Below you will find thirty Scriptures for your reading challenge. Hover over the listing with your mouse and verse will appear in the NIV translation.
Week 1
1 | 2 Tim 3:16
2 | Ps 119:165
3 | Mk 4:24
4| Pr 30:5
5 | Ps 56:4
6 | Ps 119:11
7 | Mt 24:35
Week 2
8 | Heb 4:16
9 | Eph 2:8
10 | Titus 2:11
11 | Rom 3:24
12 | Ps 103:8
13 | Ps 136:1
14 | Lam 3:22
Week 3
15 | Heb 11:6
16 | Rom 10:17
17 | Heb 11:1
18| Pr 3:5-6
19 | 1 Cor 16:13
20 | Luke 17:5
21 | 1 Cor 2:5
Week 4
22 | Phil 4:6
23 | Rom 8:26
24 | James 5:16
25| Mt 6:7
26 | Jer 33:3
27 | Col 4:2
28 | 1 Thes 5:17
Week 5
29 | 2 Tim 3:16
30 | Ps 119:71
The challenge is for you to begin each day with a verse of Scripture and pause for a moment of prayer. As you read through the verses above, follow the prayer guides below for each week’s Scriptures.
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Spend a moment each day this week thanking God for giving us His Words to live by. Ask Him for help and guidance as you strive to live a life pleasing to Him.
This week take a moment each day to thank God for His gracious loving spirit. Praise Him that He loves you enough pay the penalty for your weaknesses and sins.
During your prayer time this week, ask God to strengthen and deepen your faith. Ask Him for opportunities to talk about your faith with others.
Ask God to help teach you to pray on a deeper level. Thank Him that He listens and cares for you.
This week thank God for the time you have had to share with Him through His Word and through prayer. Ask God to bless your life because of it.
The numbers are staggering. 85% of the world’s 2.2 million evangelical churches are led by pastors with little-to-no theological training. We have become a people who don’t know the Bible. Let’s resolve to take the positive steps to read it, connect it, wrestle it, build it and share it.
While every Christian should be concerned about the lack of knowledge of the Bible in the churches, church leaders must be biblically literate and adept. Paul urged Titus to “hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it” (Titus 1:9 NIV).
Here is a positive step we can take.
The numbers are staggering. 85% of the world’s 2.2 million evangelical churches are led by pastors with little-to-no theological training. We have become a people who don’t know the Bible. Let’s resolve to take the positive steps to read it, connect it, wrestle it, build it and share it.
While every Christian should be concerned about the lack of knowledge of the Bible in the churches, church leaders must be biblically literate and adept. Paul urged Titus to “hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it” (Titus 1:9 NIV).
Here is a positive step we can take.
The numbers are staggering. 85% of the world’s 2.2 million evangelical churches are led by pastors with little-to-no theological training. Let’s resolve to take the positive steps to read it, connect it, wrangle it, build it and share it.
While every Christian should be concerned about the lack of knowledge of the Bible in the churches, church leaders must be biblically literate and adept. Paul urged Titus to “hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it” (Titus 1:9 NIV).
Here is a positive step we can take toward biblical literacy.
The survey found a couple of other preferences. The most likely to have never read the Bible were Millennials, while those over the age of 70 were the most frequent readers. Of readers over the age of 50, 91% preferred a print edition of the Bible as opposed to other formats.
Noticing the differences between an expressed interest in reading the Bible and actually doing it, the logical question asks, “Why?” What could be the possible frustrations and disengagement toward Bible reading?
I Don’t Understand the Language.
The Bible is difficult for some to understand either because its vocabulary is more advanced or more specialized than the reader is accustomed.
Today the Scripture is translated into several different English reading levels. Choose a translation or a paraphrase that best meets your vocabulary needs.
In addition to vocabulary differences, Bibles are produced to help meet your reasons for reading. Study Bibles, devotional Bibles, picture Bibles, and doctrinal explanations within the Bible help meet your needs in reading.
In this section of Step One, there is a detailed explanation of how the Bible is translated. You will learn about the difference between a paraphrase and a translation. You will also read about how the translators seek to bring the ancient languages into English and why the versions vary so much in vocabulary.
I Don’t Know Where to Start.
Opening the Bible can be an overwhelming challenge, especially since it is not like any other book on your shelf.
You don’t have to start on page one. The Bible is a collection of 66 different books and one way to start reading is to read through one of the books.
