We are programmed to need an appropriate challenge. We need a habit, skill, or knowledge to be just a little more challenging that our current abilities to inspire us. For example, if you want to play tennis you need to find someone who is close to your same skill level. Playing against a tennis pro each day would be overly discouraging and cause most people to give up the game. Conversely playing with your eight year old each day would not be challenging enough. To become a regular tennis player able to improve your skills you need to find someone who is just slightly better than yourself that gives you a challenge.
This human nature quality applies to how we should study the Bible and choose religious literature. Many people have been discouraged from study of God’s word because they found it too difficult. It was like trying to do 10th grade algebra in 5th grade math class. Conversely, experienced Bible students need to be challenged with deeper study or they can grow bored.
Let me encourage you to find your appropriate Bible level for your growth. The Bible talks about this in terms of the “milk” of the word that is for “newborn babes” and the “meat” of the word that is for the “mature.”* Everyone needs to find the appropriate diet for their level of faith and spiritual maturity. The focus is on growth and not staying at your current level!
Here are some tips:
For an easier level:
- Consider using a modern version like the ESV or NIV rather than the KJV.
- Choose a New Testament book–I would suggest Mark, John, James, or 1 Peter.
- Choose basic Bible study literature written for a general audience.
- Listen to sound Biblical sermons and attend a good Bible class to help enrich your Bible knowledge.
For a more challenging Bible level
- Read from various versions of the Bible comparing texts.
- Look for themes and reoccurring words in a passage.
- Tackle a new book of the Bible you haven’t studied before–I would suggest Job, the Minor prophets, or Romans.
- Learn how to do original language word studies; something that can be accomplished easily today with Bible apps.
- Read one or more good commentaries that dive deeper into the text and offer further explanation.
More suggestions could be made, but please consider the best Bible study level for your growth. Don’t be overwhelmed with the difficulty or bored with the familiar; learn to challenge yourself appropriately so that you can grow your faith.
*See 1 Corinthians 3:1-3; 1 Peter 2:1-3; Hebrews 5:11-14
