It’s that time of year when New Year resolutions take center stage—those well-intentioned plans to make adjustments to our lives. Resolutions are valuable; they prompt us to evaluate, reassess, and realign our priorities.
As we enter 2025, I am confident many of you are considering—or have already begun—writing down your resolutions. Like you, I have plans for the new year, especially in the area of spiritual growth and maturity. One of my resolutions is to read through the entire Bible—Old and New Testaments—in 2025. Is that something you might consider as well? I encourage you to do so.
For believers, New Year resolutions offer a unique opportunity to reflect on our lives and measure how well we’ve used our time, gifts, and opportunities to glorify God. As the Greek philosopher Socrates said, “An unexamined life is not worth living.” The Apostle Paul takes this further: “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you? — unless indeed you fail to meet the test!” (2 Corinthians 13:5). Examining our lives not only involves reflecting on the past but also requires planning and making decisions for the future (Proverbs 6:6-11, Luke 14:28).
The Believer’s Duty: Diligent Bible Study
One area where many believers struggle is the consistent reading and study of the Bible. Yet Scripture is our only infallible source of truth and guidance in our walk with God, and we must read and study it as a matter of duty.
As R.C. Sproul aptly stated:
I could plead with you to study the Bible for personal edification; I could try the art of persuasion to stimulate your quest for happiness. I could say that the study of the Bible would probably be the most fulfilling and rewarding educational experience of your life. I could cite numerous reasons why you would benefit from a serious study of Scripture. But ultimately the main reason why we should study the Bible is because it is our duty. ~ R.C. Sproul 1
Cultivate a Desire to Study
The primary obstacle to Bible study is often a lack of desire. Many of us understand the importance of Scripture but struggle to prioritise it in our busy lives. The distractions and cares of the world can easily crowd out time for God’s Word.
However, spiritual growth begins with a heartfelt longing for God’s Word. As the psalmist writes:
“As the deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God” (Psalm 42:1).
Desire cannot be manufactured by sheer willpower—it must be cultivated through prayer. Ask God, through the Holy Spirit, to stir a genuine hunger for His Word within you.
Make Time for Study
Desire alone is insufficient; you must carve out dedicated time for Bible reading. Without intentional scheduling, even the best intentions will falter.
Consider starting your day with Scripture. Mornings often provide a quiet and focused environment for reflection. Jesus Himself modelled this practice:
“And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed” (Mark 1:35).
While mornings may not work for everyone, the key is consistency. Find a time that works for you and commit to it.
Study Systematically
Approach Bible reading with a plan. Avoid randomly selecting verses or skipping around; instead, read systematically to grasp the overarching narrative of Scripture.
A structured Bible reading plan can help you stay organized and motivated. Choose a plan that suits your pace and goals, whether it is reading the entire Bible in a year or focusing on specific sections. Here are several bible reading plan options that can help you get started.
Take Notes
To maximize the benefits of Bible study, keep a notebook handy. Write down insights, questions, and key lessons from your reading. This habit deepens engagement with the text and helps you retain what you’ve learned.
Invest in resources like a study Bible, commentaries, and Bible dictionaries to enhance your understanding. If possible, use multiple translations to gain a broader perspective on the text.
Meditate on Scripture
Bible reading should not stop at comprehension; it must lead to meditation. Reflect deeply on what you’ve read, allowing it to shape your thoughts and actions.
Meditation involves pondering, questioning, and internalising the Word of God. As Joshua 1:8 advises:
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it.”
Think of meditation as spiritual digestion—it transforms the Word into nourishment for your soul. It is said, “if you know how to worry, you can meditate on the word”. Just worry about the word. Ask questions in your mind. Turn the word over. My favourite explanation of meditation is the analogy with a ruminant chewing its cud. (Deuteronomy 6:6-9, Joshua 1:8 and Psalms 1:1-2).
Obey The Word
The ultimate goal of Bible study is not merely knowledge but obedience. Scripture must shape how we live, aligning our actions with God’s will.
As the psalmist prayed:
“Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law” (Psalm 119:18).
When we apply the truths of Scripture to our lives, we bear fruit for God’s glory and experience the transformative power of His Word.
There are indeed many benefits to reading through the Bible. Here are a few articles you can refer to. If you have questions about why you must read through the Bible, this FAQ might be helpful.
We at The Gospel Network wish you a Happy and fruitful New Year as you take steps to master the Bible so that it may master you.
Notes:
1: R.C. Sproul, Knowing Scripture (InterVarsity Press, 2009) (Kindle page 35).
This is a great piece and a must read by all, especially our Youth.
Much blessings Osofo Enoch.