Teach People How to Read Their Bibles [The Everyday Pastor - Ep. 43]

I just think that with the pace of life I just think that with the pace of life today, Matt, it's easy for God to get today, Matt, it's easy for God to get today, Matt, it's easy for God to get squeezed to the very edges of the squeezed to the very edges of the squeezed to the very edges of the margins. And [music] the more deliberate margins. And [music] the more deliberate margins. And [music] the more deliberate we are um at finding ways to let him we are um at finding ways to let him we are um at finding ways to let him speak to us by [music] his word speak to us by [music] his word speak to us by [music] his word regularly, the more blessed we're going regularly, the more blessed we're going regularly, the more blessed we're going to be, the more perspective we're going to be, the more perspective we're going to be, the more perspective we're going to have. >> [music] >> [music] >> Welcome to this episode of the Everyday >> Welcome to this episode of the Everyday >> Welcome to this episode of the Everyday Pastor, a podcast from the Gospel Pastor, a podcast from the Gospel Pastor, a podcast from the Gospel Coalition on the nuts and bolts of Coalition on the nuts and bolts of Coalition on the nuts and bolts of ministry. My name is Matt Smithst and ministry. My name is Matt Smithst and ministry. My name is Matt Smithst and I'm Lig Duncan [music] I'm Lig Duncan [music] I'm Lig Duncan [music] >> and we're going to be talking about >> and we're going to be talking about >> and we're going to be talking about teaching people in your churches how to teaching people in your churches how to teaching people in your churches how to read their Bibles better. Lig, this is a read their Bibles better. Lig, this is a read their Bibles better. Lig, this is a perennially important topic for any perennially important topic for any perennially important topic for any minister of God's word. But in previous minister of God's word. But in previous minister of God's word. But in previous episodes, we've thought about how the episodes, we've thought about how the episodes, we've thought about how the pastor himself can grow in biblical pastor himself can grow in biblical pastor himself can grow in biblical literacy and preparing especially to literacy and preparing especially to literacy and preparing especially to preach God's word week in and week out. preach God's word week in and week out. preach God's word week in and week out. But part of our responsibility as But part of our responsibility as But part of our responsibility as pastors is also to help our people be pastors is also to help our people be pastors is also to help our people be biblically literate, to love God's word, biblically literate, to love God's word, biblically literate, to love God's word, and to be able to draw from it through and to be able to draw from it through and to be able to draw from it through the trials of life. Um, so let's just the trials of life. Um, so let's just the trials of life. Um, so let's just start with Lig, you kind of setting the start with Lig, you kind of setting the start with Lig, you kind of setting the the stage for thinking about how amazing the stage for thinking about how amazing the stage for thinking about how amazing of a thing it is that here in the 21st of a thing it is that here in the 21st of a thing it is that here in the 21st century, we have access to such a wealth century, we have access to such a wealth century, we have access to such a wealth of resources in terms of Bibles and of resources in terms of Bibles and of resources in terms of Bibles and tools to help us better understand our tools to help us better understand our tools to help us better understand our Bibles.

Bibles. Bibles. >> It is that that is one of the great >> It is that that is one of the great >> It is that that is one of the great blessings of the time that we live in. blessings of the time that we live in. blessings of the time that we live in. Most most Christians until the time of Most most Christians until the time of Most most Christians until the time of the Protestant Reformation did not own a the Protestant Reformation did not own a the Protestant Reformation did not own a personal copy of the scriptures. In the personal copy of the scriptures. In the personal copy of the scriptures. In the Middle Ages, if you were in Europe, you Middle Ages, if you were in Europe, you Middle Ages, if you were in Europe, you probably went to the church to hear the probably went to the church to hear the probably went to the church to hear the word read out loud, but you didn't have word read out loud, but you didn't have word read out loud, but you didn't have a copy of the scriptures in your home. a copy of the scriptures in your home. a copy of the scriptures in your home. And of course, in those days, you didn't And of course, in those days, you didn't And of course, in those days, you didn't necessarily hear the Bible read in your necessarily hear the Bible read in your necessarily hear the Bible read in your own language. Uh you probably heard it own language. Uh you probably heard it own language. Uh you probably heard it read in a language that you couldn't read in a language that you couldn't read in a language that you couldn't understand. and and with the Protestant understand. and and with the Protestant understand. and and with the Protestant Reformation that changes and there's a Reformation that changes and there's a Reformation that changes and there's a desire on the part of the Protestant desire on the part of the Protestant desire on the part of the Protestant leaders all over Europe to get the leaders all over Europe to get the leaders all over Europe to get the Bibles into the hands of the people uh Bibles into the hands of the people uh Bibles into the hands of the people uh because the Protestant reformers not because the Protestant reformers not because the Protestant reformers not only believed in the inspiration and only believed in the inspiration and only believed in the inspiration and authority and infallibility and authority and infallibility and authority and infallibility and inherency of scripture uh which of inherency of scripture uh which of inherency of scripture uh which of course was also taught by the Catholic course was also taught by the Catholic course was also taught by the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church. But Church and the Orthodox Church. But Church and the Orthodox Church. But Protestants also believe that scripture Protestants also believe that scripture Protestants also believe that scripture was necessary. You know, Paul will say was necessary. You know, Paul will say was necessary. You know, Paul will say in 2 Timothy chapter 3 that all in 2 Timothy chapter 3 that all in 2 Timothy chapter 3 that all scripture is given by inspiration or all scripture is given by inspiration or all scripture is given by inspiration or all scripture is God breathed and is scripture is God breathed and is scripture is God breathed and is profitable.

profitable. profitable. And it's that part that that Protestants And it's that part that that Protestants And it's that part that that Protestants said, you know what, the the the said, you know what, the the the said, you know what, the the the medieval Catholic Church has forgotten medieval Catholic Church has forgotten medieval Catholic Church has forgotten this that the that the scriptures are this that the that the scriptures are this that the that the scriptures are actually necessary for disciplehip. You actually necessary for disciplehip. You actually necessary for disciplehip. You can't bypass the the the scripture when can't bypass the the the scripture when can't bypass the the the scripture when you're trying to disciple Christians. you're trying to disciple Christians. you're trying to disciple Christians. And so Protestants from the very And so Protestants from the very And so Protestants from the very beginning were concerned to get the beginning were concerned to get the beginning were concerned to get the Bibles into the hands of the people so Bibles into the hands of the people so Bibles into the hands of the people so that they could study the scriptures for that they could study the scriptures for that they could study the scriptures for themselves and of course hear the themselves and of course hear the themselves and of course hear the preaching of the word by those who have preaching of the word by those who have preaching of the word by those who have been prepared and equipped to explain been prepared and equipped to explain been prepared and equipped to explain the Bible. And that's that's how you the Bible. And that's that's how you the Bible. And that's that's how you know Hughes Olant Old teaches us this. know Hughes Olant Old teaches us this. know Hughes Olant Old teaches us this. The the very first sermons in Christian The the very first sermons in Christian The the very first sermons in Christian history were explanations of scripture. history were explanations of scripture. history were explanations of scripture. So the the faithful pastor was presiding So the the faithful pastor was presiding So the the faithful pastor was presiding over the local congregation by preaching over the local congregation by preaching over the local congregation by preaching the meaning of the text and applying the meaning of the text and applying the meaning of the text and applying that text to the to the people. So that text to the to the people. So that text to the to the people. So Protestants wanted that to happen too. Protestants wanted that to happen too. Protestants wanted that to happen too. But as you say, we've just got a ton But as you say, we've just got a ton But as you say, we've just got a ton more help than our forefathers had uh more help than our forefathers had uh more help than our forefathers had uh for reading the Bible. You have all for reading the Bible. You have all for reading the Bible. You have all sorts of resources that are reasonably sorts of resources that are reasonably sorts of resources that are reasonably priced and available to people to help priced and available to people to help priced and available to people to help them to read the Bible. And yet I think them to read the Bible. And yet I think them to read the Bible. And yet I think you and I would also agree probably you and I would also agree probably you and I would also agree probably most Christians in North America are most Christians in North America are most Christians in North America are reading their Bibles less than reading their Bibles less than reading their Bibles less than Christians were reading the Bible 50 Christians were reading the Bible 50 Christians were reading the Bible 50 years ago in North America. Uh that is years ago in North America. Uh that is years ago in North America. Uh that is they they may have 20 copies of the they they may have 20 copies of the they they may have 20 copies of the Bible at home and there there's probably Bible at home and there there's probably Bible at home and there there's probably not family Bible reading going on which not family Bible reading going on which not family Bible reading going on which would have been a lot more common 50 75

