SEVEN TIPS FOR BIBLE READING

by J. C. Ryle

READ IT EVERY DAY. Private means of grace are just as needful every day for our souls as food and clothing are for our bodies.

READ IT FAIRLY AND HONESTLY. As a general rule, whatever a verse of the Bible seems to mean, it does mean.

READ IT WITH CHRIST IN VIEW. The primary object of all Scripture is to testify about Jesus.

READ IT WITH A DESIRE TO UNDERSTAND IT. Say to yourself often as you read, "What is all this about?" Dig for the meaning like a man digging for gold.

READ IT WITH CHILD LIKE FAITH AND HUMILITY. Settle it in your mind that you will receive everything and believe everything, and that which you cannot understand you will take on trust.

READ IT WITH A SPIRIT OF OBEDIENCE. Sit down to study it with a daily determination that you will live by its rules, rest on its statements, and act on its commands.

READ ALL OF IT IN AN ORDERLY WAY. Read the Old and New Testament at the same time. Read each straight through to the end, and then begin again.