Start by learning about Jesus. He is the heart and soul of the message of Christianity. The first four books of the New Testament – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John – present accounts of His life. Some of the stories are found in more than one book. Other stories are unique to the author. Matthew and John were written by an apostle – the twelve men who followed the rabbi during His ministry on earth.
In this section of Step One, there are three different reading plans to help you get started on your Bible reading journey.
I Don’t Really See the Benefits.
Let’s consider several benefits which will help you understand the worth of Scripture and the value gained when you read it.
The Word of God stirs and strengthens faith. “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing from the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17 NIV).
The Word of God encourages us with hope. “Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of Scriptures we might have hope” (Romans 15:4 NIV).
The Word of God is the source of wisdom. Wisdom is the insight and sense of how to live in a way that accomplishes our goals.
The Word of God gives us critical warnings. The book not only points us to the right path, but sounds warnings when we are about to travel the wrong one.
The Word of God leads us to understand the heart of the Father. The more we read, the more we learn about God.
Here are several verses of Scripture that reinforce the value and importance of the biblical literacy.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
2 Timothy 3:16 NKJV
2 Timothy 3:16 NLT
2 Timothy 3:16 MESSAGE
Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Proverbs 30:5 NKJV
Proverbs 30:5 NLT
Proverbs 30:5 MESSAGE
The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.
Psalm 119:130 NKJV
Psalm 119:130 NLT
Psalm 119:130 MESSAGE
Let’s join together and make progress toward improving our biblical literacy.
Our small group is sharing “Twelve Scriptures Should You Know by Heart.” What Scriptures would make your list? I would love to hear the verses that mean a lot to you. Feel free to leave a comment at the end of today’s post.
Hiding God’s Word in your heart is certainly a concept taught in the Bible, but it is also something that brings personal comfort. Even if I only remember three or four words of a passage, I can put those words in Google and the hidden gem of Scripture will emerge uncovered – in about a million internet appearances. What peace and encouragement there is in knowing that God is speaking to my circumstances and guiding me on my path.
Guiding Our Thoughts
Let’s use this verse from the Bible to guide our thoughts. (I suppose this verse gives us thirteen Scriptures you should know by heart!) David writes in the Psalms,
How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. 10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. 11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you (Psalm 119:9-11 NIV).
Psalm 119:9-11 NASB
Psalm 119:9-11 NCV
Psalm 119:9-11 MESSAGE
Translations
As we look at our twelve Scriptures you should know by heart, I will list four versions of the Bible for each verse. The text that will be printed is from the New American Standard Version of the Bible. The three other versions are the New International Version (NIV), the New Century Version (NCV), and the Message (MSG, MESSAGE). By using the different versions, you will get a flavor for how the Bible can be translated. The information box on the side will remind you of the different styles and types of translation.
Meaning
Following each verse, we will offer a brief paragraph explaining why the verse is important to know. We should know how to find the verse and how to share it with someone else.
Anytime you read a “Top Ten List” about any subject, it is always easy to scrutinize too closely. “Why did this Scripture get left off?” “Who would put THAT verse on the list?” Don’t let yourself fall into that trap, but look at the list for what it is worth. We will talk about why the verses made my list. I think a couple of the verses will surprise you.
Understanding the Difference in Translations
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Understanding the Different Translations
Let’s get started with the twelve Scriptures you should know by heart.
Isaiah 40:28
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth; Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is unsearchable (Isaiah 40:28 NASB).
Isaiah 40:28 NIV
Isaiah 40:28 NCV
Isaiah 40:28 MESSAGE
We start with a verse that introduces God, His creative powers, and His nature. This is the God of the Bible, whom I trust not only because He created, but because He is better than me. He does not become weary. His wisdom is great. He is eternal.
John 1:1, 14
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us; and we saw His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:1, 14 NASB).
John 1:1, 14 NIV
John 1:1, 14 NCV
John 1:1, 14 MESSAGE
If the first concept that we look at from Scripture is the presence of God, it is vital that we next look at the presence of Jesus. John tells us that Jesus existed from the very beginning, not in the form and body of a human, but as a God-dwelling person of the Trinity. John sees Jesus as the ultimate communication of God – and calls Him “the Word.” Does that give you deeper understanding of the beginning of Hebrews, “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, (Hebrews 1:1-2a NIV).
1 John 1:8-9
If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:8-9 NASB).