would have been a lot more common 50 75 would have been a lot more common 50 75 years ago than it is now. Uh there's years ago than it is now. Uh there's years ago than it is now. Uh there's probably only a certain percentage of probably only a certain percentage of probably only a certain percentage of our Bible, we're talking about Bible our Bible, we're talking about Bible our Bible, we're talking about Bible believing congregations here. I mean believing congregations here. I mean believing congregations here. I mean that's most most of the people that are that's most most of the people that are that's most most of the people that are listening to us are part of Bible listening to us are part of Bible listening to us are part of Bible believing congregations. But even there believing congregations. But even there believing congregations. But even there probably only 20 25% of the people are probably only 20 25% of the people are probably only 20 25% of the people are reading their Bibles regularly with some reading their Bibles regularly with some reading their Bibles regularly with some sort of plan week to week. And so we've sort of plan week to week. And so we've sort of plan week to week. And so we've got more resources than ever. But I and got more resources than ever. But I and got more resources than ever. But I and I can tell you this, seminary students I can tell you this, seminary students I can tell you this, seminary students are coming to seminary with less Bible are coming to seminary with less Bible are coming to seminary with less Bible knowledge than they than they used to knowledge than they than they used to knowledge than they than they used to have. And so I I I'm really glad you I have. And so I I I'm really glad you I have. And so I I I'm really glad you I want to give you the credit. You you want to give you the credit. You you want to give you the credit. You you picked this topic, but I've actually picked this topic, but I've actually picked this topic, but I've actually been thinking about this this week. How been thinking about this this week. How been thinking about this this week. How can I help seminary students read their can I help seminary students read their can I help seminary students read their Bibles better? Well, we we want to think Bibles better? Well, we we want to think Bibles better? Well, we we want to think as pastors, how do we help our people as pastors, how do we help our people as pastors, how do we help our people read the Bible better? But all of us read the Bible better? But all of us read the Bible better? But all of us need to to read our Bibles better. I I need to to read our Bibles better. I I need to to read our Bibles better. I I had just looked at that great Sinclair had just looked at that great Sinclair had just looked at that great Sinclair Ferguson quote from his ten commandments Ferguson quote from his ten commandments Ferguson quote from his ten commandments for preachers. And by the way, you can for preachers. And by the way, you can for preachers. And by the way, you can get that article on TGC's Thelios. He get that article on TGC's Thelios. He get that article on TGC's Thelios. He the that I think Carl Truman probably the that I think Carl Truman probably the that I think Carl Truman probably asked him to give that ar article to asked him to give that ar article to asked him to give that ar article to theosas many years ago and you can read theosas many years ago and you can read theosas many years ago and you can read it on that site. But he opens up the it on that site. But he opens up the it on that site. But he opens up the very first thing he says is know your very first thing he says is know your very first thing he says is know your Bibles better. And he here's here's this Bibles better. And he here's here's this Bibles better. And he here's here's this paragraph that just gripped me. He said, paragraph that just gripped me. He said, paragraph that just gripped me. He said, "As an observer as well as a

"As an observer as well as a "As an observer as well as a practitioner of preaching, I am troubled practitioner of preaching, I am troubled practitioner of preaching, I am troubled and perplexed by hearing men with and perplexed by hearing men with and perplexed by hearing men with wonderful equipment, humanly speaking, wonderful equipment, humanly speaking, wonderful equipment, humanly speaking, ability to speak, charismatic ability to speak, charismatic ability to speak, charismatic personality and so on, who seem to be personality and so on, who seem to be personality and so on, who seem to be incapable of simply preaching the incapable of simply preaching the incapable of simply preaching the scriptures. somehow they have not first scriptures. somehow they have not first scriptures. somehow they have not first invaded and gripped them. And uh and I invaded and gripped them. And uh and I invaded and gripped them. And uh and I think a lot of that is the Bible hasn't think a lot of that is the Bible hasn't think a lot of that is the Bible hasn't been taught particularly well in you been taught particularly well in you been taught particularly well in you know broadly evangelical churches over know broadly evangelical churches over know broadly evangelical churches over the last 50 years as opposed to the way the last 50 years as opposed to the way the last 50 years as opposed to the way that it would have been taught in the that it would have been taught in the that it would have been taught in the previous 50 years uh in the churches. previous 50 years uh in the churches. previous 50 years uh in the churches. And so Bible reading is a that that And so Bible reading is a that that And so Bible reading is a that that that's a passion for me helping people that's a passion for me helping people that's a passion for me helping people read their Bibles better. I care about read their Bibles better. I care about read their Bibles better. I care about that for seminary students. I care about that for seminary students. I care about that for seminary students. I care about that for church members. And I'm really that for church members. And I'm really that for church members. And I'm really glad you've chosen this as a topic, glad you've chosen this as a topic, glad you've chosen this as a topic, Matt. Yeah. I love how you kind of Matt. Yeah. I love how you kind of Matt. Yeah. I love how you kind of showed us how historically uh we have in showed us how historically uh we have in showed us how historically uh we have in light of the historical record, we have light of the historical record, we have light of the historical record, we have an embarrassment of riches today. And an embarrassment of riches today. And an embarrassment of riches today. And yet, how often do we not access those yet, how often do we not access those yet, how often do we not access those riches? It's easy to think about riches? It's easy to think about riches? It's easy to think about miracles in the Bible, but I think we miracles in the Bible, but I think we miracles in the Bible, but I think we want to help our people realize first want to help our people realize first want to help our people realize first and foremost the miracle of the Bible.

and foremost the miracle of the Bible. and foremost the miracle of the Bible. That meaning the miracle that is the That meaning the miracle that is the That meaning the miracle that is the Bible. The fact that we have a talkative Bible. The fact that we have a talkative Bible. The fact that we have a talkative God. Um that the the God who is there, God. Um that the the God who is there, God. Um that the the God who is there, the God who made us is a God who has the God who made us is a God who has the God who made us is a God who has forfeited his personal privacy in order forfeited his personal privacy in order forfeited his personal privacy in order to reveal himself to us in his son and to reveal himself to us in his son and to reveal himself to us in his son and in the pages of his word. And really, in the pages of his word. And really, in the pages of his word. And really, there's only two options at the end of there's only two options at the end of there's only two options at the end of the day. Either speculation or the day. Either speculation or the day. Either speculation or revelation. Either either we're a drift revelation. Either either we're a drift revelation. Either either we're a drift in a sea of speculation or God pierces in a sea of speculation or God pierces in a sea of speculation or God pierces through uh our ignorance and our wishful through uh our ignorance and our wishful through uh our ignorance and our wishful thinking and our idolatry and tells us thinking and our idolatry and tells us thinking and our idolatry and tells us who he actually is. And who he actually is. And who he actually is. And >> so it's one of the greatest privileges >> so it's one of the greatest privileges >> so it's one of the greatest privileges of my life as I pastor my congregation of my life as I pastor my congregation of my life as I pastor my congregation here in Richmond, Virginia to not just here in Richmond, Virginia to not just here in Richmond, Virginia to not just preach sermons to them that hopefully preach sermons to them that hopefully preach sermons to them that hopefully will edify them, but also model for them will edify them, but also model for them will edify them, but also model for them a way of approaching God's word that a way of approaching God's word that a way of approaching God's word that they can carry with them into the week they can carry with them into the week they can carry with them into the week as they walk faithfully and intimately as they walk faithfully and intimately as they walk faithfully and intimately with this communicative um and loving with this communicative um and loving with this communicative um and loving God. when you pastored Lig um at First God. when you pastored Lig um at First God. when you pastored Lig um at First Pres Jackson, how did you go about Pres Jackson, how did you go about Pres Jackson, how did you go about practically promoting biblical literacy practically promoting biblical literacy practically promoting biblical literacy among your congregation?

among your congregation? among your congregation? >> Well, let let me say that my successor, >> Well, let let me say that my successor, >> Well, let let me say that my successor, David Strain, is a younger man. He's David Strain, is a younger man. He's David Strain, is a younger man. He's he's your age, Matt, has done a better he's your age, Matt, has done a better he's your age, Matt, has done a better job than I I did. They're they're really job than I I did. They're they're really job than I I did. They're they're really doing a good job of promoting doing a good job of promoting doing a good job of promoting congregational Bible reading there. congregational Bible reading there. congregational Bible reading there. They're they're doing themes each year They're they're doing themes each year They're they're doing themes each year and handing out helps to the and handing out helps to the and handing out helps to the congregation. So, let me just hats off congregation. So, let me just hats off congregation. So, let me just hats off to him. He's done a better job than I to him. He's done a better job than I to him. He's done a better job than I did. But what what what I did try to do did. But what what what I did try to do did. But what what what I did try to do is number one, we tried to have a Bible is number one, we tried to have a Bible is number one, we tried to have a Bible reading plan for public work uh public reading plan for public work uh public reading plan for public work uh public worship services just like we had a worship services just like we had a worship services just like we had a preaching plan for public worship just preaching plan for public worship just preaching plan for public worship just to get people into the Bible. So if you to get people into the Bible. So if you to get people into the Bible. So if you were coming Sunday morning, Sunday were coming Sunday morning, Sunday were coming Sunday morning, Sunday evening or Wednesday night, you were evening or Wednesday night, you were evening or Wednesday night, you were getting steady drip of a of a getting steady drip of a of a getting steady drip of a of a consecutive Bible reading plan in the consecutive Bible reading plan in the consecutive Bible reading plan in the public services of worship because we public services of worship because we public services of worship because we wanted them to touch on all of the parts wanted them to touch on all of the parts wanted them to touch on all of the parts of the Bible. We tried to, you know, we of the Bible. We tried to, you know, we of the Bible. We tried to, you know, we tried to balance out the preaching, Old tried to balance out the preaching, Old tried to balance out the preaching, Old Testament, New Testament, history, um, Testament, New Testament, history, um, Testament, New Testament, history, um, doctrine, gospels, epistles, you know, doctrine, gospels, epistles, you know, doctrine, gospels, epistles, you know, we tried to do that kind of thinking as we tried to do that kind of thinking as we tried to do that kind of thinking as we were thinking about the preaching, we were thinking about the preaching, we were thinking about the preaching, but we also tried to think about that in but we also tried to think about that in but we also tried to think about that in terms of the public reading. And then we terms of the public reading. And then we terms of the public reading. And then we we encouraged disciplehip groups. And we encouraged disciplehip groups. And we encouraged disciplehip groups. And there were a lot of people working there were a lot of people working there were a lot of people working through the scripture in disciplehip through the scripture in disciplehip through the scripture in disciplehip groups. And I even I led a I I led a groups. And I even I led a I I led a groups. And I even I led a I I led a small group from the very uh early days small group from the very uh early days small group from the very uh early days that I was there at the church. And uh that I was there at the church. And uh that I was there at the church. And uh the the men that were in that group with the the men that were in that group with the the men that were in that group with me, all of them ended up being officers

