Ezra's Example

Ezra was a man of God who was described as having the good hand of God upon him (Ezra 7:9).  He committed himself to PRAY (Ezra 8:23) and READ God’s word (Nehemiah 8:1-8) throughout his lifetime, but he didn’t stop there.  Ezra 7:10 shows us,“For Ezra had set his heart to STUDY the Law of the Lord, and to DO it and to TEACH his statutes and rules in Israel.”  Ezra was committed to know God and make him known and God honored that.  Following Ezra’s example will help us as individuals or small groups to know God through His Word so that we might make him known in the world.

Bible Reading Guide PDF

Pray | Preparation

Thank God for speaking to us and revealing himself in his Word (2 Timothy 3:16, Hebrews 4:12).  Ask God to help you understand and apply these truths to your life!  

Read | Observation

What does it say? 

  • What sticks out and surprises you in this text?
  • What repetition, key words, commands, characters, or climax did you observe?
  • What’s the main focus and emphasis of the text?

Study | Interpretation

Who said it?

  • What sort of writing is this? (Historical/Narrative, Sermon/Letter, Poem/Song, Prophetic/Apocalyptic)
  • What is the context or circumstance surrounding your reading? (Time period, Author, Addressee)

What did it mean for them?

  • What did you learn about God and the Gospel?
  • What did you learn about yourself and the world?
  • What questions do you have?

Do | Application

What does it mean for you?

  • How might you sum up your reading in your own words?
  • What wrong beliefs and actions do I need to repent and confess?
  • What do I need to believe and do in response to God’s Word?

Teach | Multiplication

What does it mean for others?

  • What can you share with another Christian to encourage them to follow Christ?
  • What can you share with a Non-Christian so they might consider following Christ?

BIBLE OVERVIEW

Checkout our Bible Overview to help you understand the context and time period each book of the Bible was written.