1 John 1:8 NIV
1 John 1:8 NCV
1 John 1:8 MESSAGE
Once we understand God’s presence and stature, it is important to understand us. Created in the image of God, humans have one ungodly characteristic: sin. John tells us that if we say we have no sin, all we are doing is pretending, and deceiving ourselves. We are not “getting better” with time, our history certainly proves that. We also don’t learn very quickly.
Acts 4:12
And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among mankind by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12 NASB).
Acts 4:12 NIV
Acts 4:12 NCV
Acts 4:12 MESSAGE
Sin leaves us with a terrible dilemma. It makes us partners with death. Death is not just an end to the animated physical body, but it is a condition of our mind, soul and spirit. Death separates us – from each other, from a sense of right and wrong, from peace within, and ultimately from God Himself. None of us are righteous, not a single one.
Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast (Ephesians 2:8-9 NASB).
Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV
Ephesians 2:8-9 NCV
Ephesians 2:8-9 MESSAGE
We understand when someone is gracious. We receive more than what we deserve. God shows us that He is beyond gracious. From a God who cannot sin, who cannot tolerate sin, who must act justly by His very nature, God offers to cancel our partnership with death. Our only stipulation is that we take God at His Word. Faith is believing God’s Words – His Words about sin, His Words about life, and His Words about our need to escape the clutches of death. Doesn’t this make John’s words that we learned earlier even more meaningful?
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come (2 Corinthians 5:17 NASB).
2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
2 Corinthians 5:17 NCV
2 Corinthians 5:17 MESSAGE
The next several Scriptures speak to what happens to us when we understand God’s gracious gift to us, the gift He provided through faith. The first thing that happens is a change inside us. We become as different as night to day. The difference is obvious to God – and obvious to everyone else. The things we want to do changes. The reason we want to do them changes as well. We become transformed.
Romans 8:28
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28 NASB).
Romans 8:28 NIV
Romans 8:28 NCV
Romans 8:28 MESSAGE
The second thing that happens is a change outside of us. God promises to work everything together for good if we love Him. The promise doesn’t mean that bad things will not happen. We still live in a world where most people are in partnership with death. But God promises that He pays attention to our lives. Whatever comes our way, He will turn it to good, if we trust Him and allow Him the opportunity to work. This promise gives us hope.
Matthew 22:37-39
And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the great and foremost commandment. 39 The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’” (Matthew 22:37-39 NASB).
Matthew 22:37-39 NIV
Matthew 22:37-39 NCV
Matthew 22:37-39 MESSAGE
So if God has done all of this for me, what can I do to show Him that I love Him and appreciate His graciousness? Jesus said to love God with all our hearts, minds, souls and strength. We are also to love others just as we love ourselves.
Micah 6:8
He has told you, mortal one, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8 NASB)?
Micah 6:8 NIV
Micah 6:8 NCV
Micah 6:8 MESSAGE
How am I to treat others? I am to treat them fairly, I am to treat them kindly (gently not with harsh anger) and I am to allow them to see that I am walking humbly with God. If I treat others fairly and kindly, they will wonder why. Most people do not treat others outside their own household this way. (Neighbors, remember?) Be honest with them. Inside it would be much easier just to look out for yourself. But you act differently because of God. (And now you can share the first five Scriptures you know by heart.)
Romans 8:38-39
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39 NASB).
Romans 8:38-39 NIV
Romans 8:38-39 NCV
Romans 8:38-39 MESSAGE
But what if I mess up? What if I don’t love God like I should or love my neighbors correctly? What if I fall flat on my face? Get up. Dust yourself off. Try better tomorrow. Nothing you could do can separate you from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus. Don’t be deceived. Keep believing, and be transformed. (This might be a good time to think back to the fifth Scripture you know by heart.)
Romans 8:1
Therefore there is now no condemnation at all for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1 NASB).
Romans 8:1 NIV
Romans 8:1 NCV
Romans 8:1 MESSAGE
This verse is included because it speaks to where I live as much as any other verse in the Bible. Satan wants to deceive me. He wants me not to believe God’s Words. His ship is sinking and he wants to take as many down with him as he can. He works hard to convince me that I am guilty and I should live my life as a guilty man. I snapped back at my wife. I lost my temper with the customer. My thoughts weren’t very pure last night.