me, all of them ended up being officers me, all of them ended up being officers in the church. And we studied the in the church. And we studied the in the church. And we studied the scriptures together. And we encourage scriptures together. And we encourage scriptures together. And we encourage that kind of of study of the scripture that kind of of study of the scripture that kind of of study of the scripture outside of the public worship of the outside of the public worship of the outside of the public worship of the church as well as encouraging people to church as well as encouraging people to church as well as encouraging people to read the scriptures with their families. read the scriptures with their families. read the scriptures with their families. And um we had a lot of people that very And um we had a lot of people that very And um we had a lot of people that very faithfully uh did that as a kid. Uh you faithfully uh did that as a kid. Uh you faithfully uh did that as a kid. Uh you know, things like the Robert Murray know, things like the Robert Murray know, things like the Robert Murray McShane Bible reading plan was something McShane Bible reading plan was something McShane Bible reading plan was something that helped me. And so we, you know, that helped me. And so we, you know, that helped me. And so we, you know, every year I would remind people that every year I would remind people that every year I would remind people that TGC and Justin Taylor and Ligonier TGC and Justin Taylor and Ligonier TGC and Justin Taylor and Ligonier Ministries and a lot of these other Ministries and a lot of these other Ministries and a lot of these other wonderful Bible believing organizations wonderful Bible believing organizations wonderful Bible believing organizations will put out Bible reading plans at the will put out Bible reading plans at the will put out Bible reading plans at the beginning of the year so that you can beginning of the year so that you can beginning of the year so that you can have a plan for reading through the have a plan for reading through the have a plan for reading through the scriptures. And we tried to make that scriptures. And we tried to make that scriptures. And we tried to make that available through the church library and available through the church library and available through the church library and the church bookstore to encourage people the church bookstore to encourage people the church bookstore to encourage people to read the Bible. What What do you do to read the Bible. What What do you do to read the Bible. What What do you do at your church to help Bible reading? at your church to help Bible reading? at your church to help Bible reading? Matt, Matt, Matt, >> a lot of different things. I mean, right >> a lot of different things. I mean, right >> a lot of different things. I mean, right now we have a Sunday school class on now we have a Sunday school class on now we have a Sunday school class on this very topic, teaching people how to this very topic, teaching people how to this very topic, teaching people how to read the Bible. Uh, so kind of a read the Bible. Uh, so kind of a read the Bible. Uh, so kind of a hermeneutics 101 offering. Uh because hermeneutics 101 offering. Uh because hermeneutics 101 offering. Uh because the Bible, I think for many is just an the Bible, I think for many is just an the Bible, I think for many is just an intimidating book and a lot of it is intimidating book and a lot of it is intimidating book and a lot of it is difficult to understand. And we're not difficult to understand. And we're not difficult to understand. And we're not even just talking about the Old even just talking about the Old even just talking about the Old Testament. Of course, the Apostle Peter Testament. Of course, the Apostle Peter Testament. Of course, the Apostle Peter thought Paul could be difficult to thought Paul could be difficult to thought Paul could be difficult to understand. And so, understand. And so, understand. And so, >> um I'm just wanting to give people >> um I'm just wanting to give people >> um I'm just wanting to give people through this class, which I'm actually through this class, which I'm actually through this class, which I'm actually not teaching, but through this class and not teaching, but through this class and not teaching, but through this class and and through other offerings, um a sense and through other offerings, um a sense and through other offerings, um a sense that no, this is actually you you

that no, this is actually you you that no, this is actually you you mentioned the necessity of scripture. We mentioned the necessity of scripture. We mentioned the necessity of scripture. We also believe in the clarity of also believe in the clarity of also believe in the clarity of scripture. Um, and that's not to say scripture. Um, and that's not to say scripture. Um, and that's not to say that everything in the Bible is equally that everything in the Bible is equally that everything in the Bible is equally understandable. Uh, you and I have understandable. Uh, you and I have understandable. Uh, you and I have differences over things, um, which, uh, differences over things, um, which, uh, differences over things, um, which, uh, are debated and have long been debated are debated and have long been debated are debated and have long been debated in, uh, church history. And yet, I want in, uh, church history. And yet, I want in, uh, church history. And yet, I want my people to realize that they don't my people to realize that they don't my people to realize that they don't have to go through me. Um, they don't have to go through me. Um, they don't have to go through me. Um, they don't have to get a seminary degree in order have to get a seminary degree in order have to get a seminary degree in order to hear from God and put his word into to hear from God and put his word into to hear from God and put his word into practice. And um one of the things I I I practice. And um one of the things I I I practice. And um one of the things I I I recently preached a sermon on Psalm 1. recently preached a sermon on Psalm 1. recently preached a sermon on Psalm 1. And there's that that classic image of And there's that that classic image of And there's that that classic image of the tree planted by the riverbank um and the tree planted by the riverbank um and the tree planted by the riverbank um and the the blessed man delighting in God by the the blessed man delighting in God by the the blessed man delighting in God by meditating on his law day and night. And meditating on his law day and night. And meditating on his law day and night. And I had recently read a book by the church I had recently read a book by the church I had recently read a book by the church historian Matthew Bingham called A Heart historian Matthew Bingham called A Heart historian Matthew Bingham called A Heart of Flame for God, a reformed approach to of Flame for God, a reformed approach to of Flame for God, a reformed approach to spiritual formation, which Crossway spiritual formation, which Crossway spiritual formation, which Crossway published this year. And I told the published this year. And I told the published this year. And I told the congregation how that book really helped congregation how that book really helped congregation how that book really helped me realize that in what he calls the me realize that in what he calls the me realize that in what he calls the kind of reformation triangle of kind of reformation triangle of kind of reformation triangle of scripture, prayer, and meditation, that scripture, prayer, and meditation, that scripture, prayer, and meditation, that that third one, meditation, has often that third one, meditation, has often that third one, meditation, has often been the missing link in my own been the missing link in my own been the missing link in my own devotional life. Um, I've I've read the devotional life. Um, I've I've read the devotional life. Um, I've I've read the Bible and I've thrown up a prayer, but I Bible and I've thrown up a prayer, but I Bible and I've thrown up a prayer, but I haven't taken the time to actually press haven't taken the time to actually press haven't taken the time to actually press the truth of God deep into my heart

the truth of God deep into my heart the truth of God deep into my heart until it warms my soul and kind of until it warms my soul and kind of until it warms my soul and kind of catches fire there. I shared this this catches fire there. I shared this this catches fire there. I shared this this quote, maybe you're familiar with this quote, maybe you're familiar with this quote, maybe you're familiar with this one, lig I I only came across it one, lig I I only came across it one, lig I I only came across it recently in in 1560 when the Geneva recently in in 1560 when the Geneva recently in in 1560 when the Geneva Bible was published. There's an Bible was published. There's an Bible was published. There's an introductory letter to the reader and it introductory letter to the reader and it introductory letter to the reader and it describes scripture beautifully as quote describes scripture beautifully as quote describes scripture beautifully as quote the light to our paths, the key of the the light to our paths, the key of the the light to our paths, the key of the kingdom of heaven, our comfort in kingdom of heaven, our comfort in kingdom of heaven, our comfort in affliction, our shield and sword against affliction, our shield and sword against affliction, our shield and sword against Satan, the school of all wisdom, the Satan, the school of all wisdom, the Satan, the school of all wisdom, the glass wherein we behold God's face, the glass wherein we behold God's face, the glass wherein we behold God's face, the testimony of his favor, and the only testimony of his favor, and the only testimony of his favor, and the only food and nourishment of our souls. And food and nourishment of our souls. And food and nourishment of our souls. And we can say to that, amen and amen. But we can say to that, amen and amen. But we can say to that, amen and amen. But it's not just a general summons to read it's not just a general summons to read it's not just a general summons to read our Bibles, but a specific call to our Bibles, but a specific call to our Bibles, but a specific call to meditate. So talk a little bit about meditate. So talk a little bit about meditate. So talk a little bit about that missing link perhaps in many of our that missing link perhaps in many of our that missing link perhaps in many of our devotional lives. Uh the the role of devotional lives. Uh the the role of devotional lives. Uh the the role of meditation in uh accessing the full meditation in uh accessing the full meditation in uh accessing the full riches of God's word. Well, I let me let riches of God's word. Well, I let me let riches of God's word. Well, I let me let me give credit where credit is due. It me give credit where credit is due. It me give credit where credit is due. It was probably Ji Packer in his writings was probably Ji Packer in his writings was probably Ji Packer in his writings that made me aware of this um as a that made me aware of this um as a that made me aware of this um as a teenager and a young adult. uh Packer teenager and a young adult. uh Packer teenager and a young adult. uh Packer had pointed out that this emphasis on had pointed out that this emphasis on had pointed out that this emphasis on meditation on the scriptures, meditation meditation on the scriptures, meditation meditation on the scriptures, meditation on the truth of God's word, meditation on the truth of God's word, meditation on the truth of God's word, meditation on God and u and divine things was a

