Summary of How to Read God's Word
There are basically four ways to read God's Word:
- Informational reading provides information and knowledge, but it does not necessarily result in changed behavior.
- Instructional reading of God's Word is to seek knowledge that will change or strengthen what we believe. We go to the Word to learn truth.
- Inspirational reading is also called devotional reading. This approach to the Word of God is usually in conjunction with an emotional or personal need such as grief.
- Incarnational reading refers to taking the Word of God to the level of the heart resulting not only in changed living, but changed relationships.
The approach you select reflects the difference between the desire for more data about God versus building a relationship with Him.