It doesn’t take long for me to question my hope and my future, to wonder about the truthfulness of God’s Words. Isn’t that what he has been doing to humans since the Garden of Eden? There is no condemnation – at all – for those who are in Christ Jesus. Not in the future. Not from the past. Not now. Keep believing, and be transformed.
Hebrews 9:28
so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him (Hebrews 9:28 NASB).
Hebrews 9:28 NIV
Hebrews 9:28 NCV
Hebrews 9:28 MESSAGE
Our final verse of Scripture speaks to our hope. Jesus will appear a second time, not to provide a sacrifice for sin, but to embrace with open arms those who eagerly await Him. I am ready, Lord. Come at any time!
There you have it. Twelve Scriptures you should know by heart. Hiding God’s Word in your heart will transform your life. They will build inside you hope.
The Finale
As our study comes to a close, here are some resources to wrap up your lesson. If you want to use this study as content for a small group study, you can use the lesson handout to guide your group discussion. You may make as many copies as you need. The Source provides you with a handful of web sites that served as research for this material. The Essence gives you a brief devotional summary of the lesson that might be appropriate for a quick meditation for a gathering. There are also a handful of suggestions for you to continue your study. Finally, The Quiz gives you a chance to review and see what you have learned.
Do you start the year making new year’s resolutions? Are you good at keeping them? A majority of us say we make them. A whopping 73.7% of men, and 74.26% of women plan to make resolutions in the coming year. An even more impressive figure, 141.1 million Americans, or roughly 55% of the people, say that keeping the resolutions are within their reach. Was daily Bible study on your list?
For many of those with a faith background, there is a passion to also make resolutions for a deeper spiritual commitment during the coming year. Many of us attempt to read through the Bible in a year, to improve our church attendance, or even to increase our giving, but often we fall short of those goals. May I encourage you this year to join with us in forming some habits to improve the way we study and understand the Bible? I have put together a daily plan of Bible reading that will help you build a way of understanding the historical context of Scripture, making appropriate applications of the Scripture, all the while forming good habits of daily Bible reading.
Research has shown that it takes about 21 days to form a habit. Then to make it a real life-style change, continue the habit for another 90 days. Several psychologists refer to this as the 21-90 rule. If we start reading from the Bible now, in just over 100 days, we will begin forming the habit of daily Bible study. The days are not tied to the calendar, so you can start today! Are you up for the challenge? Invite your friends to join in.
The First 21 Days
We will start our journey slow and easy. We will read one verse each day, think about how the verse applies to our life, and ask God to bless us in the reading and hearing of His Word. The main version of the Bible listed will be the New International Version.
Links provided make twelve other [popup_anything id=”5951″]available to you, including a Spanish version. English versions are available as either [popup_anything id=”5944″].
By participating, you are creating several important components that will make your habit last. We will build fellowship with each other by offering our thoughts in the reply tab at the bottom of this page. Each day, you can answer the thought question yourself, or you can comment and respond to the post of someone else. Not only are you learning to read Scripture for daily Bible study, but you are reflecting on it and communicating your understanding of it to others. You are building your own understanding of your personal [popup_anything id=”5943″] of the Bible.
week one
Day
Scripture NIV
Scripture NASB
Scripture MSG
Daily Thought Question
Day One
Psalm 111:10
Psalm 111:10 NASB
Psalm 111:10 MESSAGE
What does it mean to fear the Lord? How is that the beginning of wisdom?
Day Two
Romans 1:16
Romans 1:16 NASB
Romans 1:16 MESSAGE
How can you show that you are not ashamed of the gospel?
Day Three
Isaiah 40:31
Isaiah 40:31 NASB
Isaiah 40:31 MESSAGE
How does the Lord renew your spiritual strength?
Day Four
John 3:16
John 3:16 NASB
John 3:16 MESSAGE
John 3:16 may be the most well-known verse in the Bible. Will you explain what it means to you?
Day Five
John 4:24
John 4:24 NASB
John 4:24 MESSAGE
What does it mean to worship God in spirit?
Day Six
Romans 1:20
Romans 1:20 NASB
Romans 1:20 MESSAGE
What can you learn about God by looking at His creation?
Day Seven
Psalm 90:2
Psalm 90:2 NASB
Psalm 90:2 MESSAGE
What do you learn about God from this Psalm?
week two
Day
Scripture NIV
Scripture NASB
Scripture MSG
Daily Thought Question
Day Eight
Hebrews 4:12
Hebrews 4:12 NASB
Hebrews 4:12 MESSAGE
How is God’s word alive and active in your life?