on God and u and divine things was a on God and u and divine things was a very important part of Puritan very important part of Puritan very important part of Puritan spirituality and that it was largely spirituality and that it was largely spirituality and that it was largely lost uh on you know 20th century uh uh lost uh on you know 20th century uh uh lost uh on you know 20th century uh uh North American folks and so a lot of North American folks and so a lot of North American folks and so a lot of Packer's writings And you'll get this in Packer's writings And you'll get this in Packer's writings And you'll get this in that collected writing of his uh the a that collected writing of his uh the a that collected writing of his uh the a quest for godliness which is his Puritan quest for godliness which is his Puritan quest for godliness which is his Puritan vision of the Christian life. He he vision of the Christian life. He he vision of the Christian life. He he addresses this issue of meditation. And addresses this issue of meditation. And addresses this issue of meditation. And he he says you know in our day and age he he says you know in our day and age he he says you know in our day and age when we hear meditation we think of some when we hear meditation we think of some when we hear meditation we think of some sort of eastern transcendental sort of eastern transcendental sort of eastern transcendental meditation type thing in where you empty meditation type thing in where you empty meditation type thing in where you empty your mind and you become one with the your mind and you become one with the your mind and you become one with the universe. That's not what the Puritans universe. That's not what the Puritans universe. That's not what the Puritans are talking about. They're talking about are talking about. They're talking about are talking about. They're talking about taking the scriptures and turning them taking the scriptures and turning them taking the scriptures and turning them over and over and over in our minds and over and over and over in our minds and over and over and over in our minds and uh and and working to see the truth of uh and and working to see the truth of uh and and working to see the truth of the scriptures applied in our hearts and the scriptures applied in our hearts and the scriptures applied in our hearts and to come to a deeper spiritual to come to a deeper spiritual to come to a deeper spiritual understanding of the meaning and understanding of the meaning and understanding of the meaning and significance of scripture. And so that significance of scripture. And so that significance of scripture. And so that Packer was my first introdu in Packer was my first introdu in Packer was my first introdu in introduction to that thought when when I introduction to that thought when when I introduction to that thought when when I was a young man and he has continued to was a young man and he has continued to was a young man and he has continued to be a guide to me uh ever since. Now it be a guide to me uh ever since. Now it be a guide to me uh ever since. Now it seems to me that you do a little bit of seems to me that you do a little bit of seems to me that you do a little bit of this in your book. You wrote a little this in your book. You wrote a little this in your book. You wrote a little book called Before We Open our Bibles, book called Before We Open our Bibles, book called Before We Open our Bibles, something like that, where you're something like that, where you're something like that, where you're talking about sort of the heart attitude talking about sort of the heart attitude talking about sort of the heart attitude you need to have before you start you need to have before you start you need to have before you start studying the scripture. Are you are you studying the scripture. Are you are you studying the scripture. Are you are you trying to give some direction in that uh

trying to give some direction in that uh trying to give some direction in that uh uh in in that book, Matt? Yes, because uh in in that book, Matt? Yes, because uh in in that book, Matt? Yes, because there's a lot of great resources out there's a lot of great resources out there's a lot of great resources out there on hermeneutics, on teaching there on hermeneutics, on teaching there on hermeneutics, on teaching people how to study their Bibles, but I people how to study their Bibles, but I people how to study their Bibles, but I didn't know of a accessible resource on didn't know of a accessible resource on didn't know of a accessible resource on kind of how to get people even to that kind of how to get people even to that kind of how to get people even to that starting line because so often, as I starting line because so often, as I starting line because so often, as I mentioned earlier, I think the obstacles mentioned earlier, I think the obstacles mentioned earlier, I think the obstacles are in the realm of, oh, I'm intimidated are in the realm of, oh, I'm intimidated are in the realm of, oh, I'm intimidated by this book, or I'm bored, I've grown by this book, or I'm bored, I've grown by this book, or I'm bored, I've grown bored by this book. Um, and so as a way bored by this book. Um, and so as a way bored by this book. Um, and so as a way of revisiting the riches, um, I I wrote of revisiting the riches, um, I I wrote of revisiting the riches, um, I I wrote the little book to help us think about the little book to help us think about the little book to help us think about nine different heart postures that are nine different heart postures that are nine different heart postures that are necessary in order to rightly approach necessary in order to rightly approach necessary in order to rightly approach God's word. Um, and uh, it it's a it's a God's word. Um, and uh, it it's a it's a God's word. Um, and uh, it it's a it's a book that can be read in one or two book that can be read in one or two book that can be read in one or two sittings. It's small and it's cheap and sittings. It's small and it's cheap and sittings. It's small and it's cheap and it's easy to give away um, in in bulk. it's easy to give away um, in in bulk. it's easy to give away um, in in bulk. And I've been encouraged to hear of some And I've been encouraged to hear of some And I've been encouraged to hear of some churches doing that. So, so give us a churches doing that. So, so give us a churches doing that. So, so give us a little taste of that. I mean, what are little taste of that. I mean, what are little taste of that. I mean, what are what are some of the things that you what are some of the things that you what are some of the things that you suggest to people? Uh, we I we we should suggest to people? Uh, we I we we should suggest to people? Uh, we I we we should definitely talk about the helps that are definitely talk about the helps that are definitely talk about the helps that are out there to help them read the Bible out there to help them read the Bible out there to help them read the Bible and understand the Bible, but this is and understand the Bible, but this is and understand the Bible, but this is important. So, give us a little taste of important. So, give us a little taste of important. So, give us a little taste of some of the things that you say in that some of the things that you say in that some of the things that you say in that book. It's kind of straightforward if I book. It's kind of straightforward if I book. It's kind of straightforward if I just if I just share the the table of just if I just share the the table of just if I just share the the table of contents. So, approaching before you contents. So, approaching before you contents. So, approaching before you open your Bible, um, which basically open your Bible, um, which basically open your Bible, um, which basically consists of approaching God's word first consists of approaching God's word first consists of approaching God's word first and foremost prayerfully. Um Spurgeon and foremost prayerfully. Um Spurgeon and foremost prayerfully. Um Spurgeon talked about prayer being the key that talked about prayer being the key that talked about prayer being the key that unlocks the wonders of scripture to us.

unlocks the wonders of scripture to us. unlocks the wonders of scripture to us. Um approaching God's word prayerfully, Um approaching God's word prayerfully, Um approaching God's word prayerfully, approaching your Bible humbly. Uh which approaching your Bible humbly. Uh which approaching your Bible humbly. Uh which is with that mindset I mentioned earlier is with that mindset I mentioned earlier is with that mindset I mentioned earlier of understanding that uh we didn't of understanding that uh we didn't of understanding that uh we didn't deserve God's revelation. He could have deserve God's revelation. He could have deserve God's revelation. He could have left us in our ignorance, in our sin, left us in our ignorance, in our sin, left us in our ignorance, in our sin, but he has initiated a relationship by but he has initiated a relationship by but he has initiated a relationship by speaking to us. Uh and he sets the speaking to us. Uh and he sets the speaking to us. Uh and he sets the terms. approach your Bible desperately, terms. approach your Bible desperately, terms. approach your Bible desperately, understanding that man does not live on understanding that man does not live on understanding that man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that bread alone, but on every word that bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. So, so we comes from the mouth of God. So, so we comes from the mouth of God. So, so we need God's word or we will wither and need God's word or we will wither and need God's word or we will wither and die spiritually. Um, approaching God's die spiritually. Um, approaching God's die spiritually. Um, approaching God's word studiously. And this is where I'm word studiously. And this is where I'm word studiously. And this is where I'm trying to encourage us, not just those trying to encourage us, not just those trying to encourage us, not just those of us with seminary degrees, but every of us with seminary degrees, but every of us with seminary degrees, but every Christian to think of themsel as a Christian to think of themsel as a Christian to think of themsel as a theologian in the sense that we're all theologian in the sense that we're all theologian in the sense that we're all um intended to go deep into God's word, um intended to go deep into God's word, um intended to go deep into God's word, think big thoughts about him in light of think big thoughts about him in light of think big thoughts about him in light of how he's revealed himself. uh how he's revealed himself. uh how he's revealed himself. uh approaching it obediently and joyfully approaching it obediently and joyfully approaching it obediently and joyfully and realizing that those two things go and realizing that those two things go and realizing that those two things go together. That actually the path of together. That actually the path of together. That actually the path of holiness is the path of joy. Um holiness is the path of joy. Um holiness is the path of joy. Um approaching it expectantly. Uh that approaching it expectantly. Uh that approaching it expectantly. Uh that knowing that God loves to work wonders knowing that God loves to work wonders knowing that God loves to work wonders when people open his word even even when people open his word even even when people open his word even even taking them by surprise. I mean I think taking them by surprise. I mean I think taking them by surprise. I mean I think RC Sproul was converted by a obscure RC Sproul was converted by a obscure RC Sproul was converted by a obscure verse in Ecclesiastes about you know a verse in Ecclesiastes about you know a verse in Ecclesiastes about you know a tree falling and people do you know what tree falling and people do you know what tree falling and people do you know what verse I'm talking about league uh where

