“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 [ESV])
It is a given that as a culture and society overall, there is a high emphasis placed on the importance of academic intelligence, but what we have greatly ignored or forgotten is the necessity of Biblical literacy.
According to some recent research done by Lifeway, approximately 4 out of 5 Christians rarely ever read their Bibles. It is simple: If we don’t read and apply our Bibles, the Devil wins. Biblical literacy is essential for any Christian; we cannot faithfully serve as a follower and emulate Jesus if we do not know Him.
So, what IS Biblical literacy? Why does it matter?
Being literate requires someone to be able to put the basic skills of reading and writing into practice in order to function effectively in society. In other words, reading and writing are tools, whereas literacy is the ability to interpret, analyze, properly communicate, and then proceed to apply the information.
Biblical literacy is fully knowing the content of the Bible; the redemptive story of God, and the eternal hope He has promised to those who believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is more than knowing the Bible stories- it is understanding the Bible well enough to apply it and live it out daily.
Biblical literacy is a process, and it comes from steadfastly seeking after God’s own heart and the wisdom of His word. By reading, studying, praying, meditating, and seeking trusted references to guide us in truly understanding the Bible, we can truly live out our faith. Deeply knowing God’s word is critical in having an intimate relationship with Him, serving Him, and being a disciple.
“But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete” (Luke 6:49 [NIV]). Failing to prioritize Biblical literacy in our lives will inherently prioritize the secular and temporal things of this earth, fail to equip us, and send us into battle with armor and weapons that will fail. The only thing that will truly stand undefeated is Christ.
How do I become Biblically literate?
Quick Guide:
Read and then record the Bible chapter, passage, or verse you are studying. (I prefer to use a designated journal for this).
Explore the passage further by looking for cross-references within the Bible, read other translations, look at an interlinear concordance, find trusted commentaries, sermons, etc. Take the time to define any unknown words, find the historical context and genre, and really understand the content of the passage and its relation to the story of Scripture as a whole.
A note on commentaries: if you have a study bible, the notes at the bottom are commentary. You can also find many free online commentaries and translations at biblestudytools.com, biblegateway.com, blueletterbible.org, netbible.org, and studylight.org. Most of these commentary sites also offer a free app you can download onto your phone. (I also personally recommend the printed Charles Spurgeon study Bible, and the online Enduring Word commentary.)
Apply what you have read in relation to what it tells you about God and His attributes. Consider what the passage tells you about being a child of God, too.
Now practice & live it out. Sometimes it is very clear after studying our Bibles what God is calling us to do. Other times we may not be very sure at all. Pray about it, and honestly try to ask God what He wants you to do, and do it. “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22).
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