3 Building Blocks of Biblical Literacy

Most women feel insecure in using their voice for God because they feel they do not know the Bible enough. The plague of Biblical Illiteracy, even among pastors and leaders, is alarming. If you desire to grow in your understanding and comprehension of the Bible you must do the work to connect the dots. This quote from RC Sproul is convicting to me: “We fail in our duty to study God’s Word not so much because it is difficult to understand, not so much because it is dull and boring, but because it is work. Our problem is not a lack of intelligence or a lack of passion. Our problem is that we are lazy.”

Are you ready to do that work? Let’s start by defining Biblical Literacy.

Celina Durgin, who writes for The Biblical Mind, defines Bible literacy as “a thorough familiarity with the key narratives, people, order of events, and basic, clear themes throughout the whole Bible.

You CAN improve your Biblical Literacy and increase your confidence in the Word of God as you apply yourself.

3 Building Blocks of Biblical Literacy

1. CURIOSITY

   • To improve retention and comprehension, read your Bible in an environment where you can focus. Reading carefully and with curiosity will lead you to ask the right questions.

   • Proverbs instructs us to “get wisdom and insight” twice in a short span of verses: Proverbs 4:5, 7. This highlights the importance of caring to learn.

   • Curiosity is a verb. To gain wisdom and insight, one must take action. This action requires time, investment, reading, growing, stretching, and learning.

2. CONVERSATION

   • Conversing with others who know the Bible more than you will help you connect the dots in your mind about important Biblical occurrences.

   • When we say what we believe out loud, we can hear ourselves articulating our thoughts. Sometimes, this is all it takes to know if what has been roaming about in our minds is truth. Isolated beliefs are dangerous.

   • Hearing others speak their beliefs and convictions helps us know what we truly believe. Iron sharpen irons.

   • In Jewish culture, debate is the main form of communication—around the table or at meals. Learning through debate is HUGE.

3. CONVENTIONS

   • Conventions teach how something is usually done, especially within a particular area or activity.

   • The best course of action in studying the Bible is first studying the macro level. Once you grasp the big picture, you can move on to the micro level of understanding.

   • No need to reinvent the wheel. Some people have committed their whole lives to providing resources to guide you into further understanding.

Recourse to Increase Biblical Literacy:

A Daily Bible Reading Plan – The most important for your biblical literacy.

Bible Project – If you are a visual learner.

ESV Commentary – For all the academics.

Although it is important to “study to show ourselves approved,” we can not allow that to stop us from sharing what we do know as we learn more.

If you’re excited about the Something to Say Course, then you need to attend The Echo Weekend Preaching Workshop! We will take you from hiding to boldly preaching the Word, equipping you with the skills and confidence needed to fulfill your calling. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a community of empowered women preachers. Apply today!