verse I'm talking about league uh where verse I'm talking about league uh where the tree falls there it lies or the tree falls there it lies or the tree falls there it lies or something like that the Lord used to something like that the Lord used to something like that the Lord used to arrest RC and help him realize that he arrest RC and help him realize that he arrest RC and help him realize that he was like that that piece of dead useless was like that that piece of dead useless was like that that piece of dead useless wood and he needed to give his life to wood and he needed to give his life to wood and he needed to give his life to something greater than himself approach something greater than himself approach something greater than himself approach approaching your Bible communally. So, approaching your Bible communally. So, approaching your Bible communally. So, it's not meant to just be an it's not meant to just be an it's not meant to just be an individualistic me and Jesus endeavor, individualistic me and Jesus endeavor, individualistic me and Jesus endeavor, but we need to read our Bibles in light but we need to read our Bibles in light but we need to read our Bibles in light of um the riches of church history and of um the riches of church history and of um the riches of church history and in the context of a covenant community in the context of a covenant community in the context of a covenant community in the local church. And then finally, in the local church. And then finally, in the local church. And then finally, approaching our Bible cristocentrically, approaching our Bible cristocentrically, approaching our Bible cristocentrically, understanding that ultimately there is understanding that ultimately there is understanding that ultimately there is one plot, one hero, and one point, and one plot, one hero, and one point, and one plot, one hero, and one point, and that is the Lord Jesus Christ. So, if that is the Lord Jesus Christ. So, if that is the Lord Jesus Christ. So, if that's a resource that could be helpful that's a resource that could be helpful that's a resource that could be helpful for your people, um it's called before for your people, um it's called before for your people, um it's called before you open your Bible. But that's before you open your Bible. But that's before you open your Bible. But that's before you open your Bible. Um what about lig you open your Bible. Um what about lig you open your Bible. Um what about lig when people have opened their Bible? Uh when people have opened their Bible? Uh when people have opened their Bible? Uh what's some general counsel that pastors what's some general counsel that pastors what's some general counsel that pastors can be regularly modeling but also can be regularly modeling but also can be regularly modeling but also telling their people when it comes to telling their people when it comes to telling their people when it comes to reading their Bibles responsibly? I reading their Bibles responsibly? I reading their Bibles responsibly? I think one thing is that the Bible needs think one thing is that the Bible needs think one thing is that the Bible needs to be read in public worship so that to be read in public worship so that to be read in public worship so that people can actually understand the flow people can actually understand the flow people can actually understand the flow of the passage. And uh and that means of the passage. And uh and that means of the passage. And uh and that means you don't rush through it. You know, you don't rush through it. You know, you don't rush through it. You know, you've you've got to read it like it's you've you've got to read it like it's you've you've got to read it like it's going to be listened to be comprehended.

going to be listened to be comprehended. going to be listened to be comprehended. And if you'll just do that, uh very And if you'll just do that, uh very And if you'll just do that, uh very often it's the pastor doing a lot of the often it's the pastor doing a lot of the often it's the pastor doing a lot of the reading. Even if you have other people reading. Even if you have other people reading. Even if you have other people doing it, the pastor ought to work with doing it, the pastor ought to work with doing it, the pastor ought to work with them. so that they are able to read the them. so that they are able to read the them. so that they are able to read the Bible really well. And then you you Bible really well. And then you you Bible really well. And then you you instruct the people how to listen to instruct the people how to listen to instruct the people how to listen to that. You ought to be able to listen to that. You ought to be able to listen to that. You ought to be able to listen to a passage read out loud and and a passage read out loud and and a passage read out loud and and understand the basic argument of the understand the basic argument of the understand the basic argument of the passage. And if you do that as a pastor passage. And if you do that as a pastor passage. And if you do that as a pastor in the local congregation, it's actually in the local congregation, it's actually in the local congregation, it's actually going to help your people read the Bible going to help your people read the Bible going to help your people read the Bible better. They'll go, "Oh, wow. That better. They'll go, "Oh, wow. That better. They'll go, "Oh, wow. That actually there's an argument there in actually there's an argument there in actually there's an argument there in that passage that I can follow." Uh I that passage that I can follow." Uh I that passage that I can follow." Uh I think the other thing you you've you've think the other thing you you've you've think the other thing you you've you've already mentioned this. If a pastor is already mentioned this. If a pastor is already mentioned this. If a pastor is preaching from the Bible and explaining preaching from the Bible and explaining preaching from the Bible and explaining the Bible, people will go, "Okay, I see the Bible, people will go, "Okay, I see the Bible, people will go, "Okay, I see where the pastor got that from." I, you where the pastor got that from." I, you where the pastor got that from." I, you know, the pastor isn't just some wizard know, the pastor isn't just some wizard know, the pastor isn't just some wizard that pulled a rabbit out of the hat. He that pulled a rabbit out of the hat. He that pulled a rabbit out of the hat. He actually is showing me where he's actually is showing me where he's actually is showing me where he's getting the idea from. That's that's a getting the idea from. That's that's a getting the idea from. That's that's a huge help. But I do think there are huge help. But I do think there are huge help. But I do think there are really good popular tools now to help us really good popular tools now to help us really good popular tools now to help us get some basic principles of get some basic principles of get some basic principles of interpreting the Bible that help us. I interpreting the Bible that help us. I interpreting the Bible that help us. I like to remind people that the Bible is like to remind people that the Bible is like to remind people that the Bible is one book, that it's two books, and it's one book, that it's two books, and it's one book, that it's two books, and it's a library of 66 books, at least in a library of 66 books, at least in a library of 66 books, at least in English. And by by saying that, I'm I'm English. And by by saying that, I'm I'm English. And by by saying that, I'm I'm wanting to emphasize this, you may think wanting to emphasize this, you may think wanting to emphasize this, you may think that the Bible is this disjointed, that the Bible is this disjointed, that the Bible is this disjointed, you know, set of unrelated, but it's you know, set of unrelated, but it's you know, set of unrelated, but it's actually one book. And Jesus himself actually one book. And Jesus himself actually one book. And Jesus himself said, "The whole book is about God's

said, "The whole book is about God's said, "The whole book is about God's plan of salvation through me." Jesus plan of salvation through me." Jesus plan of salvation through me." Jesus himself in Luke 24 twice. First he says himself in Luke 24 twice. First he says himself in Luke 24 twice. First he says it to the disciples on the road to it to the disciples on the road to it to the disciples on the road to Emmas. Then he says it to the disciples Emmas. Then he says it to the disciples Emmas. Then he says it to the disciples in the upper room that the scriptures in the upper room that the scriptures in the upper room that the scriptures are about me. So it that should are about me. So it that should are about me. So it that should encourage us when we're reading through encourage us when we're reading through encourage us when we're reading through Leviticus and we're going, "Oh my Leviticus and we're going, "Oh my Leviticus and we're going, "Oh my heavens, what in the world is this about heavens, what in the world is this about heavens, what in the world is this about or we're reading through Deuteronomy or or we're reading through Deuteronomy or or we're reading through Deuteronomy or we're reading through Judges or we're we're reading through Judges or we're we're reading through Judges or we're reading through Second Kings." reading through Second Kings." reading through Second Kings." Ultimately, the whole book is about God Ultimately, the whole book is about God Ultimately, the whole book is about God and it's about God's plan of salvation and it's about God's plan of salvation and it's about God's plan of salvation through Jesus. And so Jesus encourages through Jesus. And so Jesus encourages through Jesus. And so Jesus encourages us not to view the Bible as a book us not to view the Bible as a book us not to view the Bible as a book that's about all these disperate, that's about all these disperate, that's about all these disperate, unrelated topics. It's about one thing. unrelated topics. It's about one thing. unrelated topics. It's about one thing. It's one book, but it's also two books. It's one book, but it's also two books. It's one book, but it's also two books. It's it's an Old Testament and a New It's it's an Old Testament and a New It's it's an Old Testament and a New Testament. It's before Christ and and Testament. It's before Christ and and Testament. It's before Christ and and after Christ. And uh and that's it's after Christ. And uh and that's it's after Christ. And uh and that's it's very important to understand how those very important to understand how those very important to understand how those two things uh fit. Our our mutual friend two things uh fit. Our our mutual friend two things uh fit. Our our mutual friend Mark Dever did a sermon series on every Mark Dever did a sermon series on every Mark Dever did a sermon series on every book of the Bible that got published book of the Bible that got published book of the Bible that got published into two volumes. And he titled into two volumes. And he titled into two volumes. And he titled subtitled the first volume promises made subtitled the first volume promises made subtitled the first volume promises made and the second volume promises kept. Old and the second volume promises kept. Old and the second volume promises kept. Old Testament promises Made New Testament Testament promises Made New Testament Testament promises Made New Testament promises kept. And that by the way you promises kept. And that by the way you promises kept. And that by the way you can our our listeners can get that from can our our listeners can get that from can our our listeners can get that from Crossway. It's called the message of the Crossway. It's called the message of the Crossway. It's called the message of the Old Testament and the message of the New Old Testament and the message of the New Old Testament and the message of the New Testament. By the way, that's one of the Testament. By the way, that's one of the Testament. By the way, that's one of the things I would recommend people do if things I would recommend people do if things I would recommend people do if they want to learn how to read the Bible they want to learn how to read the Bible they want to learn how to read the Bible better. Read some Bible book surveys or

