1. The Bible Is Spirit-Inspired
The entire Bible has its source in God. It is composed of books, sentences, phrases, words, and individual letters that He has “ . . . breathed out” (2 Ti 3:16). Without using dictation, and without destroying the individuality of each human author, God has given us a book that, in its tiniest details, is exactly what He wants it to be.
Therefore, unless it is read inaccurately (or from a faulty translation), the reader is speaking and the listener is hearing the very Word of God. We are thus encountering God Himself. It’s the nearest we get to heaven during our time on earth.
Because inspiration is verbal, you must take care as to how you pronounce and express every word. Every time you open the Bible you do so in the presence of its Author.
2. The Bible Is Clear (Perspicuous)
This does not mean that every (or any) individual Christian understands everything God has revealed. It does mean that the church of Jesus Christ, in every generation, is capable of understanding the God-breathed Word. The simplest person, with the Spirit’s illumination, is able to understand the truths necessary for salvation.
It follows, then, that the Bible should be read clearly. This cannot be done, however, if you lack an understanding of what is being read. Contrarily, when the text is rightly understood it can be read with appropriate expression.
Let your voice express the meaning the author intended to convey. This means your vocal expression, inflection, and intonation should vary to express the actions, emotions, and truths of the text. You do not convey the meaning of the words Jesus wept if your voice makes it sound as though he did not care . . . this does not mean that you should read the text theatrically . . . If the text contains a conversation speak conversationally. If the text contains a narrative let your voice tell the story as realistically as the author would have first expressed it. Bring the text into the world of the listeners with such natural, appropriate, and controlled speech that the Bible seems readily accessible rather than terribly remote (Chapell, p 337-338).
Reading the Bible clearly necessitates an intentional commitment to diction so that every sound of every word is given its full value. It requires an appropriate volume and pace, along with a respect for distinct phrases and sentence structure. The concepts of the author come unglued when the reader runs one sentence into another, expresses a question as though it were a statement, or cuts a thought short by taking a breath in the middle of a phrase.
Unusual thought turns, unfamiliar terms, and words needing emphasis will elude, confuse, and escape the reader who does not prepare. Nothing so quickly damages a reader’s credibility as stumbling, skipping phrases, and mispronouncing words.
Therefore, read the assigned text several times silently to discern the literary flow. Then practice reading the assigned text audibly several times so that your mind, tongue, and ear grow familiar with the passage’s thoughts, twists, and tones. Train yourself by reading to children. If you can read Scripture naturally and expressively enough to hold the interest of a child you are well prepared to read meaningfully to a congregation.
3. The Bible Is Sufficient
The Bible, all on its own, is enough to bring spiritual life into existence, as well as sustain and perfect it. It does not need anything outside itself to prove it is the Word of God.
Hebrews says that “the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword” and that it pierces “to the division of soul and of spirit” (He 4:12)? Do you believe this? If so, then read it with expectancy. When the text is read in a monotone you communicate that the Word has no power over you. When the text is read rapidly you imply, “Let’s get through this stuff so we can get on to the things that are really important.”
You should read the text in a way that displays an absolute confidence in the fact that every word carries power that comes from the mouth of God."
Article from D. Min notes presented by Dr. Azurdia at TMS (July 2016).
Helpful Resources . . .
Christ-Centered Preaching by Bryan Chapell
Reading Scripture In Public: A Guide For Preachers And Lay Readers by Thomas McComiskey.
Reading The Bible And Praying In Public by Stuart Olyott
You should read the text in a way that displays an absolute confidence in the fact that every word carries power that comes from the mouth of God."
Article from D. Min notes presented by Dr. Azurdia at TMS (July 2016).
Helpful Resources . . .
Christ-Centered Preaching by Bryan Chapell
Reading Scripture In Public: A Guide For Preachers And Lay Readers by Thomas McComiskey.
Reading The Bible And Praying In Public by Stuart Olyott
