Lent Talk 3 - the Spiritual Discipline of Scripture Reading

25 Mar

Written By Colin Saxelby

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Matt’s Picture
The Talk
Reading Bible Books ‘like novels’ - our discussions
All the New Testament books to read ‘like novels’

1. Matt’s Picture

2. The Talk

(click here for a PDF version)

The talk emphasised regular Bible reading as a spiritual discipline focused on formation, not emotional experience or information-gathering. Scripture is a means of encountering God and being shaped by God's story, drawing parallels with daily nourishment—usually unremarkable, but deeply sustaining over time.

1. Purpose of Scripture Reading

We read the Bible to know God, understand His story, and see our place within it—not because each reading will be exciting, but because it forms us slowly and steadily.

2. Not Just for Emotional Impact

Scripture reading is not about achieving spiritual highs. Like everyday meals, most readings may be forgettable but still deeply nourishing.

3. Encountering God in Scripture

Jesus is the true "Word of God" (John 1), but scripture serves as a mode of divine encounter, a place where God turns toward us in restoration and redemption.

4. A New Way to Engage Scripture

Rather than reading isolated verses, the talk encourages reading whole books or letters to grasp the bigger picture—just like reading a story from start to finish.

5. Shaping Identity and Story

Scripture helps form our understanding of who we are—as God’s creation, in relationship with others, located in the grand narrative of redemption.

6. Balancing Personal and Communal Faith

The healthiest spiritual life balances “Jesus saved me” with “God is redeeming all creation.” Community-based scripture reading, properly done, deepens understanding and prevents isolation.

Illustrations & Examples

Tish Harrison Warren likens scripture to ordinary meals—often forgettable, but sustaining.
The talk uses examples like reading Harry Potter to show how narrative understanding improves when we consume a text in larger, more natural units.
We’re encouraged to read Bible books without chapter and verse breaks.

Conclusion

Scripture reading is not about intensity but about faithful presence. It’s a daily, quiet act of formation that anchors us in God's story and slowly transforms us. By reading deeply and broadly, we are nourished, grounded, and shaped—ready to live out God's mission in the world.

3. reading bible books ‘like novels’ - our discussions

(click here for a PDF version)

A. Luke 1-2 (The Prologue to Luke-Acts)

Luke 1-2 (Text)

The discussion explored Luke 1-2 as the introduction to Luke-Acts, emphasizing narrative patterns, key themes, and character dynamics. We noted how reading the chapters as a whole—rather than in isolated verses—reveals deeper insights.

1. Contrasts Between Characters

The contrast between Zechariah and Mary is striking. Zechariah doubts Gabriel’s message and is punished with silence, while Mary accepts the message with faith.
Women play a major role early in Luke’s Gospel, challenging traditional assumptions about biblical narratives.

2. Reading Scripture as a Story

Reading Luke 1-like a novel, reveals new layers when engaging the text in larger sections.
We noted the importance of re-reading for deeper understanding—like revisiting a book and discovering details missed before.

3. The Role of Song and Worship

A unique feature of Luke 1-2 is the recurring pattern of events followed by singing (e.g., Mary’s Magnificat, Zechariah’s Benedictus, the angels’ song).
This rhythm disappears after Chapter 2, suggesting that Luke deliberately structures the introduction differently from the rest of the Gospel.

4. Luke as a Storyteller

Luke’s writing style is orderly and objective, but it still engages readers emotionally.
We noted this is ‘narrative criticism’ - a method that focuses on storytelling techniques rather than requiring knowledge of Greek or Hebrew.

Conclusion

Luke 1-2 introduces key themes of faith, reversal, and God’s intervention in history.
Reading scripture in full narratives, rather than isolated verses, deepens understanding.
Luke’s opening chapters are rich with contrast, music, and theological depth, shaping how we read the rest of his Gospel.

B. Matthew 5-7 (The Sermon on the Mount)

Matthew 5-7 (Text)

The discussion explored Matthew 5-7 (The Sermon on the Mount) as a structured and purposeful block of teaching, emphasizing Jesus’ authority, reinterpretation of the law, and the sermon’s place within the Gospel’s larger narrative.