better. Read some Bible book surveys or better. Read some Bible book surveys or sermons on Bible books. I tried to do it sermons on Bible books. I tried to do it sermons on Bible books. I tried to do it like Mark did it. I'm not good at it. like Mark did it. I'm not good at it. like Mark did it. I'm not good at it. Mark is really good at overviewing one Mark is really good at overviewing one Mark is really good at overviewing one Bible book in one sermon. Crossway just Bible book in one sermon. Crossway just Bible book in one sermon. Crossway just reprinted those and I believe Sinclair reprinted those and I believe Sinclair reprinted those and I believe Sinclair Ferguson did the Ford for the Old Ferguson did the Ford for the Old Ferguson did the Ford for the Old Testament volume and Tom Shriner for the Testament volume and Tom Shriner for the Testament volume and Tom Shriner for the New Testament volume New Testament volume New Testament volume >> and and so that I find that kind of >> and and so that I find that kind of >> and and so that I find that kind of resource really helpful. You sort you resource really helpful. You sort you resource really helpful. You sort you say, "Okay, that's what Isaiah is about. say, "Okay, that's what Isaiah is about. say, "Okay, that's what Isaiah is about. Oh, that's what Jonah is about. Oh, Oh, that's what Jonah is about. Oh, Oh, that's what Jonah is about. Oh, that's what Micah is about." And that that's what Micah is about." And that that's what Micah is about." And that helps you as you read through the Bible. helps you as you read through the Bible. helps you as you read through the Bible. Well, I think one thing we need to say Well, I think one thing we need to say Well, I think one thing we need to say as pastors to our people, they're going as pastors to our people, they're going as pastors to our people, they're going to run into things in the Bible where to run into things in the Bible where to run into things in the Bible where they go, "I have no idea what that they go, "I have no idea what that they go, "I have no idea what that meant." That that's okay. It's okay to meant." That that's okay. It's okay to meant." That that's okay. It's okay to read a chapter and scratch your head and read a chapter and scratch your head and read a chapter and scratch your head and say, "I think I understood about 10% of say, "I think I understood about 10% of say, "I think I understood about 10% of that." Keep on reading. That's I mean, that." Keep on reading. That's I mean, that." Keep on reading. That's I mean, that's that's still my experience that's that's still my experience that's that's still my experience sometimes that I read parts of the Bible sometimes that I read parts of the Bible sometimes that I read parts of the Bible and I think I have no idea what that and I think I have no idea what that and I think I have no idea what that means. And I I still as many times as means. And I I still as many times as means. And I I still as many times as I've read the Bible, I still am learning I've read the Bible, I still am learning I've read the Bible, I still am learning the meaning of certain sections of the the meaning of certain sections of the the meaning of certain sections of the Bible. And I think to myself, how do I Bible. And I think to myself, how do I Bible. And I think to myself, how do I how did I not know that before? Because how did I not know that before? Because how did I not know that before? Because I've read this so many times. So I want I've read this so many times. So I want I've read this so many times. So I want to remind people the Bible is one book.

to remind people the Bible is one book. to remind people the Bible is one book. It's two books, but it's also a library It's two books, but it's also a library It's two books, but it's also a library of books. And that's where you mentioned of books. And that's where you mentioned of books. And that's where you mentioned the idea of different literary genres, the idea of different literary genres, the idea of different literary genres, different types of writing. You need to different types of writing. You need to different types of writing. You need to know when you're reading history. You know when you're reading history. You know when you're reading history. You need to know when you're reading poetry. need to know when you're reading poetry. need to know when you're reading poetry. You need to know when you're reading You need to know when you're reading You need to know when you're reading something that is didactic. It's meant something that is didactic. It's meant something that is didactic. It's meant to teach something. It's meant to teach to teach something. It's meant to teach to teach something. It's meant to teach doctrine or living. You need to know the doctrine or living. You need to know the doctrine or living. You need to know the difference between wisdom literature difference between wisdom literature difference between wisdom literature that um is is not setting down a bunch that um is is not setting down a bunch that um is is not setting down a bunch of commands, but it's actually talking of commands, but it's actually talking of commands, but it's actually talking uh about principles of of life that are uh about principles of of life that are uh about principles of of life that are generally applicable. um you need to generally applicable. um you need to generally applicable. um you need to know the difference uh between know the difference uh between know the difference uh between apocalyptic literature that's talking apocalyptic literature that's talking apocalyptic literature that's talking about the end and and what God is going about the end and and what God is going about the end and and what God is going to do in the great consummation of all to do in the great consummation of all to do in the great consummation of all things from other and you get that in things from other and you get that in things from other and you get that in different places. You get that some in different places. You get that some in different places. You get that some in Jesus teaching. You get that some in Jesus teaching. You get that some in Jesus teaching. You get that some in Thessalonians. You get that some in Thessalonians. You get that some in Thessalonians. You get that some in Daniel. You get that some in Revelation. Daniel. You get that some in Revelation. Daniel. You get that some in Revelation. And so helping people know some of the And so helping people know some of the And so helping people know some of the basic uh types of literature that you're basic uh types of literature that you're basic uh types of literature that you're going to run into in the Bible going to run into in the Bible going to run into in the Bible helps them. And uh if if I could give helps them. And uh if if I could give helps them. And uh if if I could give people a a handy dandy resource on that, people a a handy dandy resource on that, people a a handy dandy resource on that, um Phil Reichen and his dad Leland um Phil Reichen and his dad Leland um Phil Reichen and his dad Leland Reichen and then a professor of Reichen and then a professor of Reichen and then a professor of Christian education named Jim Wilhoy Christian education named Jim Wilhoy Christian education named Jim Wilhoy produced a little volume called produced a little volume called produced a little volume called Reichen's Bible Handbook.

Reichen's Bible Handbook. Reichen's Bible Handbook. And um it incorporates some of the And um it incorporates some of the And um it incorporates some of the material that Phil produced for the material that Phil produced for the material that Phil produced for the literary study Bible that uh Crossway literary study Bible that uh Crossway literary study Bible that uh Crossway published. Um so it gives you a little published. Um so it gives you a little published. Um so it gives you a little bit of a literary feel for every book, bit of a literary feel for every book, bit of a literary feel for every book, but it outlines every book. It tries to but it outlines every book. It tries to but it outlines every book. It tries to hit the major themes in every book. And hit the major themes in every book. And hit the major themes in every book. And I use that thing all the time, Matt, to I use that thing all the time, Matt, to I use that thing all the time, Matt, to try and teach people the Bible and just try and teach people the Bible and just try and teach people the Bible and just get them into the material. That and get them into the material. That and get them into the material. That and William Hendrickson's Survey of the William Hendrickson's Survey of the William Hendrickson's Survey of the Bible have been my sort of two go-to Bible have been my sort of two go-to Bible have been my sort of two go-to volumes to teach the Bible to people volumes to teach the Bible to people volumes to teach the Bible to people that just have no experience in reading that just have no experience in reading that just have no experience in reading through the Bible because it will help through the Bible because it will help through the Bible because it will help them in some basic hermeneutical them in some basic hermeneutical them in some basic hermeneutical principles, reading principles, how to principles, reading principles, how to principles, reading principles, how to read the Bible well. Hermeneutics just read the Bible well. Hermeneutics just read the Bible well. Hermeneutics just means how to read well. You know, you means how to read well. You know, you means how to read well. You know, you you're trying to read, you're trying to you're trying to read, you're trying to you're trying to read, you're trying to do a good job of reading. And doing a do a good job of reading. And doing a do a good job of reading. And doing a good job of reading the Bible is a good job of reading the Bible is a good job of reading the Bible is a lifetime project. Again, pastors, when lifetime project. Again, pastors, when lifetime project. Again, pastors, when you're trying to encourage your people you're trying to encourage your people you're trying to encourage your people to read the Bible, and maybe they've not to read the Bible, and maybe they've not to read the Bible, and maybe they've not read the Bible seriously before, make read the Bible seriously before, make read the Bible seriously before, make make sure that you encourage them.

