This article is adapted from Season 1, Episode 9 of the Marriage After God podcast. Subscribe and listen today.
In today's fast-paced world, finding time to study the Bible as a family can seem like a daunting task. However, the spiritual growth and unity that come from this practice are invaluable. In this article, we'll explore how to make Bible study a daily, intentional effort in your family.
The Importance of Diligence in Bible Study
The first step towards effective family Bible study is diligence. This doesn't mean only opening the Bible on Sundays or special occasions. Instead, it's about making Bible study an intentional, consistent, and daily pursuit. Just like any skill you want to master, diligence is key.
Remember, if you want your children to understand and appreciate the Word of God, they need to see you actively engaging with it. This means not just reading the Bible in the wee hours of the morning when the kids are asleep but also during the day when they can see you.
Making Bible Study a Family Activity
One effective way to engage your children in Bible study is to make it a family activity. This doesn't mean you need to dive into the deepest theological discussions. Instead, focus on the main stories and characters and prayer.
Start your family Bible time with prayer or end it with prayer.
Ask simple questions like:
- Who is the main character in this book?
- What did we read about yesterday?
- What book of the Bible are we in?
- What's the second book in the Bible?
- What stood out to you in what we just read?
This approach not only helps your children understand the Bible better but also reinforces your own knowledge.
Remember, it's not about making Bible study a chore. It's about making it a part of your family's daily life. Think fun, short, and simple.
This could mean discussing a Bible verse over breakfast, talking about a Bible story during a car ride, or reading a passage together before bedtime.
This will help build a habit of Bible study and prayer, and it will also make the Bible feel more accessible and approachable to your children as they grow older.
Navigating Adult Content in the Bible
As you go through this journey, you might come across sections in the Bible that may not be suitable for the maturity level of your children, and this will be something that you need to decern.
In such cases, it's okay to skip over these parts or explain them in a way that's appropriate for your child's age. The goal is to make Bible study a positive and enlightening experience for your children.
The Power of the Word of God
Finally, it's important to remember that the Word of God is powerful in itself. As Hebrews 4:12 says,
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
By simply reading the Bible, you and your family can grow in faith and understanding. As Romans 10:17 states, "So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ."
You do not need to be a scholar or theologian to be able to teach your children the Word of God. You simply need to read it and discuss it with them.
Over time, your knowledge will grow, the holy spirit will reveal things to you, and you will find new and creative ways to make the scriptures come alive to your family. You simply need to start and see where God takes you with your family Bible times.
Studying the Bible as a family is more than just a religious practice. It's a journey of spiritual growth, unity, and understanding.
It's about teaching your children the Word of God and showing them its relevance in everyday life and, most importantly, that it is what our faith and belief are founded on.
Remember, the practice starts with you. By being diligent in your own study of the Bible, you set an example for your children to follow. So, open up that Bible, start reading, and embark on this extraordinary journey of faith as a family.
For further reading:
Does Paul Say That if One Is Saved, Their Family Will Also Be Saved?
Prayer for Family: Pray for Healing and Protection of Family
What Is the Importance of 'As for Me and My House, We Will Serve the Lord'?
What Does it Mean ‘A House Divided Cannot Stand’?
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