1. The Rhythm and Structure of Jesus’ Teaching

When read as a whole, without chapter and verse divisions, a clear rhythm emerges in Jesus’ words.
Repeated phrases like “You have heard it said… but I tell you…” highlight Jesus’ reinterpretation of traditional teachings.
The progression moves from correcting misunderstandings of the law to a list of practical commands for righteous living.

2. Jesus’ Contrast with Hypocrisy

Jesus repeatedly warns “Don’t be like the hypocrites”, distinguishing true faith from empty religious performance.
He challenges external righteousness, emphasizing heart transformation over legalism.

3. The Sermon’s Place in Matthew’s Gospel

Matthew writes primarily for a Jewish audience, and the Sermon on the Mount establishes Jesus as a new kind of teacher with divine authority.
Early in the Gospel, this sermon sets Jesus apart from other rabbis, establishing Him as one who teaches with unparalleled wisdom and authority.
This fits within Matthew’s larger narrative of presenting Jesus as the Messianic fulfillment of the Law and Prophets.

4. Jesus’ Revolutionary Teaching Style

Jesus did not follow traditional rabbinic training, yet He teaches with boldness and authority.
The discussion highlights how His radical teaching style would have shocked His audience, as He spoke not just as a teacher, but as one with divine insight.

Conclusion

The Sermon on the Mount is a foundational moment in Jesus’ ministry, redefining righteousness and calling for heart transformation.
Matthew uses this sermon to establish Jesus’ authority and to position Him within the Jewish tradition while also challenging it.
Reading the sermon as a whole helps reveal its rhythm, message, and its role in the broader Gospel narrative.

C. Ephesians

Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians (Text)

The discussion identified Ephesians as a persuasive and rhetorical letter, emphasizing its message of unity in Christ, encouragement for believers, and the moral implications of faith.

1. Encouragement and Humanizing Tone

The letter reassures believers that making mistakes is part of the journey, offering hope and grace.
Paul’s tone is uplifting, encouraging readers to embrace their new identity in Christ.

2. Unity of Jews and Gentiles

A major theme is the reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles—through Christ, Gentiles now have equal status in God’s family.
This was a radical idea, breaking down long-standing divisions.

3. Persuasion and Rhetoric

Ephesians is highly persuasive, using rhetorical techniques to convince readers of their new identity and calling.
The discussion highlights how Paul builds his argument step by step, emphasizing both theological truths and their moral implications.
The letter moves from what Christ has done to how believers should live in response.

Conclusion

Ephesians calls believers to unity, hope, and transformed living.
Paul’s argument is carefully structured, leading from doctrine to practical application.
Reading the letter in full reveals its persuasive and encouraging nature.

D. Colossians

Paul’s Letter to the Colossian (Text)

The discussion identified Colossians as a heartfelt, urgent letter from Paul, probably written while he was in prison. It captures both his deep concern for the Church and his desire to leave behind clear guidance for faithful Christian living.

1. Paul’s Urgency and Personal Voice

Paul writes as a man who knows he may not have much time left, pouring out everything he believes the Church needs to hear.
There is a personal, emotional tone, as if Paul is saying: “Don’t forget what you’ve been taught. Hold on. Live it out.”

2. Encouragement and Exhortation

The letter is both encouraging and instructional. Paul urges the Colossians to stay rooted in Christ and not be swayed by false teachings.
He reassures them of the truth they've already received and tells them to continue in faithful action.

3. A Clear Call to Action

Paul includes a compelling final instruction: “See that you complete the task you received in the Lord.”
It’s a strong, memorable call to finish well, to stay faithful to the mission and purpose God has given each believer.

Conclusion

Colossians is a passionate, personal, and purposeful letter, urging believers to stay grounded in Christ.
It reminds readers not only who Jesus is, but also how they are to live because of Him.
The structure moves from Christ-centered theology to practical encouragement, ending with a final push to stay the course.