make sure that you encourage them. make sure that you encourage them. They're going to run into stuff that They're going to run into stuff that They're going to run into stuff that they just don't understand. And so, they just don't understand. And so, they just don't understand. And so, you're going to need to be able to you're going to need to be able to you're going to need to be able to encourage them to keep going when they encourage them to keep going when they encourage them to keep going when they run into hard material, you know, when run into hard material, you know, when run into hard material, you know, when they get to Leviticus or parts of they get to Leviticus or parts of they get to Leviticus or parts of Numbers or the end of Exodus or, you Numbers or the end of Exodus or, you Numbers or the end of Exodus or, you know, these various passages that are know, these various passages that are know, these various passages that are tough to get through. I you know you tough to get through. I you know you tough to get through. I you know you were we were talking earlier Matt about were we were talking earlier Matt about were we were talking earlier Matt about how do you do this without promoting how do you do this without promoting how do you do this without promoting legalism. I actually find more legalism. I actually find more legalism. I actually find more Christians that they want to do it but Christians that they want to do it but Christians that they want to do it but they just don't know how to do it. And they just don't know how to do it. And they just don't know how to do it. And that's fun to help a person in that that's fun to help a person in that that's fun to help a person in that setting. You're not cracking a whip. You setting. You're not cracking a whip. You setting. You're not cracking a whip. You ought to be reading your Bible every ought to be reading your Bible every ought to be reading your Bible every day. They're just saying to you, day. They're just saying to you, day. They're just saying to you, "Pastor, I want to read the Bible, but I "Pastor, I want to read the Bible, but I "Pastor, I want to read the Bible, but I don't know how." And so Bible reading don't know how." And so Bible reading don't know how." And so Bible reading plans are a help, but also some of these plans are a help, but also some of these plans are a help, but also some of these other things are a help to get people other things are a help to get people other things are a help to get people reading through the Bible. How about reading through the Bible. How about reading through the Bible. How about you? What do you do, Matt, when somebody you? What do you do, Matt, when somebody you? What do you do, Matt, when somebody comes to you at church and says, comes to you at church and says, comes to you at church and says, "Pastor, I've really never read through "Pastor, I've really never read through "Pastor, I've really never read through the Bible." What are you pointing them the Bible." What are you pointing them the Bible." What are you pointing them to? What are the things that you're to? What are the things that you're to? What are the things that you're recommending them to do? recommending them to do? recommending them to do? >> I'm going to encourage them to um turn >> I'm going to encourage them to um turn >> I'm going to encourage them to um turn to the book of Revelation. Um no, I to the book of Revelation. Um no, I to the book of Revelation. Um no, I actually revel, [laughter] you know, we actually revel, [laughter] you know, we actually revel, [laughter] you know, we though that's not though that's not though that's not >> Romans 9 to11. Though though that's not >> Romans 9 to11. Though though that's not >> Romans 9 to11. Though though that's not what I'll do, I will say that a book what I'll do, I will say that a book what I'll do, I will say that a book like Revelation uh is like Revelation uh is like Revelation uh is more accessible if we keep in view the more accessible if we keep in view the more accessible if we keep in view the overarching point, which is why I'm glad overarching point, which is why I'm glad overarching point, which is why I'm glad you pointed that out. This is a book you pointed that out. This is a book you pointed that out. This is a book about Jesus and he wins. He's on the

about Jesus and he wins. He's on the about Jesus and he wins. He's on the throne and Babylon, Rome, the, you know, throne and Babylon, Rome, the, you know, throne and Babylon, Rome, the, you know, secular uh the secularization of Western secular uh the secularization of Western secular uh the secularization of Western culture, none of it will finally prevail culture, none of it will finally prevail culture, none of it will finally prevail against the Lord Jesus. But yeah, I'm against the Lord Jesus. But yeah, I'm against the Lord Jesus. But yeah, I'm going to I'm going to probably encourage going to I'm going to probably encourage going to I'm going to probably encourage someone to start with a a book like the someone to start with a a book like the someone to start with a a book like the Gospel According to Mark and uh try to Gospel According to Mark and uh try to Gospel According to Mark and uh try to help them see some of those differences help them see some of those differences help them see some of those differences between uh narrative and discourse and between uh narrative and discourse and between uh narrative and discourse and parable and think about, okay, what does parable and think about, okay, what does parable and think about, okay, what does this say? uh what did it, you know, what this say? uh what did it, you know, what this say? uh what did it, you know, what is what did it mean kind of in in its is what did it mean kind of in in its is what did it mean kind of in in its original context and how do we original context and how do we original context and how do we responsibly apply it today? And as a responsibly apply it today? And as a responsibly apply it today? And as a preacher, I'm wanting to model that kind preacher, I'm wanting to model that kind preacher, I'm wanting to model that kind of Bible reading. Uh I've mentioned of Bible reading. Uh I've mentioned of Bible reading. Uh I've mentioned before like we we have not succeeded if before like we we have not succeeded if before like we we have not succeeded if our people leave on Sunday wowed and our people leave on Sunday wowed and our people leave on Sunday wowed and impressed by what we showed them in the impressed by what we showed them in the impressed by what we showed them in the Bible that they never would have seen Bible that they never would have seen Bible that they never would have seen for themselves. Rather, we want to for themselves. Rather, we want to for themselves. Rather, we want to preach in such a way that people leave preach in such a way that people leave preach in such a way that people leave thinking, "If I would just slow the heck thinking, "If I would just slow the heck thinking, "If I would just slow the heck down and pay more careful attention to down and pay more careful attention to down and pay more careful attention to my Bible, I would have seen that."

my Bible, I would have seen that." my Bible, I would have seen that." >> Like though we live in an age of >> Like though we live in an age of >> Like though we live in an age of unprecedented unprecedented unprecedented Bibles and tools, as we've mentioned, we Bibles and tools, as we've mentioned, we Bibles and tools, as we've mentioned, we also live in an age of unprecedented also live in an age of unprecedented also live in an age of unprecedented distraction. uh it's harder than ever to distraction. uh it's harder than ever to distraction. uh it's harder than ever to uh come to God's word with a deliberate uh come to God's word with a deliberate uh come to God's word with a deliberate sustained focus. So, how can pastors sustained focus. So, how can pastors sustained focus. So, how can pastors encourage their people to make space for encourage their people to make space for encourage their people to make space for silence and solitude to be still before silence and solitude to be still before silence and solitude to be still before the Lord Almighty over the pages of his the Lord Almighty over the pages of his the Lord Almighty over the pages of his word? I think one one way is just to word? I think one one way is just to word? I think one one way is just to remind people uh what a blessing it is remind people uh what a blessing it is remind people uh what a blessing it is because uh if if you're like me uh the because uh if if you're like me uh the because uh if if you're like me uh the the minute I get up in the morning I I the minute I get up in the morning I I the minute I get up in the morning I I already there are already emails in my already there are already emails in my already there are already emails in my in my box which I see on my phone. There in my box which I see on my phone. There in my box which I see on my phone. There are already texts in my box which I see are already texts in my box which I see are already texts in my box which I see on my phone. There are already social on my phone. There are already social on my phone. There are already social media notifications which I see on my media notifications which I see on my media notifications which I see on my phone. And if if if phone. And if if if phone. And if if if I start my day in that world, I can I start my day in that world, I can I start my day in that world, I can guarantee you it's not going to feed my guarantee you it's not going to feed my guarantee you it's not going to feed my soul. [laughter] soul. [laughter] soul. [laughter] >> But if I start my day in the word, >> But if I start my day in the word, >> But if I start my day in the word, everything even if even if I don't everything even if even if I don't everything even if even if I don't understand 10% but 10% of what I'm understand 10% but 10% of what I'm understand 10% but 10% of what I'm studying, it's going to be edifying.