Day Nine
Psalm 119:105
Psalm 119:105 NASB
Psalm 119:105 MESSAGE
How does God’s word provide light and direction to the path that you walk?
Day Ten
Romans 15:4
Romans 15:4 NASB
Romans 15:4 MESSAGE
Name a lesson that you have learned from the pages of the Old Testament.
Day Eleven
Proverbs 3:5-6
Proverbs 3:5-6 NASB
Proverbs 3:5-6 MESSAGE
What does it mean to trust God with all your heart?
Day Twelve
1 Thessalonians 5:16
1 Thessalonians 5:16 NASB
1 Thessalonians 5:16 MESSAGE
What does it mean to “pray continually?” Is that really possible?
Day Thirteen
Psalm 119:11
Psalm 119:11 NASB
Psalm 119:11 MESSAGE
Will you memorize Psalm 119:11 as you start to hide God’s Word in your heart?
Day Fourteen
James 1:22
James 1:22 NASB
James 1:22 MESSAGE
Is there a verse in the Bible that you have listened to but not obeyed? What should be your first step toward obedience?
week three
Day
Scripture NIV
Scripture NASB
Scripture MSG
Daily Thought Question
Day Fifteen
2 Corinthians 5:17
2 Corinthians 5:17 NASB
2 Corinthians 5:17 MESSAGE
What is new about you since you have become a Christian?
Day Sixteen
Galatians 2:20
Galatians 2:20 NASB
Galatians 2:20 MESSAGE
What does living by faith in the Son of God mean to you?
Day Seventeen
Colossians 3:9-10
Colossians 3:9-10 NASB
Colossians 3:9-10 MESSAGE
What part of the “new self” have you put on that marks your new life in Christ?
Day Eighteen
Romans 6:4
Romans 6:4 NASB
Romans 6:4 MESSAGE
What imagery of baptism stands out the most to you? Why?
Day Nineteen
Psalm 133:1
Psalm 133:1 NASB
Psalm 133:1 MESSAGE
In what way is it possible for Christians to actually be united?
Day Twenty
Acts 2:42
Acts 2:42 NASB
Acts 4:42 MESSAGE
To what aspect of the Christian faith would you consider yourself “devoted?” What does it mean to you to be devoted?
Day Twenty-One
1 Thessalonians 5:11
1 Thessalonians 5:11 NASB
1 Thessalonians 5:11 MESSAGE
What Christian in your life is an encouragement to you? Who do you encourage in the faith?
There are many reasons that we read and study the Bible. It is vitally important that we select a version that matches your reason for reading and study together with your vocabulary and understanding of the Bible. Selecting the right biblical translation can support your Bible reading goals.
Select a version of the Bible that matches your vocabulary and understanding of the Bible.
Formal Translation
Dynamic Translation
Idiomatic Translation
Paraphrase
NASB
NIV
MSG
LIVING
16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.
16 The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right. 17 It is God’s way of making us well prepared at every point, fully equipped to do good to everyone.
Biblical translation takes the original Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek languages and offers an English equivalent. There are three main philosophies of translation: formal translation (word-for-word), dynamic translation (thought-for-thought or phrase-for-phrase) and idiomatic translation (dynamic translation plus idiom equivalence). All three of these are translations, relying on an English rendering of the original languages. Scholars, theologians and linguists spend lengths of time producing translations.
A paraphrase takes an accepted English translation and rewords it into another English equivalent. A paraphrase spends no time consulting with the original languages. If you are asked to write a verse of the Bible using your own words, you are making a paraphrase of that verse. The old Living Bible and the old Good News for Modern Man provide examples of a biblical paraphrase.
People often miscategorize and misunderstand The Message version of the Bible by Eugene Peterson. Many – including scholars – assume Peterson took an English version of the Bible such as the KJV or the NIV and reworded it. Peterson was a linguistic scholar and used the original languages.
Why was The Message written? The best answer to that question comes from Peterson himself: “While I was teaching a class on Galatians, I began to realize that the adults in my class weren’t feeling the vitality and directness that I sensed as I read and studied the New Testament in its original Greek. Writing straight from the original text, I began to attempt to bring into English the rhythms and idioms of the original language. I knew that the early readers of the New Testament were captured and engaged by these writings and I wanted my congregation to be impacted in the same way. I hoped to bring the New Testament to life for two different types of people: those who hadn’t read the Bible because it seemed too distant and irrelevant and those who had read the Bible so much that it had become ‘old hat.'”
