Part 8 of 12 / The Word Of God: Learning To Hear God Through Scripture

Introduction

Many believers know they should read the Bible . . . but quietly struggle with how to actually connect with it. Before we continue, I want you to understand how reading your Bible is and hearing from God through His Word. In a recent Pew Research Poll, it was found that 29% of U.S. adults read Scripture at least monthly. When viewing the weekly engagement, roughly 1/3 (35%) of Americans actually read Scripture. 45% of this study said they seldom or never read Scripture. Among practicing churchgoers who attend services, 31% claimed to read it daily. Think about those numbers for a second? There are countries where believers in Christ do not even get to hold a Bible, yet we here in the United States have free reign to have as many Bibles and translations as we desire. Yet, look at how low and also the importance of reading Gods Word has truly become in our society today?

Now, when you first open your Bible, you may have experienced these obstacles which are common:

1. Opening Your Bible, But Not Sure Where To Start

2. Reading A Passage Or Scripture, But Not Feeling Like Anything Stuck

3. Wondering If You Are "Doing It The Right Way"

4. Feeling Like It's More Of A Task Rather Than A Relationship

Can I give you some encouragement? I was once like that many years ago. It was a struggle at times and I was unsure exactly of what I was reading. However, once I got more into Bible College, I realized reading the Bible was not this complicated. The only reason it is complicated is because we as human beings within our churches have made it more complicated than it needs to honestly be.

The Word of God was never meant to feel distant from you or even complicated. It was given so that you could know God, hear His voice, and be transformed from the inside out. The Bible, as some might read, view it as just information to expand their knowledge, but when you actually look deeper as you grow in your relationship with Christ, it is a PERSONAL interaction with your Savior! It is not just a book; it is a place where God actually meets you personally!

This week, we are going to shift perspectives of what you thought reading or hearing the Word was before and you are going to find that reading Scripture is not out of obligation, but encountering God through transformation through His Word.

The Bible Is Alive, Not Just Written

One of the many truths about Scripture is this: Scripture is NOT static, it is LIVING!

• "For the word of God is LIVING and POWERFUL, and SHARPER than any two-edged sword."

  - Hebrews 4:12

What this means is when you read the Bible, you are NOT just reading history or teachings, but you are seeing and hearing God actively speaking. The same words that you read today can meet you differently tomorrow. Why and How? It is because God knows exactly what you NEED in each moment of your life.

Sometimes a verse will do certain aspects:

1. Convict

2. Encourage

3. Give Clarity

4. Expose Your Heart

Is this coincidence? No. It is factual that God is speaking through His Word.

God Speaks Through Scripture

Many believers want to hear God's voice, but they overlook the primary way He speaks. The Bible is NOT just inspired, but it is God-breathed! When you open Scripture, you are stepping into a literal conversation that God has already initiated. And the Holy Spirit, the one we talked about in Week 7, He gives clarity to those words to give life within your spirit which is your heart.

• "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God . . . that the man of God may be complete . . ."

  - 2 Timothy 3:16-17

What does this mean for you as the believer? It means:

• You Do Not Have To Chase New Revelation

• You Do Not Have To Wonder If God Is Silent

• He Has Already Spoken To You Through His Word

Reading To Know God, Not To Just Gain Knowledge

One of the biggest shifts you can make in your walk with Christ is this:

Stop reading the Bible just to learn . . . Start reading the Bible to KNOW God Himself!

Knowledge alone can feel dry and often complicated when it is too much; but God gave us relationship which changes everything about who He is.

• ". . . let him who glorifies glory in this, that he understands and knows Me . . ."

  - Jeremiah 9:23-24

When you read Scripture, ask yourself these questions:

1. What Does This Show Me About God's Heart?

2. What Is He Revealing About Himself?

3. How Does This Draw Me Closer To Him?

Instead of rushing through the chapters, take a moment to slow down. Sit with a verse or passage of Scripture. Take time to think about what it is saying. Ask your Father in Heaven, what are you saying to me? The goal is NOT to "get through" the Bible, it is to KNOW your Father through it! When you begin to know your Father through His Word, His Word then comes into your spirit.