studying, it's going to be edifying. studying, it's going to be edifying. It's going to be perspective giving. And It's going to be perspective giving. And It's going to be perspective giving. And then it helps me do a better job when I then it helps me do a better job when I then it helps me do a better job when I have to answer those texts and the have to answer those texts and the have to answer those texts and the emails and look at what's going on in emails and look at what's going on in emails and look at what's going on in the world around me. And I think just the world around me. And I think just the world around me. And I think just stressing to people that being in the stressing to people that being in the stressing to people that being in the word and being in the word early, you word and being in the word early, you word and being in the word early, you know, as soon as we can get into the know, as soon as we can get into the know, as soon as we can get into the word early in the morning, it's not it's word early in the morning, it's not it's word early in the morning, it's not it's not some there's some, you know, sword not some there's some, you know, sword not some there's some, you know, sword hanging over your head, you better do hanging over your head, you better do hanging over your head, you better do this. It's actually a blessed relief this. It's actually a blessed relief this. It's actually a blessed relief from the den of noise that's going on from the den of noise that's going on from the den of noise that's going on around us 247. around us 247. around us 247. And God's trying to speak a word of And God's trying to speak a word of And God's trying to speak a word of blessing into our souls. He He's trying blessing into our souls. He He's trying blessing into our souls. He He's trying to make the world better for us. And I I to make the world better for us. And I I to make the world better for us. And I I so often I bet you're like this. I I so often I bet you're like this. I I so often I bet you're like this. I I read I I read certain things that are read I I read certain things that are read I I read certain things that are out there and I think you know that just out there and I think you know that just out there and I think you know that just discourages me to know that people even discourages me to know that people even discourages me to know that people even think like that. And but when I'm in the think like that. And but when I'm in the think like that. And but when I'm in the word I never ever say that. I you know I word I never ever say that. I you know I word I never ever say that. I you know I think h you know that was just what I think h you know that was just what I think h you know that was just what I needed today. That was precisely the needed today. That was precisely the needed today. That was precisely the word of encouragement uh that I needed word of encouragement uh that I needed word of encouragement uh that I needed to keep going and give me perspective on to keep going and give me perspective on to keep going and give me perspective on everything in life. And I I just think everything in life. And I I just think everything in life. And I I just think that with the pace of life today, Matt, that with the pace of life today, Matt, that with the pace of life today, Matt, it's easy for God to get squeezed to the it's easy for God to get squeezed to the it's easy for God to get squeezed to the very edges of the margins. And the more very edges of the margins. And the more very edges of the margins. And the more deliberate we are um at finding ways to deliberate we are um at finding ways to deliberate we are um at finding ways to let him speak to us by his word let him speak to us by his word let him speak to us by his word regularly, the more blessed we're going regularly, the more blessed we're going regularly, the more blessed we're going to be, the more perspective we're going to be, the more perspective we're going to be, the more perspective we're going to have, the more we're going to have to to have, the more we're going to have to to have, the more we're going to have to say to the world. and about what's going say to the world. and about what's going say to the world. and about what's going on the world. This is not about going on the world. This is not about going on the world. This is not about going off in a hol holy huddle somewhere and off in a hol holy huddle somewhere and off in a hol holy huddle somewhere and forgetting uh the the world, but it's

forgetting uh the the world, but it's forgetting uh the the world, but it's about having a a godgiven about having a a godgiven about having a a godgiven perspective on that world that comes to perspective on that world that comes to perspective on that world that comes to us from the scriptures. And so I think us from the scriptures. And so I think us from the scriptures. And so I think pastors emphasizing what a blessing that pastors emphasizing what a blessing that pastors emphasizing what a blessing that is to have that in our lives, especially is to have that in our lives, especially is to have that in our lives, especially with the noise that's around us. That's with the noise that's around us. That's with the noise that's around us. That's one way of getting at it. And I I do one way of getting at it. And I I do one way of getting at it. And I I do think, as I said before, I've got a lot think, as I said before, I've got a lot think, as I said before, I've got a lot of people that are motivated. They want of people that are motivated. They want of people that are motivated. They want to read the Bible more. They want to to read the Bible more. They want to to read the Bible more. They want to read the Bible better. And they're just read the Bible better. And they're just read the Bible better. And they're just looking for some help along the way, looking for some help along the way, looking for some help along the way, too. And I think it's important for too. And I think it's important for too. And I think it's important for pastors remember that as well. What do pastors remember that as well. What do pastors remember that as well. What do you say to people that are facing those you say to people that are facing those you say to people that are facing those kinds of distractions? Matt? Well, I try kinds of distractions? Matt? Well, I try kinds of distractions? Matt? Well, I try to remind them and myself that the to remind them and myself that the to remind them and myself that the things that have captivated the things that have captivated the things that have captivated the attention of the angels in heaven are attention of the angels in heaven are attention of the angels in heaven are not always the things that have not always the things that have not always the things that have captivated our attention and are captivated our attention and are captivated our attention and are dominating our emotions on earth. And so dominating our emotions on earth. And so dominating our emotions on earth. And so if you imagine a kind of cable news if you imagine a kind of cable news if you imagine a kind of cable news ticker at the bottom of the screen with ticker at the bottom of the screen with ticker at the bottom of the screen with all of the major headlines, many of all of the major headlines, many of all of the major headlines, many of those things matter and as pastors, we those things matter and as pastors, we those things matter and as pastors, we should be dialed into them. But the should be dialed into them. But the should be dialed into them. But the ticker of breaking news that we ticker of breaking news that we ticker of breaking news that we encounter every day in this fallen age, encounter every day in this fallen age, encounter every day in this fallen age, it is not the same ticker that has the it is not the same ticker that has the it is not the same ticker that has the attention of heaven. Um what has the attention of heaven. Um what has the attention of heaven. Um what has the attention of heaven, the things into attention of heaven, the things into attention of heaven, the things into which angels long to look are the people which angels long to look are the people which angels long to look are the people who are being converted by the power of who are being converted by the power of who are being converted by the power of gospel grace. The marriages that are gospel grace. The marriages that are gospel grace. The marriages that are being restored, the um the pastors who

being restored, the um the pastors who being restored, the um the pastors who are laboring faithfully in the trenches are laboring faithfully in the trenches are laboring faithfully in the trenches without any fanfare because they're without any fanfare because they're without any fanfare because they're laboring for the applause of God, for laboring for the applause of God, for laboring for the applause of God, for the for the smile of God. Um, we could the for the smile of God. Um, we could the for the smile of God. Um, we could just go on and on talking about the just go on and on talking about the just go on and on talking about the ordinary faithfulness that um, is so ordinary faithfulness that um, is so ordinary faithfulness that um, is so pleasing to the Lord Almighty. So, so I pleasing to the Lord Almighty. So, so I pleasing to the Lord Almighty. So, so I think in some ways we just need a a think in some ways we just need a a think in some ways we just need a a complete reorientation of our complete reorientation of our complete reorientation of our perspective in terms of what ultimately perspective in terms of what ultimately perspective in terms of what ultimately matters and therefore what should matters and therefore what should matters and therefore what should ultimately ultimately ultimately >> move and animate our imagination. And >> move and animate our imagination. And >> move and animate our imagination. And and something else that I'll sometimes and something else that I'll sometimes and something else that I'll sometimes tell folks or again remind myself is um tell folks or again remind myself is um tell folks or again remind myself is um of an image that John Newton once shared of an image that John Newton once shared of an image that John Newton once shared in one of his letters. He said, "Read in one of his letters. He said, "Read in one of his letters. He said, "Read the scripture not as an attorney may the scripture not as an attorney may the scripture not as an attorney may read a will, but as the heir reads it, read a will, but as the heir reads it, read a will, but as the heir reads it, as a description and proof of his as a description and proof of his as a description and proof of his interest." Now, it's archaic language interest." Now, it's archaic language interest." Now, it's archaic language from the 18th century, but it's a from the 18th century, but it's a from the 18th century, but it's a beautiful image if you can get your mind beautiful image if you can get your mind beautiful image if you can get your mind around it. Um, imagine a will. The way around it. Um, imagine a will. The way around it. Um, imagine a will. The way the attorney is approaching that will is the attorney is approaching that will is the attorney is approaching that will is going to be very different than the way going to be very different than the way going to be very different than the way the heir is approaching it. The heir is the heir is approaching it. The heir is the heir is approaching it. The heir is going to care just as much about the going to care just as much about the going to care just as much about the details of it. Um, and so there's going details of it. Um, and so there's going details of it. Um, and so there's going to be that deliberate, careful study and to be that deliberate, careful study and to be that deliberate, careful study and yet the heir is coming to it yet the heir is coming to it yet the heir is coming to it understanding that this is my understanding that this is my understanding that this is my inheritance. Uh, because in the pages of inheritance. Uh, because in the pages of inheritance. Uh, because in the pages of the Bible, we are meeting the author. we

the Bible, we are meeting the author. we the Bible, we are meeting the author. we are experiencing God and he gives are experiencing God and he gives are experiencing God and he gives himself to us through the revelation of himself to us through the revelation of himself to us through the revelation of his word and and that's why um [music] his word and and that's why um [music] his word and and that's why um [music] we do well ourselves as pastors to dive we do well ourselves as pastors to dive we do well ourselves as pastors to dive into God's word every day even when it's into God's word every day even when it's into God's word every day even when it's not necessarily for our job and that's not necessarily for our job and that's not necessarily for our job and that's why we need to [music] commend God's why we need to [music] commend God's why we need to [music] commend God's word to our people week in and week out word to our people week in and week out word to our people week in and week out because they will never regret having because they will never regret having because they will never regret having spent time before God's face. [music] spent time before God's face. [music] spent time before God's face. [music] Thanks for listening to this episode of Thanks for listening to this episode of Thanks for listening to this episode of The Everyday Pastor. We hope it's been The Everyday Pastor. We hope it's been The Everyday Pastor. We hope it's been useful to you. Please take a moment to useful to you. Please take a moment to useful to you. Please take a moment to [music] leave a review or share it with [music] leave a review or share it with [music] leave a review or share it with a friend so that we can continue to help a friend so that we can continue to help a friend so that we can continue to help pastors find fresh joy in the work pastors find fresh joy in the work pastors find fresh joy in the work [music] of ministry.