Reading the Bible in a Meaningful Way

The Bible is the story of God, and the more clearly we know Scripture, the more clearly we can see Jesus revealed throughout the Bible. If we genuinely believe that the Bible is worth reading and knowing and absorbing into our lives, let’s figure out how to get the most out of it—and let’s help teenagers on this journey, too. That’s what this lesson is designed to do.

Lesson Objectives

1. WHAT: The Bible can intimidate teenagers, but a simplified approach can help them gain a deep love for Scripture—and for Jesus.
2. WHY: Teenagers can gain a greater love for Scripture when they see how it points them to Jesus, connects to their lives, and encourages other people.
3. HOW: Students will examine three specific questions they can ask when they read Scripture—questions that, ultimately, guide them back to Jesus.

Primary Scripture: James 1:22-24

Secondary Scriptures: Joshua 1:8; Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 3:5-6

Let’s talk about these three specific questions you can ask every time you read a passage of Scripture. All three questions can help you read the Bible in a meaningful way—and that’s a good thing!

1. How does this Scripture point me to Jesus?

Imagine sitting down for lunch with Jesus and talking about the importance of reading the Bible. What would you ask him?

How does reading the Bible regularly help you grow closer to Jesus?

Who can you talk with if you’re reading something in the Bible but can’t figure out how it points back to Jesus?

So, let’s ask this question about our passage from James 1—how do those verses point you to Jesus?

As we talked about earlier in this series, the Bible is God’s story and points us to Jesus. Whether we’re reading in the Old Testament or New Testament, we can look for a path back to Jesus. And if you can’t figure out that path, talk with a parent or trusted adult who reads the Bible regularly.

2. How does this Scripture connect to my life today?

Which parts of the Bible do you most enjoy reading? Why?

Which parts of the Bible are the most difficult for you to read? Why?

Look at verse 22—what is the value of obeying Scripture?

The more you know Scripture and absorb it into your life, the more it shapes who you are. Give us an example of this from your life.

So, let’s ask this question about our passage from James 1—how do those verses connect to your life today?

One of the things I love most about the Bible is how its truths are still powerful today. Yes, it was relevant for people hundreds or thousands of years ago, but we can still connect to it today. When we read Scripture, we discover wisdom, we meet people who did big things for God, and we encounter Jesus.

3. How can this Scripture encourage another person?

Tell us about a time you’ve read something in the Bible and realized it was exactly what someone else needed to read, too.

Read Psalm 119:105 and Proverbs 3:5-6. What is the purpose of light?

As you follow Jesus, how does Scripture help you travel on the right path?

How does trusting Jesus help you find guidance and encouragement in the Bible?

So, let’s ask this question about the two Scriptures we read just a moment ago—how can those verses encourage another person?

SAY SOMETHING LIKE: Scripture guides us and shows us the right path to take as we follow Jesus. Just like a flashlight lighting a path, sometimes all we can see is the next step—but Jesus sees beyond that next step. And we can pass along this encouragement to other people in our lives—we don’t have to keep it all to ourselves!

BGroup Questions

1. Was this activity easy? difficult? enjoyable? frustrating? Explain.
2. We’ve talked about those three questions in this lesson—what are some other habits that could help you as you read and study Scripture?

TAKE ACTION: Memorize this Scripture this week! “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105).

**Leaders, leave 3-5 minutes for prayer at the end of your group time.