“The Bible does not present us with texts to be mastered … but with a Word intent on shaping our lives, on mastering us.” Joel B. Green offers this valuable insight in a piece on the Catalyst site (”Cultivating the Practice of Reading Scripture”).

This is a helpful reminder for everyone who teaches and preaches the Bible. While we want to convey knowledge about Scripture, our ultimate aim is to promote Scripture-based transformation. Paul urged Timothy to be the kind of minister who “correctly teaches the message of God’s truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 GNT). This requires a firm grasp on what is in Scripture—and an even firmer grasp on how to approach reading it. This doesn’t mean fighting over words, mastering Scripture with our intellects (2 Timothy 2:14). It means opening ourselves to being formed by the wisdom and teachings God has inspired (2 Timothy 3:16). Unlike any other piece of literature, the Bible is intent on shaping and equipping us as we submit to its mastery.

How can we bring the people we lead into this process of transformation? How can we teach Scripture in a way that celebrates its unique soul-shaping character? In my studies on spiritual development, I keep running across certain details that set it apart from any other piece of literature. Here are four tips I have found helpful in letting Scripture transform me. Consider implementing them in your ministry—and in your personal life.

1. Prepare.

I can pick up a novel anytime, anyplace, and jump right in. But I will catch more nuances, details, and personal implications when I am calm, focused. I get more out of the story when I have created space to enjoy it. The same is true with Scripture. When I have readied my heart and mind to receive God’s Word, I can settle into my reading. I am not distracted by my list of tasks or my environment. At times, I prepare to read through praying or journaling. Sometimes I find a quiet room or place to sit outside. I try to remember that what I am reading is holy, that I am getting ready to encounter a holy God.

2. Soak.

I love poetic language. It slows me down, giving the words and their meanings time to sink into my being. Poetry gives me a different way of framing my experiences. It gives me new images and unexpected comparisons. Scripture—especially in its poetic books like Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, or Song of Songs—also invites me to slow down and let the words sink in, giving me a new perspective. Sometimes I spend time meditating on a word, phrase, or image. Sometimes I read a passage out loud, to hear how it sounds. As I take time to soak in Scripture, I let it come live inside me—where it can shape me and the way I interpret the world.

3. Embody.

A good novel will let me identify with the characters and story so deeply that it influences my actions. I may witness a character taking risks and find courage to act more boldly. I may understand the motives of a villain, fostering empathy towards people in my own life who have acted unjustly. The Bible is also meant to move beyond the page and into our daily lives. As I read Jesus’s teachings and see how he carried them out, I can follow his example. As I read the epistles, I can implement some of their lessons. I may choose to say an uplifting word rather than a critical one ( Ephesians 4:29). I may find strength in the witness of biblical characters during a stressful situation. God went with many faithful before me; God will go with me too (Hebrews 11—12:1).

4. Share.

There is nothing like discussing a good book in a literature class or book group. I glean insights from peers that I couldn’t on my own. I consider things from different angles, re-reading excerpts as if for the first time. The Bible also comes alive in new ways as we read it together. After all, it is a relational book! It is intended to be read, shared, and lived out in community. Jesus promises,“For where two or three come together in my name, I am there with them” ( Matthew 18:20). For me, this is studying the Bible in small groups at church. It is reciting Scripture during the Sunday morning liturgy. Or it is as simple as sharing a meaningful verse in an email to a friend.

As we read the Bible intentionally, slowly, actively, together, we are transformed by its words. This is a dynamic process, moving us beyond the page. Its message becomes alive in and through us. More than any other book, Scripture offers an opportunity to be formed into Christ’s image.

You can find a slightly altered version of this article on our Bible Engager’s Blog. Follow this link, and feel free to share it with anyone who might benefit. Or just direct them to blog.bible.