There is no “right or wrong” approach to biblical translations. Different methods attempt to achieve different goals. The danger in any translation that moves away from a word-for-word approach is simply that the translators may bring in their own personal bias or theological position to the text. The danger in a true paraphrase is that the individuals involved are not Greek and Hebrew scholars. A true paraphrase takes a difficult to read English version and simplifies the text.
Did you ever read something in a book that made you stop and reread it? You couldn’t believe what you just read, so you were compelled to read it again, just to make sure. Words are like that. Individual words help us look beyond the big picture, in order for us to understand the nuances, meaning and application of the text.
Paul tells the Galatians, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16 ESV). The word “walk” is the Greek word περιπατέω (PERI-PATEO), a compound verb that is used 95 times. The meaning is always very concise and clear.
The words together literally mean “to walk around.” The word “peri” means around and suggests the idea of encircling something. The word “pateo” means to walk. It denotes the movement of the feet, while it is often meaning a walk, it focuses on the steps and it can even mean to trample.
When the words are combined, as they are in Galatians 5:16, the word means to habitually walk around in one general vicinity. In this setting, the word is often translated “live.” The word has walked around in one region for so long that it has now become his own environment. One commentator mentioned the word could be explained by thinking the person has walked one path so many times, in such a habitual way, that he would be able to walk the path blindfolded.
One of the most powerful images of fellowship with the Father goes back to the Garden of Eden and their walk with God. From that time forward the idea of walking with someone took on deep meaning. To walk with someone is to live in fellowship and harmony with him. God can only live in a way that reflects His character. Walking with God, then, is to live according to the path that God has lined out for life, to live a life that is in obedience to Him.
In secular literature, the word περιπατέω often meant to stroll. A person who strolls is not anxious, frustrated or overwhelmed. Rather he is a person who is restful, unhurried and calm. The person who walks in the Spirit is at peace.
Notice these Scriptures that describe humans walking with God.
And after the birth of Methuselah, Enoch walked with God 300 years and fathered other sons and daughters.
These are the family records of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among his contemporaries; Noah walked with God.
Genesis 5:22; 6:9 HCSB
I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be My people.
Leviticus 26:12 HCSB
And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you except to fear the Lord your God by walking in all His ways, to love Him, and to worship the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul?
Deuteronomy 10:12 HCSB
Only carefully obey the command and instruction that Moses the Lord’s servant gave you: to love the Lord your God, walk in all His ways, keep His commands, remain faithful to Him, and serve Him with all your heart and all your soul.
Joshua 22:5 HCSB
He said:
“Lord God of Israel, there is no God like You in heaven above or on earth below, keeping the gracious covenant with Your servants who walk before You with their whole heart.”
1 Kings 8:23 HCSB
Mankind, He has told you what is good and what it is the Lord requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8 HCSB
And what agreement does God’s sanctuary have with idols? For we are the sanctuary of the living God, as God said: I will dwell among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.
2 Corinthians 6:16 HCSB
But you have a few people in Sardis who have not defiled their clothes, and they will walk with Me in white, because they are worthy.
Revelation 3:4 HCSB
What comes to your mind when you think of taking a walk? Is it a chore? Is it relaxing? What images does it bring up from your past? Where do you like to walk? Who do you like to walk with? What do you like to talk about?
What are the lessons that the Bible may be making when it compares life with God to walking with God?
What does it mean to walk by faith and not by sight?
Do you think God literally and visibly walked in the Garden, or is that symbolic?
What does it mean to walk in the light?
Why does the Bible describe Enoch as someone who walked with God?
Did you ever read something in a book or printed page that made you stop and reread it? It hit you and it was almost like you couldn’t believe what your eyes read? Perhaps it was a statistic that was so astonishing. Maybe it was a quotation that you couldn’t believe so-and-so said that! So you were compelled to read it again, just to make sure. Instead of looking just to comprehend the big picture, you looked closely at each word to find nuances and meaning.
You read it again and paused. You noticed. And thought. And nodded. And you understood.
It means more when we put our name in writing, doesn’t it? Do you remember the first contract you signed to buy a car or a house? Your signature meant your promise. I am really going to do this. There is responsibility in owning this property. It needs maintenance. I will sacrifice and make the required payments.
