD craze. Following His example is biblical.
Yet, we must raise some red flags so we understand God’s intent when it comes to following Jesus’ example.
1) Though Jesus is our example, He is so much more. He came to earth as Immanuel, God with us (Matt. 1:23). He died on the cross to take our sin upon Himself so we can be made right with God — our Savior (Isa. 53:5; Jn. 14:6). He ascended back to heaven and one day every knee will bow to Him — our Lord (Phil. 2:10).
Consequently, following Jesus’ example isn’t going to gain us points with God. The only way we can be made righteous is by grace through faith because of the shed blood of Jesus (Eph. 2:5, 8-9; 2 Tim. 1:9).
2) Becoming Christ-like takes more than self-effort or striving to follow His example. Rather, it comes through living or abiding in Him because apart from Him we can do nothing (Jn. 15:5). — “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him …” (Col. 2:6)
Consequently, following Jesus’ example is more than outward conformity. Rather, it is a genuine transformation wherein He makes all things new (2 Cor. 5:17) as His Spirit works within us (Gal. 5:16-26) through the strength He provides (Phil. 4:13).
3) We should be “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Heb. 12:2) but must understand that we will never be able to perfectly emulate Him as He is God and we are human. — “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” (1 Jn. 1:8)
Consequently, following Jesus’ example does not make us sinless and perfect like Him. Rather, it’s an on-going process of submitting to Him and His ways (James 4:6-8; Heb. 12:9).
Yes, follow the example of Jesus but keep your focus on Him. Take heed to these cautions so you guard against making it about you and what you’re doing rather than about Him and His work in and through you.
Do you remember the “What Would Jesus Do?” craze? While we don’t hear or see it as much now, it’s still out there. (Check out the WWJD Resources in one of our affiliate stores.) It became about following Jesus’ example, a biblical practice, in the various decisions and activities of our lives, as a guide for what we should do.
The Apostle Paul used the example of Jesus as the only ground for his own life to be used as a model. He said, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1). But, there are also some cautions in using Jesus as our example which we will look at in the next post. Let’s first, however, consider ways in which Jesus is our example.
I find it interesting that I could only locate two specific instances where Scripture tells us to follow the example of Jesus.
1) His example in servanthood
I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. (Jn. 13:15)
More: Jesus’ Example of Being a Servant
2) His example in suffering
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. (1 Pet. 2:21)
More: Jesus’ Example in Suffering
Walking in Jesus’ steps isn’t always glamorous or easy but these two aspects highlighted Jesus’ life. Are we willing to follow His example in laying aside our sense of entitlement and perhaps even in laying aside our very lives?
Notice how Philippians 2:5-8 refers to these same qualities in Jesus as a mindset, or attitude, not just a part of what Jesus would do (WWJD).
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross! (Phil. 2:5-8)
Following Jesus’ example, then, involves our inward being, not just our outward actions. Are we willing to let His example affect us to the core of our being?
To do something “just as” or “as” Jesus, implies following His example in that area. — “Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.” (1 Jn. 2:6) Below are some specific ways we’re commanded to be like Jesus:
1) Love as He loves. (Eph. 5:1-2; 1 Jn. 3:15-16)
2) Forgive as he forgives. (Col. 3:13)
Following Jesus’ example, then, affects our relationships with others. Are we willing to be self-less as He was?
We can learn how to define spiritual disciplines and give examples of them. Though helpful, that doesn’t mean we will consistently engage in spiritual disciplines.
You may be looking for some “how-to” steps to follow to help you become more consistent. Understand, however, that what works for one person may not work for another. We all, however, need a starting point to lay a good foundation. Build on the following understandings and see how it affects the way you approach these practices:
First, we need to understand the spiritual battle behind a struggle to engage in the spiritual disciplines.
Second, we need to understand how natural tendencies, like our personalities, can affect our practice of the spiritual disciplines.
Third, we need a worthwhile purpose for engaging in these practices.
Fourth, we need to grab hold of God’s resources that will enable us to engage in spiritual disciplines. — Don’t take the spiritual out of the spiritual disciplines because then all you are left with are disciplines.
The Getting Spiritually Fit Discipleship Tool briefly expounds on each of the above points along with some helpful Scripture. It also challenges you to think through what might be keeping you from consistently engaging in spiritual disciplines.