As a believer, one of the most transformative habits you can develop is immersing yourself in God’s Word. But here’s the thing: there’s a difference between reading the Bible and studying the Bible. Both are vital, but they serve different purposes and meet different needs in our spiritual growth. Let me explain.

Bible Reading vs. Bible Study

Bible reading is about exposure—it’s how you take in the whole story of Scripture, understanding how God has worked throughout history and what His Word actually says. It’s not about pausing to analyze every verse; it’s about letting the narrative flow so you see the big picture.

Bible study, on the other hand, is about depth. It’s where you park in one place, dig into context, history, and meaning, and reflect on how to apply God’s truth to your life. Where Bible reading helps you know what Scripture says, Bible study teaches you what it means and how to live it out. Both are crucial, but they require different approaches.

How I Approach Bible Reading

At the start of each year, I like to kick things off with a locked-in, no-nonsense Bible reading plan. For me, those “Bible-in-a-year” plans don’t quite fit. I don’t want to breeze through the text just to check a box. Instead, I usually commit to a focused 30, 60, or 90-day reading plan, where I read through the entire Bible in a shorter time frame.

The goal here isn’t in-depth study but to grasp the whole story—the overarching narrative of God’s redemptive plan from Genesis to Revelation. This big-picture reading helps me better understand how all the pieces of Scripture fit together. During my time of general reading, I like to use a translation like the NLT (New Living Translation) because it’s easier to process and allows me to focus on the flow of the text without getting bogged down in details.

My Approach to Bible Study

Once I’ve completed my reading plan, I shift gears and spend the rest of the year diving deep into specific books of the Bible. This is where I get out my study tools: commentaries, lexicons, cross-references, and a journal. I might spend months camped out in one book, dissecting it line by line.

For example, studying Galatians for weeks has shown me the richness of Paul’s teaching on grace and freedom in Christ. It’s during these times of study that I wrestle with tough passages, ask questions, and seek to understand the deeper meaning of the text.

Why Both Are Essential

Bible reading and Bible study aren’t interchangeable—they complement one another. Reading gives you the breadth of God’s Word, while studying provides the depth. Together, they give you a solid foundation for understanding Scripture and applying it to your life.

As Ephesians 6 tells us, the Bible is our sword—a tool for defense and offense in spiritual battles. But here’s the catch: you can’t wield a sword you don’t know how to use. If you only read the Bible without studying it, you might miss key truths or misunderstand passages. If you only study without reading, you lose the beauty of seeing how all of Scripture connects.

How This Shapes Your View of God and the World

Regular Bible reading and study shape the way you see everything: God, people, life, and even yourself. You begin to develop a biblical worldview, seeing things through the lens of God’s truth instead of the culture’s ever-changing ideas.

God’s Word is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12). Reading it gives you the spiritual nourishment you need daily. Studying it helps you grow in wisdom and discernment, equipping you to navigate life with grace and truth.

A Challenge for You

If you’ve never done a focused Bible reading plan, start there. Pick a time frame that works for you—30, 60, or 90 days—and commit to reading through Scripture. After that, choose one book to study deeply. Take your time, ask questions, and let God’s Word transform your mind and heart.

This isn’t about checking off a spiritual to-do list. It’s about drawing nearer to God, knowing Him more deeply, and learning how to live in a way that honors Him. Make this year the year you dive into God’s Word like never before. You won’t regret it. 🙌🏾