Because of how the people felt, because of the impact of the Law on their lives, the people wanted to commit to a certain type of behavior. Such a commitment needed to be written.
The term “covenant” is technically not in the text. The Hebrew word used describes “a firm promise” (see also Nehemiah 11:23). But the verb translated “make” is “to cut” which has huge connections to the concept of “covenant-making.”
Notice who signed the contract. Verses two through eight list twenty-one names of priests, although at least fifteen of them appear to be family names. This would explain the absence of Ezra’s name. These names are followed by the names of Levites and “chiefs of the people.”
Contracts and laws are designed to make sure people do what they are supposed to do – that they don’t forget or allow themselves to stray. The speed limit here is 65mph. There is a law that stops discrimination against people, to make sure that people are treated fairly and equally.
The Torah – the Law of Moses – did that for the people. But God longed for the day when the Law didn’t have to be written down, instead it would be written on man’s heart (Jeremiah 31:33, Ezekiel 36:26, Psalm 51:10). The Hebrew writer affirms that the day has arrived through Jesus Christ (Hebrews 8:10).
Click on this image to return to the main page for Lesson Four: Promises to Obey
Did you ever read something in a book or printed page that made you stop and reread it? It hit you and it was almost like you couldn’t believe what your eyes read? Perhaps it was a statistic that was so astonishing. Maybe it was a quotation that you couldn’t believe so-and-so said that! So you were compelled to read it again, just to make sure. Instead of looking just to comprehend the big picture, you looked closely at each word to find nuances and meaning.
You read it again and paused. You noticed. And thought. And nodded. And you understood.
Jesus taught the importance of celebrating. The Master loved to tell stories. You would have been spell-bound to listen to Him because He had a knack for taking the most profound spiritual truths or doctrines and make them as simple as learning to throw seeds in the garden or baking a loaf of bread. A story – an object lesson – used to tell a spiritual truth is called a parable. About a third of His teaching used parables, and depending on how you count, Jesus told about forty different parables.
He speaks in parables because not everyone wants to hear. He used parables so that the hearts of those rejecting His words would not be hardened further. The same sun that softens the wax hardens the clay. The same gospel that humbles the heart of the honest seeker hardens the heart of the one who is clinging to their path of disobedience.
William Barclay wrote, “The parable conceals truth from those who are either too lazy or too blinded by prejudice to see. It reveals truth to him who desires truth; it conceals truth from him who does not wish to see the truth.” D.A. Carson states, “the parables spoke to the crowds do not simply convey information nor mask it, but challenge the hearers.”
Understanding parables
The term “parable” is a transliteration of the Greek word parabole (parah-bow-lay). The word means “to throw alongside.” A parable throws one idea alongside another for the purpose of providing a better explanation. The story in a parable illustrates and illuminates basic ideas and is not meant to have an “item-by-item” explanation for each detail, but rather a larger picture painted on the canvas.
The word starts with the Greek preposition “para.” It literally means alongside, but it stresses a nearness, a closeness or a relationship that is often not expressed in translation. It implies an intimate relationship, something that actually changes the nature of the two when separate and individual.
Let me give you an example. I might call your attention to “peanut butter alongside jelly.” We could be picturing a jar of peanut butter and a jar of jelly sitting next to one another on the kitchen cabinet or on the shelf at the grocery. But if the word “para” was used to describe “alongside” we would not think of the peanut butter and the jelly as separate, but instead we would think of them as already intermingled, as in a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
We bring the word “para” straight into the English on so many occasions. We often speak of a parachute, paradigm, paragraph, paralegal, paralysis, parameter, or paradox.
My two sons
The fifteenth chapter of Luke (Luke 15:1-31 ESV) describes an interesting point in the earthly ministry of Jesus. In the midst of intense criticism from Jewish religious leaders regarding His practice of eating with characters of ill-repute, Jesus tells three stories. The imagery wrestles your attention away from any other direction.
Do any of you have sheep? There was a woman who had coins. Once a man had sons. Everyone can relate to these stories. Haven’t we all had a pet that got off the leash and wandered away? Is there anyone among us that hasn’t misplaced our keys or our cell phone? Could there be a parent whose child never made a bad decision?
I finally found it! It was in the last place I looked! He came to his senses and it all worked out.
All three of the stories have similar circumstances. The stories all teach similar lessons. And all three stories end the same way: we call friends and neighbors and say, “Let’s celebrate! I found what I lost!”