The Word Renews Your Mind

Your thoughts shape your life more than you realize. Without realizing it, your thinking is often influenced by these areas:

1. Past Experiences

2. Culture

3. Fears

4. Insecurities

5. Lies You've Believed

Does this mean your a bad person? No. God uses His Word to reshape your thinking.

• ". . . be transformed by the renewing of your mind . . . which is in Christ Jesus." - Romans 12:2

This transformation does not happen overnight. It happens as you consistently expose your mind to truth.

Over time you'll realize that:

1. Lies Lose Their Grip

2. Truth Becomes Natural

3. Your Perspective Shifts

4. Your Responses Begin To Change

When you begin to start thinking differently, it is not because you tried harder in your own strength or ability, but because His truth has taken root within your spirit.

How To Approach The Bible Practically

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by where to start, simplify it. You do not need a perfect system, you need a constant connection to the Father.

Here is a simple way to begin:

1. Start Small

• Choose A Chapter (John 3)

• Read Slowly

• Do Not Rush The Reading

2. Observe

• Ask: What Stands Out To Me?

3. Reflect

• Talk To God About It.

• Turn What You Read Into Prayer.

This approach turns reading the Word of God into a Relationship with Him.

When It Feels Dry Or Distant

There will be days when Scripture does not feel as impactful as the prior day or days. You may read and think: "I didn't get anything from that; this feels just routine." But remember, consistency matters more than feelings.

Just like relationships deepen over time, not every conversation feels powerful, but each one builds connection.

• "So shall My word be . . . it shall not return to Me void." - Isaiah 55:11

Even when you do not feel it, God's Word is still working. What you don't realize is happening is that seeds are being planted within your spirit, truth is being built within and around your mind, and your heart is being shaped by Him because of how much He loves you. The key thing to do is remain consistent.

The Word Anchors You

At times, and I can a test, life can feel unstable, emotions shift, circumstances change, and uncertainty can creep in. But one thing you have to remember, God's Word remains steady.

• ". . . whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them . . . is like a wise man who built his house on the rock . . ." - Matthew 7:24-25

The Word becomes your foundation. When everything around you feels uncertain, you have something unchanging to stand on, God's Word! The solid rock which is Jesus Christ!

Conclusion

The Bible is NOT meant to be distant or difficult. It is God reaching out to you daily, personally, and consistently. As you spend time in His Word you'll begin to recognize His voice, your thinking will begin to change, and your relationship with Him deepens.

This is NOT about perfection! This is about His presence. You are NOT just reading words on a page in a book cover to cover, you are MEETING with God as He speaks to you.

Application

This week, begin building a simple, consistent rhythm:

• Set Aside 10-15 Minutes Daily

• Start In The Gospel Of John (1 Chapter Per Day)

• Read The Chapter Slowly

• Write Down One Verse Or Multiple Verses That Stand Out

Practice this prayer: "God, I ask that you speak to me through Your Word. Help me to not just read, but to understand and know You for who You are as My Father."

Reflection Questions

1. How have I been approaching the Bible? Out of obligation or relationship?

2. What distractions or obstacles keep me from consistency?

3. What has God already been showing me through His Word?

4. What would change if I truly saw Scripture as God speaking to Me through it?

Closing Prayer

Father, thank You for giving me Your Word, not as a burden, but as a way to know you. Help me to slow down, to listen, and to receive what you are speaking. Open my understanding and draw me deeper into relationship with You through Scripture. Let Your Word take root in my heart and transform the way I think, live, and see You.

We ask this in Jesus' Name, Amen.

Week 9 Preview

"Prayer: Building A Real, Honest Relationship With God"

Next week, we will go deeper into what prayer looks like and is according to Scripture. You will:

• Understand How To Talk To God Personally

• What To Do When You Do Not Know What To Say

• How To Move Beyond Routine And Into A Real Connection

Throughout Week 9, you'll begin to experience prayer not as a duty, but as a conversation that changes everything as you grow in your walk with Christ.